Free Library Blog - Posts by Jen W.

So you might get an ereader for Christmas? (or you are hoping to?)

Jen W. — 2010-12-21T14:29:00-05:00

The library continues to expand its collection of ebook titles. We now have close to 4,000 books available for you to download to your new ereader. Compatible ebook reading devices are listed on the OverDrive website.

First, just to be clear, Amazon Kindles do not support borrowing library ebooks. The Kindle is a great device, but you will need to purchase bestsellers for it from Amazon and cannot borrow books from us.

I have tried out the Nook from Barnes & Noble as well as the Sony Reader (a few different versions) and they work quite well with our collections. Check out some tutorials from an earlier blog post to get started with borrowing from the library.

If we do not yet have your favorite author or series, please drop us a line using the Ask A Librarian form online. We do our best to add titles that you request!

If you want to puchase titles instead of wait in line for the library copy, you can check out the "Buy It Now" links under many of our latest titles. Any purchases you make through this service will also partly benefit the library's ebook purchasing program!

iPhone and Android devices can read ebooks!

Jen W. — 2010-12-20T13:12:00-05:00

Just in time for the holidays, you can now download ebooks to your iPhone, iPod Touch and Android device! It only appears to work with EPUB formatted ebooks, not PDFs, at this time. You can still use Bluefire to download PDFs and you will still need to use Bluefire for the iPad until that app gets released. See my post on Bluefire for more information.

I've only been able to test it on an iPhone so far, but I do love the new "Get Books" feature where you can save the Free Library of Philadelphia as your library so you have a quick link to our content right from the app.

If you have found some fun features in the Android release, please post them in the comments for everyone to learn from!

Ebooks on your iPad!

Jen W. — 2010-11-23T11:07:00-05:00

While iPad and iPhone users are waiting patiently for OverDrive to release the new iPad/iPhone apps, we have discovered a workaround for getting OverDrive ebooks onto an iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad. I've tried this out on my iPhone and my iPad and it works like a charm, but is a bit tricky for novice users.

Please keep in mind that this is a workaround and is for EXPERT users only.

A librarian in Oregon has worked out the following:

The free Bluefire Reader eBook app (for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch) was recently updated to allow transfer/reading of Adobe-DRM-protected eBooks. This means that you *can* read OverDrive ebooks on your iOS device!

The app is a free download from the iTunes app store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bluefire-reader/id394275498

Once you have the app, go ahead and check out an ebook in OverDrive. After that, you can try one of these methods to transfer the ebook to your device. I recommend only using EPUBs, not PDFs. PDFs don't display well, especially on the smaller devices.

1) Download ebooks into Adobe Digital Editions, then transfer the files via iTunes' file transfer feature.

A nice tutorial of this method is available on the Bluefire site.

2) Download the .acsm file from OverDrive, email it yourself, and open the attachment in your iOS device's mail app.

(Here is a brief tutorial on the above two methods: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1572127/bf2.pdf)

3) Create a javascript "bookmarklet" in Safari on your iOS device that will allow downloads to take place entirely on the iOS device. Here is the code for such a bookmarklet, and the current version is available here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1572127/bfr_bookmarklet_1.1.txt. General instructions for installing/using this bookmarklet (featuring an older version of the code) can be found here: http://www.pigsgourdsandwikis.com/2010/11/reading-library-ebooks-with-bluefire.html

This is the one that I like the best. It is pretty tricky, though. When you go to the OverDrive site to download, you must make sure you are not on the mobile version of the OverDrive site. To do that I had to change the URL for the mobile site where it said /40/20/ to /10/354/ . This took me to the non-mobile site, and I was then able to download the books directly on my iPhone! I bookmarked the non-mobile URL so I don't have to remember those numbers next time.

4) The app also features a "hidden" wireless transfer option, which can transfer files from a desktop machine (provided you have the URL of the .acsm file, or the local network location of the downloaded eBook). Let us know in the comments if you get this working!

I am still excited about the hopefully soon to be released OverDrive app for iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch, but the Bluefire app goes a long way in bridging the gap before we get the official release!

