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Community Corner

Digital Bookmobile Cruises to the North Canton Public Library

If you love to read and you're looking for something different, you definitely want to check out this upcoming event at the North Canton Public Library

Do you have a card?

If not, you might just want to get one. It's your ticket to get inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems and a variety of portable media players.

No, the library isn't relocating on wheels, but it's offering readers of all ages a unique opportunity to learn how to download eBooks from the library through interactive demonstrations and high-definition instructional videos.

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A gadget-gallery featuring an iPod touch, Android tablet, NOOK, Sony Reader, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and more, will help visitors discover portable devices that are compatible with the library’s download service.

This 74-foot-long digital bookmobile is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. It's a community outreach vehicle for public libraries to promote downloadable eBooks, audio books, music and videos. 

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"We are hosting this stop on their national tour," said Sandi Lang, the director of the . "It can allow North Canton residents to explore different aspects of digital media available from the library."

Lang said the library's digital circulation has increased by 252 percent this year. 

"We are increasing our purchasing to meet the demand," she said.

Cathy Morgan, North Canton reference librarian, said the library saw an extreme growth in demand for eBooks after the holidays.

"I think a lot of people were given eReaders for gifts, and they could't wait to use them," Morgan said.

Morgan feels this is a great opportunity for everyone to embrace the world of digital books.

"People can expect to have a fun, non-intimidating exposure to the whole eBook process," Morgan said. "They can learn about this new technology and ask the questions they have been afraid to ask."

Both Lang and Morgan are eBook fans.

Morgan loves how convenient and cost-effective eBooks are, and also the fact that they are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional books, she said.

And Lang loves the portability and the fact that her Sony eReader fits perfectly in her purse so she is never without a book, she said.

"Anything that makes reading more accessible does encourage people to read," Lang said. "The capabilty of most eReaders to enlarge font is one of the most appealing features eReaders offer."

Also, once you download a book from the North Canton Public Library, at the end of the lending period, titles will automatically expire and are returned to the digital collection. There are never late fees or damaged items.

If you think this sounds pretty cool, make sure you attend the Digital Bookmobile at the North Canton Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday. 

It will be located in the school parking lot across the street (Ream Street) from the library. 

Morgan said this appears to be the Digital Bookmobile's only stop in Stark County in August.

For more information on how to download eBooks from the North Canton Public Library, visit its website here.

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