Hoover Public Library showcases digital services

The Digital Bookmobile is stopping by Hoover Public Library on July 17 as a part of its national tour.

Housed inside an 18-wheel tractor trailer, the Digital Bookmobile includes interactive learning stations that teach about audiobooks, digital resources, e-books and the devices that can access the resources. Visitors who tour the Digital Bookmobile will be entered into a drawing for prizes such as ereaders and gift cards.

“The Digital Bookmobile is a fun, interactive way to find out about the great e-book and downloadable audiobook services offered by all the public libraries in Jefferson County,” library assistant director Patricia Guarino said.

The Hoover Public Library allows library card holders to check out digital titles remotely through the library’s website. Digitally borrowed texts are automatically returned when the lending period is over, so there are no late or damaged item fees. The services are provided through OverDrive, which is the same company that sponsors the Digital Bookmobile.

Guarino said across Jefferson County, more than 9,000 digital audiobooks and 17,000 e-books are checked out each month. Digital books sometimes have shorter wait times, Guarino said, and the ability to change font sizes allows the e-books to serve multiple readers.

“I love print books, but I’m addicted now to e-books and downloadable audiobooks thanks to the convenience,” Guarino said.

The Digital Bookmobile last visited Hoover Public Library in 2010 and drew a crowd of more than 500 people. Guarino said she hopes to draw a similarly large crowd this year.

The library will also have free refreshments, a bouncy castle and a dunk-the-librarian booth at the event. Donations from the dunking booth will go toward the Friends of the Library organization. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will also be at the event, bringing along adoptable pets.

What: Digital Bookmobile

When: July 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Hoover Public Library