Check out the new stuff at the library!

Do you want to see what new items have been added to the library's collections during April?  Take this link!  Many of the items are still being processed so it can take a while for them to be ready to be checked out, but go ahead and place a hold and you'll be notified when it's ready for you to pick up. Make sure we have a current email and postal address for you.

New downloadable items are added every month as well. Here's the link to Washington Anytime Library.

New Titles for Your New Device

Did you get a shiny new toy this gift-giving holiday season?  Whether it's an eReader, Tablet, laptop, or smartphone, remember that you can fill it up with (free!) eBooks and eAudiobooks downloaded through the Library.  You just need your library card to access thousands (and thousands!) of downloadable titles available through OverDrive!  That new toy can hold 1,500 titles; no reason you should pay for all (or any!) of them.

To get started, start at OverDrive's Help page and choose your device family (under "Get Started With...").  It will walk you through the steps to get free downloadable library books onto your new toy!

If your new piece of technology is inducing fits of rage rather than fits of rapture, relax.  Take a deep breath and call your librarian.  We'll set up an appointment for you to meet one-on-one with a library staff member who can explain how that thing works.  We can't set it up for your, but we can help you find resources for any errors or problems you may be having, and we'll help you get ready to download library eBooks as a bonus!

The library reopens tomorrow at 1pm as usual.

Audiobooks Around the Home

We were tickled pink to learn that the so-called Smart Appliances-- refrigerators and washing machines with LCD screens that support a variety of apps-- also support the OverDrive app!  It looks like Samsung and Whirlpool are the brands currently offering washers or refrigerators with built-in apps.  What apps come standard on such a refrigerator?  Mostly organizational apps, like Google Calendar, a notes function, and a grocery manager, among others.  But to think that your refrigerator or washing machine could play audiobooks for you while you do the housework!  

And before you buy a new home appliance, smart or otherwise, use the library subscription to Consumer Reports to get all the info you need before you shop!  You can use the print copies in the library, or try the library's Consumer Reports database from home with your library card!

Is an eReader on Your List? Part 2

Continuing the discussion from earlier this week, we have even more factors to consider when picking the right eReader or mobile device for you or to give as a gift. Such a device can be a fun or useful tool (or both!), but it's important to pick one that fits your own specific needs and expectations.

5.  What else do you want your device to do?
eInk eReader devices are for reading, end of story.  They support visiting the vendor's website (Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc.) to purchase new content, but don't expect to be able to check your email, browse the web, or play with apps.  But if reading is what you want to do, this type of device is perfect!-- no email or games means no getting distracted by work or other media, leaving more time for reading.
If you're looking for one device that can do the work of many, look at what tablets and color devices have to offer.  Do you expect to be able to web-surf and play games, or do you want to be able to download files and type and save documents?  You'll want to look at the memory and processing speed of the different color and tablet devices available.

6.  What kind of internet connection do you have at home?  Do you have a home computer?
If you're thinking of a tablet device and don't have a wi-fi connection at home, you'll either need a data plan (like a cellphone plan), or you'll only be able to add new content to your device at places that offer wi-fi (like the library!).
If you're looking at an eInk device, you can download new content to a Kindle (mostly) wirelesly-- although you do need a computer to go online and select the content to send to the device.  (You can use library computers for that step.)  For other black and white devices, content must be transferred to the device by hooking up to a private computer; sorry, the library computers won't work for that.

7.  What do you want to spend?
Is it your dream to have the shiniest, newest device, or are you looking for something plain and simple?
For a black and white device, plan on spending between $59 (current listed price of the Kobo Mini) on up to $179 (current listed price of the Kindle Paperwhite 3G).  The re-released Kindle DX, the black and white device with the largest screen (9.5 inches) is currently listed above $200, but the standard 6-inch screen devices generally hover in the $100-$150 range.
For a color or tablet device, it depends entirely on the size, memory, connection, and other options you choose.  Prices range between less than $200 (for Nook HD or Kindle HD devices) to nearly $1,000 (for the iPad Air with 128GB memory plus wi-fi and cellular package). 

8.  Do you have other concerns or needs?
There are still more factors to consider when choosing a device, including screen size, device weight, text-to-speech functions, optional text sizes and fonts, other supported file types, and the ability to sync between the new device and any other devices you may already own.  

eReaders and mobile devices continue to gain in popularity, precisely because they make it extremely convenient to always have a book at hand.  The tools, apps, and functions of mobile devices can also be extremely convenient.

