Bookmark: Library Expands E-Book and E-Audiobook Collection from OverDrive

Previously, Pelham Library cardholders only had access to OverDrive through the Westchester Library System (WLS). This new OverDrive sub-collection for Pelham cardholders will shorten wait times—sometimes to a matter of hours for popular materials—and make it easier for Library staff to tailor e-book and e-audiobook purchases to community needs. The Pelham Library joins 28 of 38 WLS member libraries that have OverDrive sub-collections for their patrons.

Even before this expansion, Pelham’s use of OverDrive increased 43 percent between 2013 and 2014. Libraries that purchase additional electronic materials for their patrons see higher checkout rates for them.

“Having our own OverDrive account, in addition to the WLS members’ shared collection, is another service we’ve been wanting to start for a while now,” said Library Director Patricia Perito. “When we first logged on to our new account and saw numerous Pelham patron holds and were able to purchase immediately to satisfy them, I knew we had made the right decision.”

OverDrive’s collection includes narrative non-fiction, history, current events, politics, fiction—including small press—young adult literature and children’s titles.

New Selections

Some of the OverDrive selections recently bought by the Library include “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins, “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr, “Gray Mountain” by John Grisham and “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson.

OverDrive also has a large and growing selection of e-audiobooks. One frequent user is Suzanne Auclair, a Pelham Manor resident and Library Board member. “I commute to New Jersey every day, and I find that listening to audiobooks makes the time go quickly,” she said.

Ms. Auclair also likes the service’s online navigation, which has helped surface some unusual titles. “I’ve listened to books that I never would have found otherwise, because of OverDrive,” she said.

How OverDrive Works

If you haven’t tried OverDrive in a while, it has become much simpler to use. OverDrive is downloadable as an app for iOS, Android, Chromebook, Windows Phone, Kindle Fire HD and Nook HD/HD+. It’s also available on Mac or PC; e-books can be read through any modern browser.

To get to OverDrive, one path is to click on the “eLibrary” menu at pelhamlibrary.org, then click on the “OverDrive” icon under “Listen and Read.” Your library card number is required to create a free account, along with your PIN. The service will show you all books available to Pelham patrons through both the WLS collection and the Pelham collection, but only if you are logged in. (It will not show you which entity has purchased the book and keep in mind that sometimes the number of holds displayed can be misleading.) Via OverDrive.com, click on “Find a Library” to connect to the collection. The service sends you an email once a title you’ve put on hold becomes available.

Need some guidance? Click on the “?” icon on the top right for video tutorials and information about OverDrive apps. The help section also includes lending policies and technical support. You can also call the Library at 738-1234 or stop by with your device for a hands-on session with library staff. It is best to call ahead to be sure someone will be available to work with you.

Take OverDrive for a spin. You’ll be glad you did.

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QUICK READ: ENLIST FOR THE BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

Are you a Pelham kid in grades 4-9? Do you love to read great books and like to play “Jeopardy”?

Then sign up for the Battle of the Books! The Town of Pelham Public Library will once again participate in the WLS competition, and this year, the Library will add a team for kids in grades 6-9. The additional team will compete alongside the grade 4-6 team, which tied for third in last year’s inaugural competition.

Even though the Battle isn’t until October, the first informational meeting is on Monday, May 11, at 6:00pm. Over the summer, participants will read five books that they will be quizzed on during the Battle. Team members in grades 4-6 will read “Because of Mr. Terupt;” “Gregor the Overlander;” “Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam;” Mr. Limoncello’s Library;” and “Bud, Not Buddy.” Team members in grades 6-9 will read “How They Croaked;” “Legend;” “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children;” “Okay for Now and Hold Me Closer,” “Necromancer.” (Sixth graders will be placed on either team, depending on where they are most needed.)

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Children’s Programs:

Story Time: Tuesdays, for ages 3-5, 10:30-11:00am; Wednesdays, for ages two and under, 10:30-11:00am. Attendance is limited to the first 40 people who sign in, caregivers included. Sign-up begins at 10:15am.

Homework Help: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-4:45pm. For children in grades 1-8. Students must bring their assignments and textbooks.

Kickoff Meeting for “The Battle of the Books”: Monday, May 11, 6:00-7:00pm.

Adult Programs:

Book Club: Thursday, May 7, 7:30pm. The Book Club will discuss “The Submission by Amy Waldman.” This post-9/11 novel imagines the angry fallout when a jury chooses an anonymous design for a September 11 memorial at Ground Zero, and the architect turns out to be a Muslim American. Copies of Book Club selections books are at the circulation desk and all are welcome.

Author Talk: “Bronx Faces & Voices: Sixteen Stories of Courage and Community:” Thursday, May 14, 7:30-9:00pm. Emita Brady Hill and Janet Butler Munch will come to the Library to discuss the book.

One-to-One Computer and Device Instruction: Call the Library if you’d like to get started, not just with OverDrive, but with other apps that give library patrons access to free e-books, e-audiobooks, e-music and more! Just bring your smartphone, tablet, or other digital device. Library staff can also give you individualized instruction in popular computer programs, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

(Reprinted with permission. This story originally appeared in The Pelham Weekly on May 1, 2015.)