Need Summer Reading Ideas? Download library ebooks

Follow instructions below to download an ebook to your Kindle, Nook or other ereaders.

For Kindle, Nook, Sony, Kobo or other e-reader users:

1. Go to the library's website at http://www.worcpublib.org./

2. Click Digital Downloads in the left column http://www.worcpublib.org/resources/audiobooks.htm

3. Choose Overdrive

4. Sign in with your library's card number

5. Click Advanced Search

6. Under Format: choose Kindle if you have a Kindle, choose EPUB if you have Nook or other e-reader.

7. Check Only Show titles with copies available

8. Then click Search

9. After you choose a book, click Proceed to check out

10. After the item is checked out,
 For Kindle users: 
- you will be prompted to Get for Kindle button.
- Click the button, then you need to log in your Amazon account.
- Choose which device you want Amazon to deliver the library ebook to under Get Library book.
 - Your library book should show up on your Kindle. If not, press Menu button on your Kindle, then choose Sync.
For Nook, Sony, Kobo or other e-reader users:
-before you click on Download button, you need to following the link above Download button to download the needed software (adobe digital edition) to your computer.
- Follow the instructions on the page to activate your computer and your device.
- After that, click Download, your book will be downloaded into Adobe Digital Edition on your computer.
 - Then connect your Nook or other device to your computer. Your device will show in the left column of the digital edition panel.
- Then drag your book into the device. Unplug your device, sync your device, your ebook should appear on your device.

For Kindle Fire users:

Follow the instructions for Kindle above on your Fire. You don't need to use a computer to download a library ebook.

For iPad, iphone or any other tablet or smartphone users:
All you need to do is to download free Overdrive app on your device. Choose an ebook in EPUB format (see instructions above) and then download it through your device.
__________________________________________________________________________

Let us know if you have any questions.

Need summer reading ideas? Check out Playaways!

What’s a Playaway?
Small - a matchbox-sized  audiobook player, preloaded  with titles for children, teens, and adults

Convenient - No computer, charger or Internet connection are needed. One pair of earbuds and one AAA battery are all you need. A universal headphone jack allows you to use any headphones, speakers or car adapters for listening.

Easy to use - You can navigate back and forth through chapters, bookmark where you stopped listening, and control the reader’s speed.

Portable - Go anywhere you go

How do I check them out?

Adult Playaway titles for are located in the DVD area on a red book truck. Playaways for teens or children are located in YA area or Children Room.  All Playaways can be checked out for three weeks with two renews.

How do I find a Playaway in the library's catalog?

• Go to the library's catalog at https://bark.cwmars.org/eg/opac/home?loc=142
• Search for "playaway" as "keyword" in Worcester
• You will see over 400 Playaways titles

Ask a librarian at 508-799-1655 x 3 if you have any questions 

WPL chosen to be a trial site for Playaway View's New Titles

Exciting news: the Worcester Public Library is chosen to be a trial site by Playaway as one of a small number of innovative and progressive libraries across the country. Playaway give us 30 units with movies preloaded for our patrons to try for 60 days. At the end of 60 days, the library can keep all the units if we wish . Patrons who check those out are encouraged to take a quick online survey at www.playaway.com/viewsurvey about the product and could win $100 Visa Gift Card!



What’s Playaway View
Simple - Just press play! Seven-button design is simple to use regardless of age or ability.
Portable - Goes wherever you do. Equipped with a built-in speaker, and an optional headphone jack, so you can watch anywhere.
Convenient - No DVDs, downloads, or additional players are needed. Pre-loaded content is ready to watch whenever you are.
Chargeable-Can be charged anywhere with the included standard AC Adaptor.

How to check them out
Playaway View titles are located in the DVD area on a red book truck.  If they are all checked out,  you may place a hold on any title of your interest through the library's catalog https://bark.cwmars.org/eg/opac/home?loc=142. When you search, look for Digital View for call number. For example, here is Lucy Show record in the catalog.

