It’s getting e-sier to borrow a library book.
Patrons at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library now have more electronic lending options available to them.
ECCPL Director Mel Goff recently announced the library has more e-book copies, along with digital streaming video, available through the Regional E-book and Audio Download System, or READS.
“I’d heard rumors a couple weeks ago that this was coming soon, but I didn’t know it was this soon,” Goff said. “I’m really excited to have this opportunity available to our patrons, and hope that many can take advantage of this enhanced content.”
Library card holders have instant access to streaming video with a growing catalog of digital feature films, documentaries, educational, children’s favorites and more with a modern, easy-to-use viewing experience.
Library users also have access to e-books that are available just to ECCPL through the Overdrive Advantage program. Through the program, libraries can purchase additional e-book titles that are available only for their patrons.
Goff said the ECCPL currently has 16 titles in the Overdrive Advantage program. These include “Allegiant” by Veronica Roth, “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd, “Heaven is for Real” by Todd Briggs and “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt.
“We have more titles that we are waiting to buy as soon as more funding becomes available,” Goff said. “We looked at the holds list. Where we noticed some of our patrons were lower in the list, we bought those so they would be able to get those faster.”
Users may browse the video selections on the library’s website, borrow titles with a valid library card, and stream on most mobile and desktop devices. All videos and e-books will automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no late fees.
Watauga Regional Library Director Nancy Roark praised the expansion of the digital services.
“It was forward-thinking of the state,” Roark said. “It is available 24/7. Patrons can go online with their library card and can watch streaming video whenever they want to for free.”
The video service includes children’s programs, PBS programming, some television series, documentaries and others.
Another difference for the READS program is the addition of a teen reading room and a children’s reading room. By choosing those options, readers are presented only with options that are appropriate for the selected age groups.
To log-in to the READS program, visit the ECCPL’s website, www.eccpl.info and click on the READS banner.