October 22, 2008

I M M E D I A T E  R E L E A S E

contact person
Caleb West
Birmingham Public Library
(205) 226-3758
cwest@bham.lib.al.us

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST DIGITAL BOOKMOBILE DOWNLOAD EVENT

Download experience promotes free audiobook download service

October 22, 2008, Birmingham, AL - The Birmingham Public Library will host the Digital Bookmobile, an immersive download experience inside a 74-foot, high-tech tractor-trailer, on Thursday, October 30, 2008, 10AM – 4PM at the Central branch (downtown), 2100 Park Place (Richard Arrington Blvd and Park Place). Readers of all ages are invited to engage digital downloading through interactive demonstrations and experience Birmingham Public Library's audiobook download service at this free event. Library card holders can also check out and download digital titles any time, anywhere by visiting http://downloadable.jclc.org.

"The Birmingham Public Library is constantly expanding its services to meet the hi-tech demands of today's library users. You can listen to the latest novel by Walter Mosely on a long car ride or to classic Mark Twain at your kitchen counter by downloading these and other titles from the comfort of your home computer. Access to this service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," said Barbara Sirmans, Library Director.

The Digital Bookmobile is housed inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. This 74-foot community outreach vehicle is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players, all of which help visitors explore the Jefferson County Library Cooperative’s download service. Interactive learning stations give visitors an opportunity to search the digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and download and enjoy audiobooks.

Patrons can take advantage of the download service 24/7 when they visit the library’s website. From there, they can browse the growing collection of best-selling, new release, and classic titles, and check out a digital title with a valid library card. Once downloaded, digital titles can be enjoyed on a computer or transferred to supported mobile devices. Many audio titles can also be burned to audio CD. At the end of the 14 day lending period, titles will automatically expire and are returned to the digital collection. There are never any late fees or damaged items.

The Digital Bookmobile is a service of the Birmingham Public Library and is operated by OverDrive, Inc. To check out and download digital books and more, visit http://downloadable.jclc.org.

Birmingham Public Library, “Exploring the past, Preserving the Future”

The mission of the Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality library service to our citizens for life long learning, cultural enrichment and enjoyment.

The Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC) is a non-profit organization composed of the 39 public libraries throughout Jefferson County. These include the 19 municipal libraries, the 19 branches in the Birmingham Public Library System, as well as the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Library. The mission of JCLC is to link our member libraries to provide better, more efficient centralized services for all county residents. Visit our web site at www.jclc.org.