The Henry Bloom Noble Library’s eBooks and audio eBooks service has attracted more than 2500 downloads since it went live last year.
Launched in May 2011 to coincide with the introduction of the library’s new website, douglaslibrary.im, the service now offers more than 1000 titles in eBook and audio eBook formats.
Borough librarian Jan Macartney said: ‘eBooks have been well received and currently we have around 250 regular users, but the number is growing all the time. eBooks complement our existing services and are another means through which we are able to provide customers with greater choice - different genres for different tastes - and 24/7 access to the library.
‘So far the most popular authors are Henning Mankell, Diane Chamberlain, Dara O’Briain, Stephen Fry, Amanda Quick, M.C. Beaton, Dawn French, Bernard Cornwell, Nicci French, Tom Clancy and Hugh Sebag-Montefiore.
‘Our downloadable non-fiction collection includes books on travel, computing, biographies ranging from the Brontës and Jane Austen to Miranda Hart and Michael McIntyre, humour in the form of Alan Davies, Jeremy Clarkson, Lee Evans and Rob Brydon and an eclectic mix of history titles from bestselling authors including Simon Schama, Antony Beevor and Jeremy Paxman.
‘Teenagers will find much to entertain them such as the blockbuster trilogy The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, more vampires with Rachel Caine, works from award-winning authors Patrick Ness and Philip Pullman and the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz.
‘For younger readers we have books by Roald Dahl, the entire Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Eoin Colfer and the marvellous Artemis Fowl series, Rick Riordan’s fabulous Percy Jackson series, Michael Morpurgo, Cathy Cassidy, the hilarious Jeremy Strong, Dick King-Smith, Daisy Meadows and many more.’
Mrs Macartney added that for those without access to a computer the library offers a wide selection of audio books in CD format and Playaways, the latter pre-loaded digital audiobooks which, she explained, ‘are a great way for people to listen to their favourite books while on the move.’
Regeneration and Community Advisory Committee Lead Member Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘With the growth of its eBooks offering the Henry Bloom Noble Library aims to provide users with as wide a choice of access to its services as possible along with a range of year-round innovative events for adults and children that put this flagship amenity at the heart of the community.’
eBooks service at a glance:
* A choice of more than 1000 titles;
* Free to Henry Bloom Noble Library members. New members may join at douglaslibrary.im;
* Library members may download up to four titles per session;
* Choice of loan period seven, 14 or 21 days;
* No incurring of overdue fees: eBooks automatically returned at the end of the loan period;
* Users can reserve items, create a ‘wish list’ and rate books read;
* Compatible with every major mobile and desktop operating system including Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, (iOS), Android and BlackBerry. (Currently excludes Amazon’s Kindle).
The Henry Bloom Noble Library.10 Victoria Street, Douglas. Late-night opening every Thursday evening until 7.30pm. Monday, Tuesday and Friday open 9.15am to 5.30pm, Wednesdays 10am to 5.30pm. Saturdays 9.15am to 4pm.
The Henry Bloom Noble Library is a service provided by Douglas Borough Council. For full details visit www.douglas.gov.im and follow the link.