So which is the right device for you?  We encourage you to weigh all the options presented, as the "right" device is different for each person.  Whatever type of device you end up choosing, remember that Neill Public Library has downloadable eBook and eAudiobook content to keep your new toy full of great, free content.  And if you decide to stick with paper books for the next year (or longer), we're still collecting those, and just as avidly as before.

Is an eReader on Your List? Part 1

Thinking of asking for an eReader this year, or of giving one as a gift to a friend or family member?  There are many factors to consider when trying to decide the right model for you.  Consider some of these factors (here below) and don't be shy to ask your Information librarian for clarification!

1.  How long do you usually read?
If you're a sort of pick-it-up, put-it-down person, you may do very well with a tablet or color device (like an iPad or Kindle Fire).  These types of devices have an LCD screen, so reading for very long may tire out your eyes.  If you generally like to read for longer stretches of time-- like half an hour at least-- you may have a more comfortable reading experience with an eInk device.  These black and white devices (such as the Nook Simple Touch, Kobo Touch, or Kindle) don't create their own light the way a TV or computer monitor do, but rely on light in the environment, exactly like a regular paper book.

2.  Where do you usually read?
If you like to read in sunlight or brightly-lit rooms, an eReader that emits no light will offer the least glare or reflection.  Black and white eInk devices are easily readable in all the same lighting environments where you would read a print book. Color LCD devices do emit their own light, and so can be read in the dark, such as if you prefer to read a few minutes before bed at night.
A happy medium are black and white eInk devices that now offer a light source.  The Nook GlowLight, Kobo Glo, and Kindle Paperwhite marry a light-less eInk screen with an incorporated book light.  The small white light lives inside the device case and shines uniformly across the text, instead of coming from the screen or behind the text.  It'll feel just like reading by lamplight.
If a lit eInk screen might be the direction you're leaning, consider that some models can have the light option turned off, while others can only be turned down.

3.  What downloadable service does your library use?
Neill Public Library's downloadable books from OverDrive include books that are compatible with most major devices.  However, if you're buying an eReader or mobile device as a gift for someone else, call their local library to check that the intended device is indeed compatible with the downloadable content offered by that library. That way, the receiver can keep their device constantly full of new titles, at no cost!

4.  What formats do you want to be able to use?
eInk devices can only accept their identified eBook formats; that is, they are limited to books that you would read on the device.  Many tablet and color devices, however, are also compatible with our downloadable audio content.  If you're primarily a book reader, an eReader may meet all your needs.  If you are a book listener, or even just like to dabble a bit, a device with more versatility may meet more of your needs.

Come back later this week for more options to consider, and ask your Information librarian if you have questions!

No books? No problem!

The library is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday and you forgot to check out materials.  Whatever can you do?  Not to worry!  If you've got your library card number, you've got access to fantastic online materials to keep you engaged until we open again on Monday (at 1pm).

1.  Downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks from OverDrive.  If you've never tried our downloadable service before but you're becoming desperate for something to read, may I suggest now is the perfect time to try!  If you've got a tablet or smart phone of any sort, pop into your app store and get the OverDrive Media Console app for free.  Otherwise, on your desktop or laptop computer, follow the steps to get started downloading books (you'll need some free software to get started).  For step-by-step instructions for your specific device, start at the OverDrive Help page and choose your computer or mobile device.  You'll be able to search by title or author, or browse by preferred genre and format, with access to a huge collection of materials shared by nearly 40 public libraries in Washington State.

2.  Use NPL's Library Databases to read periodical and newspaper content online:

• Click on Consumer Reports to get instant search-able access to that publication's great content; look up products you're interested in before heading out for holiday gift shopping. 
• Open eLibrary and click on the "Publications" tab to choose from a wide array of newspapers, including the Boston Globe, the Chicago Tribune, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post, along with dozens more from around the U.S. and around the world.  Many of these great papers offer same- or next-day access to all the articles and content, and it's entirely free through the database!
• Choose National Geographic Virtual Library for instant access to every National Geographic article, from 1888 through this month's issue.  Search by topic or browse by date; you can even print out the articles for convenient reading.
• Additional news resources are available through the ProQuest Research Library, including the New York Times and a long list of Pacific Northwest and West Coast news sources from a number of states.  As before, most newspapers offer full-text, same-day access through the database.

3.  Head over to Mango Languages to take advantage of the growing foreign-film collection.  Mango Premier offers foreign films you can stream right to your computer.  Choose to watch the films in their original languages, or with subtitles available in both English and the movie's original language.