What's on Playaway View

Classic Movies
A Farewell to Arms
Alfred Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes
Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much
John Wayne: Blue Steel
Sherlock Holmes: Murder at Baskervilles

Classic Television
Bonanza
The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Lone Ranger
The Lucy Arnez Show

DIY
Simple Solutions: DIY Tips for Around the House
Simple Solutions: DIY Tips for Around the Yard
Simple Solutions: DIY Tips for Home Maintenance

Documentaries
American Masters: Ernest Hemingway
The End of the Road: The Final Tour '95 (Grateful Dead)
Greenpeace: The Story
The Louvre
Nelson Mandela: One Man

Financial Advice/Instructional
Suze Orman's Money Class

Professional Development
21st Century Leadership
Doubling Your Productivity
Essence of Success
Remarkable Communication Skills

Television/Film
Ernest Goes to Camp
Masterpiece Contemporary: Page Eight

Travel
Treks in a Wild World: Diving, Biking, Climbing, Canoeing and Hiking, the best of the West and East
Treks in a Wild World: Ice Climbing, Kayaking, and Hiking in the Pacific Northwest
Treks in a Wild World: Trekking Coastlines of the World

If you have any questions, please email us.

Why Can't You Find That e-book You Want from the Library?

Although demand for eBooks is growing, the biggest book publishers are limiting library access to their eBooks.

Some publishers cite security concerns while others point out that eBooks, unlike print books, will never need replacing in a library's collection. They fear that library eBook lending cuts into income for both publishers and authors. As library users, it means limited access to some of the current, popular titles we want to read on our new e-readers.
Different publishers set limits in different ways.

• MacMillan Publishing has never allowed e-books to be distributed to libraries via OverDrive.
• Simon & Schuster has never allowed e-books to be distributed to libraries via OverDrive.
• Hachette no longer offers e-book titles to libraries via OverDrive.
• HaperCollins limits each eBook to 26 checkouts, then requires libraries to buy another copy.
• Ramdom House recently raised its prices for libraries, as much as 300% more. For Eisenhower in War and Peace by Jean Edward Smith the ebook price went from $40 to $120.  For Blessings by Anna Quindlen the ebook price went from $15 to $45 
• Penguin Group no longer offers e-book titles to libraries via OverDrive. Previously purchased Penguin Kindle titles in our OverDrive catalog will no longer be delivered through a WiFi connection from Amazon. These titles will need to be downloaded to your computer first and then transferred using a USB cord

As we continue to expand our eBook collection, we hope you understand some of the limitations that are placed on us. The eBook industry continues to evolve and we're optimistic that a workable solution between publishers and libraries will come about.

Please email us with any suggestions and questions.

This article is adapted from and used courtesy of the Daniel Boone Regional Library serving Boone and Callaway Counties and Columbia, Missouri.  

What you need to know about the new catalog system?

On May 29th, the library new catalog, Evergreen system will replace the current catalog. Below are a few things you should be aware of:

• You will have the option to create a username to sign into the catalog. The default login will be your LAST NAME in ALL UPPER CASE.

• You will be required to create a new password when you login for the first time.

• Reading History and Current Wish Lists in the current catalog will not be transferred to the new system. But you can export your lists or print from a computer this week. See Nicole's tip on exporting your reading history at http://nicolecommawoo.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/library-export-your-reading-list-before-may-25/
• If you would like to have a preview of the new catalog, here is the link https://bark.cwmars.org/eg/opac/home?loc=142

The library Facebook has reached 1,000 Fans!

Thanks to all our library Facebook fans for clicking on 'Like' us. In the month of April 2012, the library Facebook page has reached a 1,000 fan milestone.  This number makes our Facebook page one of the most fan Facebook pages among Massachusetts public libraries and among the city departments.

If you love the library and enjoy what you read on the library Facebook page, please share this Facebook page with your friends and family members. Help us to reach more people in the community so they, too, can get to know about a wide range of library services and resources.

How do I get connected with Worcester Public Library on Facebook?

If you have already had your own Facebook account, after you log in, search for Worcester Public Library page. Then click on "Like" us.

If you don't have a Facebook account, go to Facebook.com and sign up one. Then search for Worcester Public Library Facebook page. Click on "Like" when you find us.

Here is the link for the library Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/worcesterpubliclibrary. Please forward it to your friends. 

Feel free to email us  for any suggestions and questions.

Freading: a new library ebook service

Freading, a new eBook library service is offered by Worcester Public Library. Over 20,000 titles are available from a variety of small and independent publishers. New books are added weekly.

Unlike OverDrive, Freading allows for unlimited number of simultaneous users. Each library user is allotted 4 tokens each week that can be used to download the books. Books range in token value from 4 to 1 token, with most newer titles being 4 tokens. All titles are compatible with most popular ereaders except regular Kindles. Ebooks can be checked out 14 days and be renewed once. To get started: - You will need a valid Worcester Public Library card. - Go to Digital Downloads webpage on the library's website at http://www.worcpublib.org/resources/audiobooks.htm - Under eBooks, you will see Freading link. Please read through Freading FAQ before using it.

Email pchen@worcpublib.org if you have any question.

ALA's Best Lists, 2012

• Notable Books List for Adults, 2012


• ALA Reading List: Best Genre Adult Fiction, 2012


• Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2012


• Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults, 2012


• Great Graphic Novels for Teens


• Notable Children's Books, 2012


• Notable Children's Recordings, 2012


• Notable Children's Videos, 2012

Resources for Librarians and Teachers

• 50 Open Access Resources for Librarians – Part 1 http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/2011/50-open-access-resources-for-librarians-part-1/
• 50 Open Access Resources for Librarians – Part 2 http://www.blogger.com/50%20Open%20Access%20Resources%20for%20Librarians%20%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%93%20Part%201
• Are you a 21st century librarian http://21stcenturylibrary.com/2011/11/28/are-you-a-21st-century-librarian/
• iLibrarian http://oedb.org/blogs/ilibrarian/
• 10 New Google Analytics features http://mashable.com/2011/11/30/google-analytics-new-features/
• Free technology for teachers http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
• Cambridge U. Press Would Like to Rent You an Article http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/cambridge-u-press-would-like-to-rent-you-an-article/34500
• Community Reference: Making Libraries Indispensable in a New Way
  http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/features/06132012/community-reference-making-libraries-indispensable-new-way

LAD: Library Administrator's Digest, a publication reviewing current library news and innovations from newsletters and the press, focusing on public libraries, call 410-887-6196, jpeeling@bcpl.net
Library Hotline: braking news for library and information decision makers, published by the staff of Library Journal & School Library Journal

Games

• 30 Best iPad games http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2363487,00.asp
• How to buy a game console http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2335363,00.asp

Tips for Using US Census Records, 1790-1930

Video Tutorials by National Archives http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl54NX_H1ko

Digital Media

• Is a digital media lab right for you? http://tametheweb.com/2011/12/31/is-a-digital-media-lab-right-for-you/

• Library Kit: Flip Filmmakers http://www.libraryasincubatorproject.org/?p=2131
• Hidden Tools Find What You Want on YouTube http://allthingsd.com/20111004/hidden-tools-find-what-you-want-on-youtube/

Apps

• Puts PWPL in your pocket: https://www.quixey.com/app/2400207509/pwpl-mobile
• 5 Great Apps to Help You Write http://family.lifegoesstrong.com/article/5-great-apps-help-you-write
• The Year’s Top 10 Apps for Android Phones http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/29/technology/personaltech/in-2011-app-developers-turned-attention-to-android.html?_r=1
• 10 Useful Chrome Web Apps and Extensions for Teachers and Students http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/01/10-useful-chrome-web-apps-and.html
• Searching for apps is finally getting easier
  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/technology/personaltech/searching-for-apps-is-finally-getting-easier.html
• One million apps and counting http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/technology/one-million-apps-and-counting.html
• Finding good apps for children with autism http://www.blogger.com/finding-good-apps-for-children-with-autism

Social Media

• How Facebook Can Help Market Your Library http://tblc.org/marketing/how-facebook-can-help-market-your-library
• 10 Ways To Keep Your Facebook Fans Following You http://www.allfacebook.com/facebook-fans-following-2012-01
• Twitter, Facebook, Google+: What's With All the Change? http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397468,00.asp
• How to set up a google+ page http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397264,00.asp

E-Readers and E-Books

• Publishers can now set ebook due dates: http://www.impelsys.com/ its iPublishCentral softwar now enables publishers to set expiration terms for patron downloads of their titles, institution by institution. It will also enable patrons to access ebooks from iPads, laptops, and desktop computers offline, regardless of the form of online atron authentication that is established by their library. Library Hotline June 25, 2012
• Lawsuit: E-readers needed for the blind, not just seniors philly.com, May 8, 2012

• Buying an ereader: a checklist http://www.teleread.com/paul-biba/buying-an-ereader-a-checklist-by-piotr-kowalczyk/
• Linux Journal: Nookcolor http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/10968

• Amazon.com: Kindle Family http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051QVESA/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=14076367555&ref=pd_sl_4fwpfwq2jg_b

• A Comparison Between Kindle Fire Vs Nook Color: http://www.tabletmoz.com/tablets/kindle-fire/a-comparison-between-kindle-fire-vs-nook-color.html

• Kindle Fire Vs. Nook Tablet: Guess Who Wins? http://www.businessinsider.com/kindle-fire-vs-nook-tablet-2011-12#
• Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which e-book reader should you buy? http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20009738-1/kindle-vs-nook-vs-ipad-which-e-book-reader-should-you-buy/
• The No Shelf Required Guide to E-Book Purchasing
http://www.alatechsource.org/taxonomy/term/106/the-no-shelf-required-guide-to-e-book-purchasing

• So you want to start a Kindle lending program
http://code4lib.org/node/426

• Beg, Borrow, But Please Don’t Steal: How to Share E-Books at School
http://www.edukindle.com/2011/02/beg-borrow-but-please-don%E2%80%99t-steal-how-to-share-e-books-at-school/

• Goodbye textbooks hello ipad http://www.pcworld.com/article/245901/goodbye_textbooks_hello_ipad.html
• 11 places to find free ebooks http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/12/11-places-to-find-free-ebooks-for-you.html
• Amy Tan says writing eboks is liberating http://www.mediabistro.com/ebooknewser/amy-tam-says-writing-ebooks-is-liberating_b18626
• Search eBooks http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/12/search-ebooks-ebook-search-engine.html
• eBooknewser http://www.mediabistro.com/ebooknewser/
• Teleread http://www.teleread.com/
• Broward county library makes ebooks available at airport http://overdriveblogs.com/library/2011/11/28/broward-county-library-makes-ebooks-available-at-airport/
• Textbook Textbooks Finally Take a Big Leap to Digital http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/24/world/americas/schoolwork-gets-swept-up-in-rush-to-go-digital.html


 

E-Reader Petting Zoo and Q&A

This training session is designed
-for those who are thinking about purchasing an e-reader but not sure which one to buy,
-for those who have an e-reader but not sure how to use it or want to know how to download an e-book from the library,
-for those who would just like to know more about new technology.

Please join us in the main library's computer lab on the third floor, every Friday from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm. Our e-book librarians will answer all your questions and show you how to download a library's e-book. You will have an opportunity to try out Kindle, Nookcolor, Kindle Fire and I-pad.

For people who can't make Friday's 1-2 session, please come to our one-on-one eBook Help every Wednesday evening from 5:30pm-7:00pm, or drop by anytime to ask to speak to one of our ebook librarians.

(Note: If you have questions regarding your devices, please bring your device or laptop so we can walk you through the process. )

Ask a librarian if you have any questions, please visit the main library at 3 Salem Sq. Worcester MA or call us at 508-799-1655 x3.

Note:

T&G.com: Worcester Public Library staff offer e-reader workshops on Fridays

http://www.telegram.com/article/20111230/TOWNNEWS/111229516

Free trial: Credo Reference

Credo Reference, award winning e-reference service, offers us a free trial for two months. You are invited to try this high quality and easy to use reference database. The database includes over 500 reference sources.

Please email Pingsheng Chen at pchen@worcpublib.org your feedback on this potential WPL database.

To access:
Go to www.credoreference.com/login.do
Enter the following username and password:
Username: user@worcpublib.org
Password: trial
Or
Go to http://www.worcpublib.org/resources/databases.htm
Choose Credo Reference remote access

Kindle versus Nook Color

..............................Amazon Kindle Wi-Fi .................. B & N Nook Color Price:.....................$139 .....................................................$249
Size: .....................7.5 x 4.8 x 0.3 ......................................8.1 x 5.0 x 0.5
Weight: ................8.5 ounces ...........................................15.8 ounces
Screen type: .......E-Ink .....................................................Touch-screen LCD
Screen size: ........6 inches .................................................7 inches
Keyboard Page- Turn controls:
..............................Physical/Physical ...............................On-Screen/On-Screen
Storage: ..............4GB (up to 3500 books) .......................8GB (up to 6000 books)
Expanded storage: ..None ..............................................MicroSD, up to 32GB
Battery Life: .......Up to 1 month ......................................Up to 8 hours
Number of titles in store:
..............................More than 725,000 ........................More than 2 million
Periodicals: ........Newspapers, magazines .....Newspapers, magazines
Browse the Internet:
.............................Yes ..............................................Yes
Color: ..................No .................................................Yes
Lend, borrow, or share books:
.............................No ................................................Yes
Highlight and make notes:
............................Yes ...............................................Yes
Online Dictionary:
............................Yes ...............................................Yes
Download Overdrive books from library: ..
.............................No ................................................Yes
Compatible with MP3 audio format:
................... .......Yes.................................................Yes
Video playback:No .....................................................Yes
Free E-books in pdf format:
...........................Yes .................................................Yes
Searchability on words or phrases
...........................Yes .................................................Yes
Multiple font sizes:
..........................Yes ..................................................Yes
Listen to the book:
..........................Yes ..................................................Yes

Hope Phones.org on Call

http://hopephones.org/

The phrase "doctor on call" has been given a new meaning.
A group of students from Stanford University are revolutionizing health care in rural Africa using old cell phones.
Recycled cell phones are given to community health workers to connect long distant patients to a medical clinic.

The students are part of a health initiative that collects the usable cell phones throughout the United States, and distribute them to third world countries.

As an example, in just six months at a hospital in rural Malawi....150 patients received emergency care. Community health workers saved 1,000 hours of travel time which they used to visit more patients. The number of people being treated for tuberculosis doubled, and the hospital saved $3,500 worth of fuel.

How will my phone make an impact?
Every cell phone given to a community health worker connects distant patients to a medical clinic. A $10.00 phone will give 50 families access to emergency medical care, health information, transport services, and clinic resources.
To read further and get involved, visit the above website.
This is another way of going green for a very good cause.

Sign up for Wowbrary: alerts for the newest books and movies

If you’d like to be among the first to know about the newest books, DVDs, and CDs acquired by the library, you should consider signing up for Wowbrary.

Wowbrary is a free library service that sends you a weekly email alert on Wednesdays to showcase Worcester Public Library’s most recent acquisitions.

The weekly newsletter features books, movies, music CDs, audio books, and more that the library purchases each week. Clicking on the Borrow link will take you to the library's catalog where you can request a book or movie to be picked up when the item is ready.

To sign up for the free weekly alerts, simply go to http://www.wowbrary.org/signup.aspx
Take a look at this week's newsletter at http://www.wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?p=3339--GEN&more

Feel free to email Pingsheng Chen if you have any questions.