Note: If you cannot get this to work, please search google for tutorials and support for the BlueFire app. This app is not supported by the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Oprah chooses Franzen's Freedom

Jen W. — 2010-09-17T14:01:00-05:00

So, of course, you have heard that Jonathan Franzen's latest book Freedom is the new Oprah Book Club pick. After the controversy over picking The Corrections a few years ago, the rumors that she would pick his latest bestseller seemed absurd, but Oprah is always one for forgiveness and redemption.

The Library has quite a few copies of Freedom (downloadable audiobook available, too!), but the wait list is getting longer by the minute. While you wait for the email or call that lets you know your copy is at your local branch waiting for you, check out The Corrections or some of the other great Oprah hits from recent years. You can also check out my list of book club picks for ideas for your next book club discussion.

If you already have your hands on this hot book, visit Oprah's book club page for reading guides, a bio of Franzen, and other resources to inspire you as you read.

Want a chance to meet Franzen in person? He'll be appearing at the Free Library next Thursday, September 23 as part of our award-winning Author Events series! Auditorium seats are sold out, but you can still purchase simulcast tickets online or by calling 1-800-595-4TIX (4849).

Let us know what your favorite Oprah book club books are in the comments.

Ebook reader tutorials online!

Jen W. — 2010-09-16T13:35:00-05:00

There are a number of fantastic tutorials that people have put together to walk you through using your ebook readers. Below are two that I have found helpful.

OverDrive Digital Media Tutorials - Videos introducing the OverDrive service (downloadable ebooks, video, music, and audiobooks) and walking you through using the materials in detail

Loading books with Adobe Digital Editions on your Nook - Shows step by step what to do to get your ebooks onto your Nook. While this video says it is for the Nook, it covers the basic steps you need to take for most readers to use our ebooks.

Do you have a favorite tutorial or website that has helped you with our downloadable collections? Let me know in the comments!

Humanitarian Efforts in Pakistan: How to Help those Devastated by Recent Floods

Jen W. — 2010-08-17T12:29:00-05:00

“I will never forget the destruction and suffering I have witnessed today. In the past I have visited the scenes of many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this."

Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon

Thousands of people have been killed by recent massive floods in Pakistan, which have washed away millions of hectares of crops, submerged villages, destroyed roads and bridges, and spread disease among survivors. While the disaster does not appear to be getting the press in the United States that the Haitian earthquakes did, its scope and impact is no less dire, and it is receiving worldwide attention and support.

If you are looking for information on the disaster and how to help, here are a few sites to visit:

One Response Pakistan - A portal to humanitarian resources and news related to the disaster; managed by the UN/OCHA
BBC Special Reports: Pakistan Floods - News and reports related to the floods
US Department of State - Site includes press releases, footage, fact sheets and a list of ways to give
American Red Cross - Has a fund set aside specifically for Pakistan Disaster Relief and Development
UNICEF - UNICEF's fund to support flood victims
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Contains reports and data on the disaster and response efforts.

Check out the FTC's guide to avoiding charity fraud.

Need to know more about Pakistan? Try these resources instead of Wikipedia:

Background Note: Pakistan - Compiled by the US Department of State; a brief encyclopedic description of the geography and history of Pakistan
Visit our Databases Page and go to the World Book Discover Encyclopedia for a more detailed country description

So you want to get an ebook reader?

Jen W. — 2010-08-09T10:04:00-05:00

The Free Library added ebooks to our collection last fall. Since then, the revolution in ebooks has really picked up speed. With the release of the iPad this spring, more and more people are discovering and making use of our collections.

The question I get asked all the time is, "Which ebook reader should I buy?"

The answer for me is, "Any reader that can allow you to borrow ebooks from the library."

Our primary source for ebooks is a company called Overdrive. They have a list of compatible devices that is kept up-to-date on their site.

Here are a few quick reviews for some of the bigger names. Please keep in mind that the Free Library in no way endorses any of these products.

