Greater Phoenix Digital Library Introduces Downloadable Media

PHOENIX, AZ -- (MARKET WIRE) -- November 13, 2006 -- Phoenix resident Mitch Haws reads books anytime, anywhere -- in line at the bank, while waiting to pick up his child or buying groceries. Haws always has several books in his pocket. No, he doesn't wear baggy pants with big pockets. He checks out his books from the library and carries them on his Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Haws is a patron of the Greater Phoenix Digital Library, http://phoenix.lib.overdrive.com, which will celebrate its grand opening at Burton Barr Central Library Pulliam Auditorium, 1221 N. Central Ave.

"Libraries always strive to have something for everybody in the community. With this downloadable collection, library users are able to conveniently access materials online and electronically take it with them -- a true my library, anywhere, anytime concept," said Toni Garvey, Director of the Phoenix Public Library, "and we are thrilled to see other libraries join Phoenix to provide this new service."

Library patrons of the Greater Phoenix Digital Library can download audio books, eBooks, music and videos to their Windows-based PC, laptop or portable device. The digital titles are automatically returned at the end of the lending period, so patrons will never accrue late fees.

The grand opening event will kick off a week-long program for the Greater Phoenix Digital Library. Patrons from all participating library systems who download digital media from the digital website will automatically be entered into a drawing to win an MP3 player from OverDrive, Inc., the digital media provider from Cleveland, Ohio. The program will also include demonstrations on downloading digital media.

Two years ago, Phoenix Public Library started providing downloadable eBooks and audio books by OverDrive. Recently, Ms. Garvey took the initiative to organize a consortium of Phoenix metro libraries. The participating libraries include the State Library and public libraries in Apache Junction, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Through the consortium each library is able to reach more users, and increase funding for the purchase of digital content, including classical and jazz music and educational videos. The video collection will soon expand and also offer film classics and IMAX movies.

Contact Information: Media Contacts: Roseline Williams 602-262-6360 Burton Barr Central Library 1221 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 Telephone: 602-262-6360 Fax: 602-495-5841 www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org Shannon Mangan (216) 573-6886 ext. 217