New and Wonderful

Recently, we shook up the old OCPL by adding a new feature.  The Digital Library.  With this digital library, library patrons can now download audio and e-books.  We are trying to be diverse in format and subject matter, however those of you who use this feature are not only welcome to make requests, but it is actually preferred.  As with all aspects of the library, we are only as good as our collection.  Having said that, not all titles are available, and some may not be available in the format requested.  We'll do our best, but you've got to let us know or it is just guessing.  Educated guesses, maybe, but still guesses.  So please, tell us what you'd like. 

Audio books are available in two formats.  (Mp3, and WMA)  E-books also come in two different formats.  (PDF and ePub)  Many devices can support either format, however some are more specific.  To find out more, OverDrive has created a great resource page.  

We do have staff members who can assist you if you are experiencing problems, or just have questions.  Again, you just have to contact us or we can't help you.  A few weeks ago, we held a training/demonstration for patrons.  We will try to do this again soon, but you don't have to wait for one of these to get help. 

Another thing I'd like to share about the digital library is the selection that we do currently have.  We offer a variety of titles to interest the youngest readers through adults.  We have both e-books and audio books from authors such as Dr. Seuss, Judy Blume, and C.S. Lewis, as well as Nora Roberts, Stephanie Myers, and John Grisham.  Easy reading, cooking, suspense, romance, fiction, non-fiction....even some graphic novels and manga. Even Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys have made a crossover into the digital format. 

On a personal note, I never thought I could personally get into reading an e-book.  Audio books, I love.  Being able to download one onto my mp3 player (mine supports both formats) is great!  But read an e-book?  Nope, probably not.  Then I tried it.  I read an entire e-book, not just a few pages.  You know?  It isn't so bad.  I will always prefer the feel and smell of a 'real' book, don't get me wrong, but reading on an e-reader?  Not so bad at all.  So I thought I'd share with you my first ever e-book review.


The book was Billy Hooten:  Owlboy, by Tom Sniegoski. 

"Billy Hooten is a weird kid. He gets beat up a lot, and spends the rest of his time doggedly trying to build a robot. One day, Billy Hooten hears a cry for help coming from the cemetery that borders his backyard. Against his better judgment, he runs toward it. And after that, everything changes for Billy Hooten. Because Billy Hooten, you see, is Owlboy. A quickthinking, goggle-and-feather-wearing superhero who protects the bizarre and monstrous citizens of Monstros City, a city that exists under Billy's hometown of Bradbury, Massachusetts. But is Billy truly worthy of the moniker Owlboy?"

Billy is a bright kid who loves comic books and yeah, he's kind of wimpy.  When he answers the cry for help in the cemetery and consequently learns about Owlboy he is in no way prepared to become the next hero of Monstros City.  After reading all of the Owlboy comics borrowed from the personal collection of the mysterious comic book shop owner, Billy is completely in awe, but less completely sure that he is the wrong guy for the job.  He decides there is only one way to be sure, and that is to give it a try.  With the help of  his trusty new friend, the descendant of the previous Owlboys' assistants (think Batman's Alfred....but shorter), he just might make a great Owlboy.  The book is fun, and well written.  I was left with a couple of questions, however maybe there will someday be a sequel.  I'll just have to use my imagination until then.  There are lots of illustrations throughout the story, though this is a 'chapter book', something that is ever more popular.  I would recommend this book for anyone who likes adventure and superheroes.  It would make a great bedtime read-aloud as well. 

One more thing I want to share today.  Coming very soon our website will have a new feature.  Dear Reader, the host of our Online Book Club, now offers "New Book Alerts".  With this service you can click to see all newly cataloged items; books, dvds, magazines, you name it.  Library patrons will even be able to sign up to receive notices sent directly to their e-mails or RSS feeds.  I think this is going to be a great service to offer you, our patrons.  It will make finding out what is new at Owen County Public Library, and placing holds on those new items much, much easier. 

~Jennifer