Calcasieu Parish Public Library Offers Free Digital Media to Cardholders

LAKE CHARLES, LA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 17, 2006 -- Cardholders for Calcasieu Parish Public Libraries can now enjoy the freedom to download titles to personal computers and supported portable devices. A collection of audio books, eBooks, music and video titles found at http://calcasieu.lib.overdrive.com can be downloaded to a computer and transferred to a portable device. Selected titles may be burned onto a CD.

According to CPPL Director Jeff Rippel, "With this step, the virtual library becomes real. The user doesn't have to leave house or office to go to the library. The library goes to the user."

Calcasieu Parish Public Library purchased the service from OverDrive/Digital Library Reserve, Inc. Cardholders may check out 3 eBooks, audio books, music and videos on their own computers for 14 days.

Loretta Gharst, Computing and Collection Services Librarian, says, "This is an exciting opportunity for the Calcasieu Parish Public Library to expand the range of library services we offer and better meet the needs of busy patrons. Our Digital Library Collection gives our patrons 24/7 online access to eBooks, audio books, music, and DVDs in the privacy of their own home and without the worry of materials becoming overdue. Another plus is that the library is able to expand our collection offerings without the space, handling, and damage issues normally associated with audio and video media."

The new service can be enjoyed at home, at work, or when traveling, but may not be downloaded on the computers in the library. To access digital materials, you need a valid library card, access to the Internet on a Windows-based PC, notebook, or portable media device, and the free downloadable software. Some cell phones accept downloads, along with compatible PDAs and WMA/ MP3 players. The materials cannot be downloaded to Mac or iPod devices.

Late fees are never accrued with downloads from this website. At the end of the loan period, titles will be automatically be 'returned' to the library. So, now you can drive a car, cut the grass, use public transportation, and attend sporting events, while listening to your favorite books and music and not worry about returning it! Now you can download movies to watch at home, with no late fees!

Contact Information: Media Contacts: Judy Davidson Calcasieu Parish Public Library (337) 475-8792, ext. 14 Shannon Mangan OverDrive, Inc. (216) 573-6886, ext. 217