Have an eReader*? Want to check out eBooks*?

ECRL will soon be offering yet another way to read! You will be able to check out eBooks and read them on your eReader. Think of eBooks as a self-service brought to you by East Central Regional Library. It's you, your eReader, and the Internet - whenever and wherever you get the urge to read.

The process for eBooks is similar to print books. The library buys the books, and makes them available through a website. You will find the book you want online, and if it's available, will be able to check it out and download it to your device. The book will stay on your device for the checkout period (up to 2 weeks), and then it will check itself back in. No overdue fees! If the book is not immediately available because someone else has it checked out, you can place a hold on it with your ECRL library card. For very popular items, you will be added to a hold list. When the book becomes available, an email will be sent, and the book can then be checked out and loaded to your device.

If you're interested in checking out eBooks, here are a few things to remember:

• You must have your own reading device. eReaders will not be available for checkout -- patrons must have their own device and know how to use it. There is a large variety of devices available. OverDrive is the company that is supplying our eBook service. Visit their Device Resource Center page for information. http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/
• ECRL staff will not be able to help you with problems specific to your own device. There are hundreds of different devices. We suggest that you enlist the help of friends or family to find a technology support person if you need help learning to use your device or troubleshooting should you encounter difficulties.
• In order to use ECRL's eBook service, you must be a resident of one of ECRL's six counties: Aitkin, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine County.
• You must have a valid ECRL card in good standing as well as a registered email address.
• eBooks are loaded on most devices through software to be loaded on your own computer. You will not be able to use ECRL's computers to download to your device, because of technology limitations and licensing restrictions.
• ECRL will be offering hands-on eBook classes in all branches this winter. As an example, the classes will use the NOOKcolor™ device and will only provide information on the NOOKcolor™. It would be impossible for us to cover all devices on the market in training. Because the end result of whichever device you use will be the same (an eBook to read on your device), it is hoped that class attendees will be able to independently transfer information they learn to their own brand of eReader.
• ECRL will post links to helpful tutorials and FAQs.
• Watch the library website and FaceBook page for our eBook launch date in mid-November!

*An eBook is a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, and produced on, published through, and readable on computers or other electronic devices. eBooks are usually read on dedicated eReader devices, such as NOOK™, Kindle, iPad or tablet computer, some smartphones, or personal computers.