PITTSTON – The Pittston Memorial Library, along with all other libraries in the Luzerne County system, will be unveiling a new app later this month which will make ebooks and audio books available to its readers.
The app is not the first one to be used by the library system to bring content to its readers on a cell phone, Kindle or other smart device, but it is expected to be an improvement.
Readers have, until early this month, had access to an app called Axis 360, which provided opportunity for readers to not only read from their devices, but to listen to books in their car or while multitasking, making the most of their time.
But by the end of the month, those readers can log in to CloudLibrary, which will provide an increased amount of reading options, as well as the chance to borrow digitally from other libraries.
Pittston Memorial Library Executive Director Patricia Joyce and Program Coordinator Noelle Kozak took to their microphones recently during a their regular podcast, to speak to listeners about the new app and its benefits.
Joyce said it was a wonderful way to make the most of smart devices received over the holiday, which perhaps recipients haven’t taken full advantage of.
With some of those devices perhaps still in their original packaging, Joyce said it would be a chance to get them out and get started reading.
Kodak emphasized that there will be a month-long transition period during which Axis 360 will be unavailable and content for the CloudLibrary will not.
But, she encouraged patrons to go ahead and load the app, so that when the library system connects in late March, they will be ready to start reading in a few clicks.
Kozak reminded readers that content from the app will be downloadable, so it won’t use data as you are out an about.
Patrons have shared with Kozak that during a commute, listening to an audio book can be a life saver, or even while doing tedious chores or spending time on the treadmill.
Kozak said she has a friend who now lives in Japan, but who calls Pittston her home base, who loved the opportunity to download ebooks and audiobooks, because books written in English are difficult to find overseas.
Joyce has said there are a variety of benefits provided by the digital system, from reading self-help books, to children’s favorites to best sellers.
One patron shared that she feels more connected to other readers because she finally has time to listen to books as she drives in her car.
She was recently told, “You’re so well read,” and realized it was all due to the library app on her phone which allowed her to be up-to-date on politically-based books and recently released memoirs of well-known people.
For those who would like to know more about the system, a podcast can be accessed through the library’s Facebook page, followed by a link to a training video about the system.
Kozak said logging into the system is relatively easy and basically entails entering your library card number and other simple information.
For those who feel like they are missing out during the several weeks were the digital app is not up and running, Kozak said its a great opportunity to come on in and check out an audiobook or a hard copy, and perhaps stopping to chat with library staff or a neighbor.
Other happenings
Also happening this month is a genealogy day which will provide a chance for patrons to come in and learn a bit about accessing information about their ancestors.
With genealogy being a hot topic now, but locally and nationally, Kozak said often people don’t realize that, as library card holders in Luzerne County, readers have access to newspapers.com.
Kozak likened the experience to a “treasure hunt,” which takes a bit of time and commitment.
“Often a name might have changed or been spelled wrong,” she said. “So, its a matter of staying with it.”
The day-long event, held on March 12, won’t be a formalized training, but instead library staff will be on hand to provide patrons with information and set them off on their search.
Of course, support will be provided if they hit a dead end or request input.
In addition to newspapers.com, other genealogy-based information is available as patrons of the library, and library staff can provide patrons with an understanding of what those resources are and how to use them.
Kodak said she hopes that people will come in and take full advantage of the event, experiencing the satisfaction of knowing more about personal history.