4.  Pull up Tumblebooks, the library's online collection of animated picture books and chapter books.  Children can read on their own or have stories read to them, plus play games and do puzzles, all through this great electronic resource.  Search by title or author, or browse among picture books, chapter books, nonfiction books, and graphic novels.

All of this online content is free with your library card.  You couldn't even find a better bargain on Black Friday!

Free Book by Local Author--All Weekend

Archaea, the first book by local science fiction writer Dain White-- who will be appearing here at NPL, as you may recall, next week: November 5th at 6pm-- is currently free on Amazon in Kindle-format.  Grab it, download it, and give it a try before meeting the author next Tuesday!  Archaea will be free to download "all weekend long" according to the author.

People without Kindle devices can still take advantage of the free download by using either the free Kindle app for smart phones (allowing you to read Kindle books on your phone), or the free Kindle Cloud Reader for computers (allowing you to read Kindle books in your browser window). 

If apps and cloud readers aren't your style, the library always has free books ready and waiting for you to borrow. White's books are currently only available in electronic format, but enjoy books by other Pacific Northwest and Palouse authors as we gear up for Everybody Reads later this month!

[please see blog policy information regarding external links.]

Renew Titles from OverDrive!

Exciting news for OverDrive and Washington Anytime Library users!:

Users will be able to renew a borrowed title if no other users are on hold for that title. The renew option becomes available on a user’s Bookshelf three days before the title is scheduled to expire. Users may... renew a title one time. [emphasis added]

This release is scheduled to take effect today, October 7th.

Just like a physical book borrowed from the library, you will be able to renew the title if no other patrons are waiting for it.  The option to renew will be available up to 3 days before the book is scheduled to expire.  To access this feature, log in to your account and make sure you're looking at your Bookshelf to see any titles checked out to you right at this moment.  If one is due within the next three days, you should see the "Renew" option shown above!

By the way, did you know there are now 37 different public library systems in the Washington Anytime Library?  We're all working hard to offer you great titles to borrow!  What a great community of readers all across the state.

If you need help with this function, or if you'd like help getting started with our downloadable titles, please contact the Information Desk at 509-338-3254.

News Items!

Do you want to see what new items have been added to the library's collections during the month of August?  Take this link!  Many of the items are still being processed so it can take a while for them to be ready to be checked out, but go ahead and place a hold and you'll be notified when it's ready for you to pick up. Make sure we have a current email and postal address for you.

New downloadable items are added every month as well. Here's the link to Washington Anytime Library.

New Titles in OverDrive/Washington Anytime Library

If you are a regular user of our downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks, you know new material is constantly added to the selections available through the Washington Anytime Library.  In the next few weeks, you'll see even more new titles!

This is because the Washington Digital Library Consortium-- the group of 35 libraries throughout Washington State that participate in the Washington Anytime Library-- received some additional grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  We're using this funding to add even more titles to the 12,000+ eBooks and eAudiobooks available for download.

If you've never used our downloadable resources available through the Washington Anytime Library, swing into the library to ask your librarian about the services.  You can look through the titles, get started on your own, or contact the library with questions.

New Items!

If you'd like to see what new items were added to the library collections during the month of July, this link takes you to the catalog. Browse and place holds on the new materials.  New downloadable eBooks and eAudios are added every month as well.

Travel resources

Will you be squeezing in any more travel this summer?  If so, keep in mind some resources your library offers you:

1.  Downloadable ebooks and eaudiobooks. If you have a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or ereader, remember that we can help you fill it up with free ebooks to take on the plane, in the car, and to your destination.  No rummaging for the paperback that fell to the bottom of your carry-on, flailing around for the book under the seat, or bemoaning the sequel you forgot to pack.  Through the Washington Anytime Library, NPL offers access to thousands of titles; depending on your device, you can even checkout and download the books at the airport, the rest stop, or the hotel!

2.  Friends of Neill Public Library book sale.  Ereaders not your thing?  No problem!  If you still want to take some books traveling, stop by the book sale area for the Friends of Neill Public Library.  They have great titles available, with fresh choices daily.  If you read a book and find you love it, leave it with your host.  If you finish a title while away, there's no reason to drag it along with you: lighten your load by finding a fellow traveler to pass it along to.  

3.  Travel resources.  NPL has great print and online resources with information about your travel destination.  From guides to regions and cities to language-learning resources, we've got what you need to not get lost during your get-away.  Thinking about getting a GPS or a smart phone with map features?  Check out Consumer Reports, in print and online.  Want some books that are set in the town, state, or country you intend to visit?  Your librarians can help you with Reader's Advisory tools. 

Stop by the library before you go! 

