Library

Downloading the Future at the County Library

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Americans – especially young Americans – are spending less time reading now than they have in 20 years, according to the most recent National Endowment for the Arts report.

Trying to change all that, however, is the San Diego County Library, which has been able to increase library visits and material circulation. In the last fiscal year, 5.8 million visitors checked out more than 12.4 million books, CDs, DVDs and other materials.

The library has achieved success through innovative programs at its 33 branches. Last year nearly 22,500 programs were offered – many of them requested by library patrons – covering everything from Farsi language story time to job fairs to teen book clubs.

One of the most popular programs is a series of classes teaching people how to use eBook readers such as the Kindle, NOOK or iPhone. Instead of fearing the latest technological trend, the library is embracing it by building a virtual eBook library for patrons and teaching them how to use the latest devices.

“Interest in these types of books is phenomenal,” said Vista branch librarian Marilyn Falsetti. “It’s the latest thing and the newest craze in library reading.”

Tuesday, the Vista Library hosted the Digital Bookmobile – a 74-foot semi–truck equipped with high definition monitors, portable media players, Internet-connected PCs and a premium sound system – all provided to assist library customers using the latest technology and to showcase the library’s eBook collection.

“There are so many different choices and devices,” said Falsetti. “We thought this would be beneficial to our readers.”

The Digital Bookmobile featured a gadget gallery with Kindles, iPods, NOOKs, Sony Readers, Android tablets and smart phones that visitors could test out and use to search the library’s digital media collection of eBooks, audiobooks, music and videos.

“It’s definitely bringing more people to reading,” said Falsetti. “We saw a little increase last year after the holidays and the same thing this year, but more so. “Circulation for eBooks is growing every month.”

The Vista Library has eBook classes three Saturdays a month from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Library Empowerment Center. The first Saturday focuses on the Kindle; the second Saturday is for iPhone and Android phone users; and the third Saturday is for those who use a NOOK.

Customers need to bring their own device to the class and pre-register. You can sign up at the reference desk or by calling 760-643-5130.

 

Video: Learn more about eBooks on the Library’s Hot. Right. Now. TV!

 

 

 

 

Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact