SCLS and Kindle®: eBook Heaven

Somerset County Library System (SCLS) cardholders with a Kindle^® are in for a real bonanza: Amazon has finally made its Kindle readers compatible so that ebooks can now be borrowed from public libraries.  Readers with other devices such as the Barnes & Noble NOOK™ or the Kobo™ have long enjoyed borrowing ebooks from SCLS.

Users will log onto www.sclsnj.org, select digital media on the right hand menu and then browse for reading material that is available for the Kindle.  Once readers make a selection, they will be directed to Amazon’s website to download the reading material.  The transfer can occur over a WiFi or USB cable connection.  All nine branches of SCLS provide WiFi access within their buildings.  A library card account number and pin, along with an Amazon account are needed to complete the transaction.

Kindles are not the only devices that can be used to download e-materials.  MP3 players, smartphones and computers (both pcs and Macs), can be used, including most ereaders that accept Overdrive’s small software downloads to activate and accept the ematerials from SCLS.  The library has access to over 50,000 ebooks, audio books, music and video selections. Lending periods are up to 14 days on all electronic materials. 

“We are here to give our patrons access to information in the format they most desire,” states SCLS director Brian Auger.  “Even though SCLS has the largest collection of ebooks in New Jersey, we have stepped up our purchasing because our customers are asking.  We anticipate a huge surge in demand over the holidays and are taking steps to be prepared.  Don’t forget, we’ve been buying ebooks for only a few years – we had an 80 year head start buying traditional books!” 

Rich Loomis, SCLS electronics librarian adds that “We are always on the look out to obtain electronic resources that provide the high quality of information sources our patrons are used to from our system.  Access for Kindle device owners to selections through SCLS is just another service we are thrilled to be able to offer our patrons.”

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908)526-4016 or enter the website at http://www.sclsnj.org.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.

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