New Items Added in June

If you'd like to see what new items have been added to the library collections during June, take this link to the catalog.  You can browse and place holds.  There's also a link over on the right side of this blog that will take you to the same place.  Don't forget to check out the downloadable ebooks and audios.  New titles are added every month.

Also take a look at the Friends of NPL book sale at the library located in the hallway to the Hecht Meeting Room. New items are added every week.  Great bargains!

Washington Anytime Library

Remember,  our downloadable ebooks and downloadable audiobooks can be counted as part of the Summer reading Program, both Youth and Adult!  You can use downloadables on ereaders, smartphones, mp3 players, tablets, laptops, desktops, and even burn to CD.  

To begin, visit nwwanytime.lib.overdrive.com.  You'll need your library card and, if it's your first time downloading, make sure to check the Help sections, which will walk you through getting started on the various devices.  Your Information Librarians are always here to help if you get stuck!

See You Thursday!

Don't forget to come to the library Thursday evening for our program:

I Have an eReader!... Now What?

That's this Thursday, January 17th, beginning promptly at 6pm.  We'll be in the Hecht Meeting Room.  (Arrive early to get a seat before the main library doors close for the night.  Latecomers, please use the side entrance.)

What we will do!: talk about why some books are available as eBooks, why some are or aren't available to libraries, why you may have to place a hold on a library eBook, and how to get FREE eBooks (from the library and from other vendors).

What we won't be able to cover: step-by-step how to download to every single eReader device, computer, tablet, smart phone, etc.  That's why we have Book a Librarian!  Email reference if you'd like to set up a time to meet one-on-one with a librarian.

No sign-up is required and no equipment is needed to participate.  See you there!

Did you get a New Toy?

Did you receive a shiny new piece of technology this gift-giving holiday season?  Why not fill up your eReader, Tablet, or Smart Phone with eBooks and eAudiobooks downloaded through the Library?  You just need your library card to access thousands (and thousands!) of downloadable titles available through OverDrive!  That new toy can hold 1,500 titles; no reason you should pay for all (or any!) of them.

Already frustrated with that [expletive] piece of [expletive] equipment that you paid too [expletive] much for?  Take a deep breath and email your librarian.  We'll set up an appointment for you to meet one-on-one with a library staff member who can explain how that thing works.

Finally, plan on attending our upcoming program "I Have an eReader!... Now What?" to learn more about the library's downloadable books, OverDrive, and eBook publishers.  That's Thursday, January 17, beginning at 6pm.  This event would be most helpful for people who already own an eReader.

Listen to This!

Are you perhaps spending alot of time right now cleaning, cooking, or baking?  If you're preparing for a holiday, there may be more housework than normal at your home.  Or maybe you're making plans to drive, fly, or travel by bus or train to visit loved ones soon.  If this sounds like you, we've got some suggestions to get you in the spirit and keep you occupied.

First, we have a great selection of holiday music CDs.  If you've been listening to the same 2 CDs over and over again, every December for the last few years, a little variety might bring spice to your cider.  Choose from classic favorites (now I sound like a commercial!) like Handel's Messiah or the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or something different or contemporary like Merry Christmas: The Supremes or Mediaeval Baebes' Mistletoe and Wine.  A Charlie Brown Christmas sound track to the original TV special is in the collection, along with music for other holidays, such as Hanukkah Music for your Holiday Concert and Festival of Light.

Audiobooks-- Books on CD or downloadable Audiobooks-- are a great alternative if you're feeling a little bah-humbuggy or need to pass the time.  An interesting nonfiction or enthralling suspense title make hours of cleaning speed past-- and I'm speaking from experience here.  Try short stories or popular children's and YA titles for enforced family time while traveling. 

If you need help finding a title or downloading Audiobooks from OverDrive, ask your librarian for pointers. (By the way, were those snow flurries I saw this afternoon?  Stay safe and warm out there, people!)

OverDrive Errors Are Over!

The service outage we were experiencing yesterday appears to be resolved.  We have tested the service and find we are able to log in both inside the library and off-site.

The error code being received was "Library patron account not valid. Error code: 10060."  If you continue to receive this error, or if you receive a different error code, please let us know.

If you missed a hold due to this service outage, we can work with OverDrive to replace your hold.  This is what they've let us know we should do:
1.  Have the patron (you) place a hold again on the title.  This will put you at the bottom of the queue.  
2.  Email reference (at) neill-lib.org with your name, library card number, and the title.  We will then ask OverDrive to move you back to being number one on the list.  

If you have any questions, or if you experience any other problems with OverDrive, please let us know right away.