Digital Bookmobile promotes eBooks at public libraries

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — eBooks are all the rage nowadays. Did you know you can borrow eBooks for free from the library?

Today the Digital Bookmobile visited Wilmington to teach traditional readers how to access eBooks using the latest technology.

New Hanover County Virtual Services Librarian Rachel Langlois says the 74-foot long Digital Bookmobile is helping increase awareness of an already popular service offered by the library.

“eBook usage has gone up tremendously for us, and we have a number of patrons who simply visit the library virtually instead of actually within one of our branches,” Langlois said.

Library patrons like Melinda Shepard stopped by for a quick lesson in how to check out and use eBooks.

“I thought it would be a good time for me to finally learn how to download books on my iPad and keep up with my children and my husband,” Shepard said.

Some like Linda Piasio were excited by how much easier it can be to check out an eBook.

“I love to come to the library and rent books, but I’m really horrible about returning them on time, so this is going to save a lot of money,” she said.

New Hanover County Public Libraries purchased a number of eBooks through the Digital Bookmobile’s parent company Over-Drive.

In addition to books library patrons can also use their digital devices to check out music and films all for free.

eBooks are not just available at libraries in New Hanover County. Brunswick county also offers the service. For more information, visit your local branch.