PITTSTON — As the days grow colder and the winter looms before us, many of us find ourselves asking how we will fill extra hours when venturing outside might be less then inviting.

Libraries throughout the Greater Pittston area and throughout Luzerne County offer a solution that is both fun and educational — accessing books digitally.

Noelle Kozak, program coordinator at the Pittston Memorial Library, said the process is much the same as taking out a book in a brick and mortar library, using your library card to select books that interest you and those that might teach you a thing or two.

On a recent afternoon. Kozak took time to assist someone in understanding Axis 360, an app to download on a phone, Kindle or other smart devise that makes reading online possible.

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Kozak said that often following the Christmas holiday when people get Kindles and other smart devices, they will stop in and ask for a tutorial about how to access free reading materials.

“Some are tech savvy and they plunge right in,” she said. “Some need a little bit more assistance.”

Kozak easily opened the app and scrolled through titles which include audio books.

She explained that just like in a brick and mortal library, readers have to wait their turn.

“The new book by Michelle Obama is very popular in both the regular title and the audiobook,” she said. “So, you can put a hold on it and you will be notified when it is available.”

One use of the app is pretty unique, Kozak thinks.

“I have a friend who is living in Asia and can’t always get books written in English,” she said. “So she uses the Axis 360 to read while she is out of the country.”

Library director Patricia Joyce said use of eBooks reflects expansion of the library beyond its physical walls and also emphasizes the diversity of titles offered.

“I like nonfiction books, like cookbooks and self-help,” she said.

At the West Pittston Library, the staff is equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to read online and on smart devices.

Librarian Kendra O’Brien said she got hooked on eBooks several years ago when she and her husband bought a house and were remodeling it.

“I listened to “First Ireland” while I was stripping my woodwork,” she said. laughing.

On a recent afternoon, O’Brien also took time out to demonstrate the benefits of online reading to a library-goer new to the process.

O’Brien walked the reader through downloading the “Hoopla” app, similar to the Axis 360 app, but available through the Philadelphia Free library.

“You can get a digital library card online, and download the app,” she said.

O’Brien said, though the Hoopla app provides opportunity to rent not only books and audio books but television shows and movies, it is more limited that you can only “take out” three or four books or other options per month.

Television shows and movies can be taken out for only 48 or 72 hours, she said.

She said use of both the Axis 360 and Hoopla app provide a great chance to access a variety of resources and entertainment.

“If you don’t have something you’re looking for, often the other one does,” she said.

O’Brien said much of the staff has caught the “eBook bug,” often listening to audio books to get them through tedious chores.

A mother of three, O’Brien said audio books get her through laundry and dishes.

At the Wyoming Free Library, director John Roberts said with so many books to read, eBooks provide a great chance for patrons to work on their reading list, in spite of busy lives.

“eBooks are a great resource because even when the library is closed, you can access Axis 360, day our night,” Roberts said.

Although days are getting colder and snow will soon be on its way, O’Brien is looking forward to warmer temperatures and students finishing up the school year.

“Its a great way for them to work on their summer reading list,” she said.

Kendra O’Brien, a librarian at the West Pittston library, takes time to look up a movie she hopes to watch with her family later in the day. O’Brien uses two apps available through the Luzerne County Library System to read, watch and listen to a variety of resources available.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_20190110_131153-1.jpg.optimal.jpgKendra O’Brien, a librarian at the West Pittston library, takes time to look up a movie she hopes to watch with her family later in the day. O’Brien uses two apps available through the Luzerne County Library System to read, watch and listen to a variety of resources available. Geri Gibbons | For Sunday Dispatch

Noelle Kozak, program coordinator at the Pittston Memorial Library, takes time out on a recent afternoon to explain an app entitled Axis 360 that provides opportunities for library patrons to read books on their smart devices, including cell phones.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/web1_20190110_142606-1.jpg.optimal.jpgNoelle Kozak, program coordinator at the Pittston Memorial Library, takes time out on a recent afternoon to explain an app entitled Axis 360 that provides opportunities for library patrons to read books on their smart devices, including cell phones. Geri Gibbons | For Sunday Dispatch
Accessing books digitally can be both fun and entertaining

By Geri Gibbons

For Sunday Dispatch

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-655-1418 or by email at sd@psdispatch.com.