Free Downloadable eAudio Books Now Available Through Alexandria Library

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- January 2, 2007 -- Alexandria Library, a leader in innovative library services, begins the New Year by expanding its collection to offer its patrons a new format: downloadable eAudio Books (http://alexandria.lib.overdrive.com).

The collection contains hundreds of fiction and nonfiction titles including such popular titles as "The Innocent Man" by John Grisham and "101 Ways to Transform Your Life" by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Patrons also have many other types of books to choose from: mysteries, children's books, self-improvement, health, religion, family life, business, humor and more.

"We saw this as an innovative opportunity to expand the electronic services we currently offer our patrons," said Patrick O'Brien, Director of Alexandria Library. "Patrons can now check out titles from the library 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using their personal computers on the Library's Wi-Fi or at home on any Internet connection," O'Brien added. "And they can download eAudio Books to the MP3 players they got over the holidays."

Alexandria Library cardholders simply install the free Overdrive Media Console software from the Library website, browse the collection, enter in their library card number and checkout the titles that they want. Digital titles circulate for 14 days and are available for free Internet downloading 24 hours a day on their personal computers through the Library's digital site http://alexandria.lib.overdrive.com.

Once downloaded, patrons can transfer them to MP3 or burn selected audio books directly to CD. For those new to digital downloading, thorough instructions are included on the site. Automatic returns at the end of the loan period eliminate any possibility of late fees for users, and five titles can be checked out at a time.

"Five titles will give the most avid listener plenty of materials," O'Brien adds. "If your New Year resolution is to enjoy more books, our eAudio Books will enhance that enjoyment."

Alexandria Library's digital collection is licensed through OverDrive, Inc. (www.overdrive.com), a leader in managing digitizing content utilizing digital rights management technology to publishers, retailers, and libraries.

Contact Information: Contact: Mark Schwartz 703.519.3498 Email Contact