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September 25, 2008

Bridgewater library showcases digital downloadable materials

Courier-News Online
BRIDGEWATER —The bookmobile of the future made a stop Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Bridgewater Library, teaching patrons how to download books, films and music for free.

More than 300 people were expected to climb aboard the 74-foot Digital Bookmobile during its visit to the building at Bridge Street and Vogt Drive.

"It's huge," said Manuela Miracle, a spokeswoman for the Somerset County Library System. The colorful 18-wheeler vehicle is outfitted with a high-tech digital lab and other services to show off what's available in electronic audio books, music and movies.

The Digital Bookmobile was provided by OverDrive, the library's vendor for digital media, Miracle said.

The Digital Bookmobile is a community outreach vehicle for public libraries to promote downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, music and video, according to OverDrive's Web site, www.overdrive.com. The nationally touring vehicle is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems and a variety of portable media players, according to OverDrive's Web site.

The Somerset County Library System has thousands of eBooks, music and movie files available for free to those who hold a valid library card.

"We're constantly adding new stuff," Miracle said.

Yesterday's visit was the Digital Bookmobile's only stop in New Jersey on this tour. Its next stop is Saturday, Sept. 27 in Ohio's Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Kara L. Richardson can be reached at 908-707-3186 or krichardson@mycentraljersey.com.

Posted by tumulty at September 25, 2008 9:49 AM

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