Cape Girardeau library helps consumers download e-books

Individuals owning an e-reader or audio device may now access a new and free method of uploading books with the Overdrive Program offered by the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Along with the Cape library, nine other Missouri libraries have teamed up to purchase Missouri Libraries 2 Go, an online means of checking out e-books and audios offered through the Overdrive Program.

Paula Fetherston, the adult services coordinator for the Cape library, said the convenience of accessing the program online from anywhere is what people seem to love the most about the new program.

"It provides one more opportunity to read a book wherever you are," she said.

Through the Overdrive Program, patrons of any of the 10 participating libraries may log on to their library's home page and under the Missouri Libraries 2 Go section, can choose among the selection of available books to check-out and upload to their own computer. After uploading them, the books can be transferred onto a personal e-reader or audio device.

"Once people have tried it, they realize it's a fairly simple process, and they're able to do it on their own," Fetherston said.

Marilyn Hutchings, a reference associate at the library, said all 10 participating libraries share one online collection, which is available to patrons at any time with more than 500 titles -- 80 percent of which are audios and 20 percent are e-books. When checking-out a book, patrons must choose either a seven- or 14-day check-out. Hutchings said with the Overdrive Program, all books automatically check themselves back in to the online system at the end of the check-out period, avoiding the chance of overdue charges.

Fetherston said the library began the planning process with the nine other libraries in July, and by October, they were able to go live with the program. She said most MP3 players and iPods will work with the audio program, but some devices do not work with the e-readers. The e-readers that are compatible with the program include the Barnes & Noble NOOK Wi-Fi and the NOOK 3G plus Wi-Fi, the Kobo eReader, Pandigital Novel, all Sony Reader devices.

Fetherston said the library offers free tutorials to learn more about the Overdrive Program. The other libraries in the program are Adair County Public, Boonslick Regional, Daviess County, Hannibal Public, Missouri River Regional, North Kansas City Public, Sedalia Public, St. Joseph Public and Trails Regional libraries.