While many libraries throughout the region are reducing hours and closing branches because of budget cuts, a local library system is to try something new — lending Amazon kindles and giving patrons access to up to 80 digital books at a time.
Rowan Public Library, which has branches in China Grove, Salisbury, and Rockwell, bought six lights in November with the idea of allowing library patrons to see them as books.
The Kindles have been so popular, that the library ordered six more. The waiting list continued to grow and now the library ordered another Kindles 12 to meet demand.
The electronic reading device can contain more than 1500 books in his memory. Libraries across the country have tried to borrow devices. In 2007, the Sparta public library in New Jersey purchased two Kindles loaned to patrons, according to www.libraryjournal.com.
In December, the University libraries of the State of N.C. added 12 new third generation lights and now has 50 eBook readers for loan through technology loan library of D.H. Hill.
Locally, Cabarrus County Public Library to offer electronic readers for loan, according to county officials. Charlotte Mecklenburg library offers downloadable media to electronic devices and readers, the library system website.
"Part of our mission is to bring new materials that extend the public's mind, and the Kindle is one of those technologies that some people have heard about but haven't yet tried. The public library is the perfect opportunity to test it, said Suzanne white library, Manager of public services. "The way we look at it is that is another way that the library can provide information to people," said White.
Amazon created the Kindle in 2007 as a way for people to read e-books. It weighs a little over 10 grams and is as thin as a magazine. Takes about a minute for a book to be delivered to the device wirelessly, and publicity of the company says that he "reads like real paper."
"Reads amazingly like a book, but is lighter than most and contains many books in one place," White said.
Public library of Rowan spent about $ 3.576 for 24 Kindles, which cost around $ 149 each, said White. White said used library Gift money to buy the Kindles.
Bestsellers are cheaper in digital format than in printed copies, said White. The library has been able to buy digital copies for about $ 9.99 each. A new copy Eldest would cost $ 25 to $ 30, said White. In addition, a book purchased can be loaded up to six Kindles, she said.
"We put a lot of free books on it, too," said White.
Public library of Rowan Kindles has over 80 books loaded now, including the latest fiction and non fiction bestsellers, including Stieg Larsson's latest thriller, "the girl who kicked the Hornet's nest," and the memoir of Tony Blair, "a journey".
The devices are more expensive than a hardcover book or a DVD, so that the library is to require that patrons have a current library card in good standing and show the license ID or the status of a valid driver's license when you are checking out.
They also carry a heftier late fee of $ 2 per day compared to 10 cents per day to end books, said White.
Patrons are responsible for the full price of the Kindle if it is damaged and accusations of theft may be prosecuted if they are not returned.
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