B&N Nook

Pros: It works with library ebooks! It's very comfortable to use and has a great design with page turning buttons on both sides so you can use either hand to hold the reader. It weights around 12oz. and uses eInk so you can read outdoors.

Cons: Library ebooks get lost in the "My Documents" section instead of "My B&N Library." This can be confusing until you get used to it. Also, there is no way to see when the ebooks are due. I've had books expire on me in the middle of reading them. The touch screen light is distracting when you are actually reading a book, but fortunately, it dims after a delay.

Sony eReader

Pros: It works with library ebooks! The eReader is small and the lightest at 7.76oz (for the Pocket edition that I got to try). It uses eInk so it can be read outdoors. When looking a the list of ebooks on the reader, it shows you when your library books expire (the due dates).

Cons: I find it a little clunky to manage the menu with the wheel button and still can't figure out the confusing number buttons on the side. Turning pages is not as intuitive as with the Nook. I've watched people click every button except the wheel to try to turn the page.

iPad

Pros: It features full color for reading ebooks and graphic novels and it's backlit so you can read at night in dim conditions.

Cons: You can't read library ebooks, yet (see below). It's also the heaviest device at around 1.5 pounds. Because it doesn't have eInk, you can't read outside unless it is overcast. This is not the device to take to the beach with you.

Page turning defaults to tapping the right side of the pad or swiping from right to left (like a real book). This is really cool at first, but when your right arm gets tired and you switch to holding it in your left hand, you still need to reach across the pad to turn the page. If you get the iPad to use primarily as an ebook reader, invest in a beanbag chair (Macworld, Sept 2010 suggestion) or get creative with pillows or velcro.

If you have been following our blog, you know that I purchased an iPad (and love it), but that it is not (yet) able to handle library ebooks. Overdrive has announced that apps are in the works, and I got to preview them at the American Library Association conference in late June. They do exist and will be coming!

Amazon Kindle

Pros: It features the same great page turning as the Nook. The new Kindle is listed at 8.5oz. and its eInk is advertised as 50% better contrast over other ebook readers.

Cons: You can't read library ebooks, and there is no indication that this will ever be possible.

Other devices:

For information on other devices and features not related to library ebook reading, there is a wealth of user information online. I check the MobileRead forums and blog for updates on the world of ebooks and readers. They have a forum dedicated to ebook readers and all things ebook. cnet also has reviews of ebook readers.

Our ebooks:

Our ebook collection is steadily growing and we love to get feedback from our dedicated readers. Please send us a message through our Ask a Librarian service if you have specific authors or titles you would like to see us add to our collection.

You can also donate to support our downloadable collections, including our ebooks!

The iPad and the Free Library

Jen W. — 2010-06-18T10:09:00-05:00

I am an iPhone user and recently decided that I had to invest in an iPad as well. For two weeks I have been exploring everything about my new gadget and have a few tips for Library lovers and their iPads.

- You can use it to connect to the free wi-fi in our branches, but it seems that you have to turn ON the popup blocker (yes, that is correct) and turn OFF the AutoFill (both in Settings > Safari)

- Get the following Library Apps!

OverDrive Media Console (iPhone only at this time) - this will allow you to go to the browser and download mp3 audiobooks from the Free Library directly to your iPad. You can't download eBooks from the library to your iPad...yet. I spoke with the Overdrive staff recently and the App is in the works.
Access My Library (iPhone also from Gale) - this will allow you to search our research databases if you are within 5 miles of any of our library branches. Sure, you can do this in Safari, but you will need your library card and PIN number (you mean you don't have them memorized?) to get in.

- Get the following reading related Apps

iBooks - easiest way to read free books that you get online
Kindle - turn off the "Basic Reading Mode" in the settings for a really nice page-turning experience
B&N EReader - download some teaser books for free from B&N once you set up an account
Zinio - see what the future of magazine reading really looks like. I am seriously thinking of not renewing any of my subscriptions at home.

- Start doing arm curls now to avoid "iPad elbow." Reading for long periods of time (I read all the Stieg Larsson books on my iPad in the last week) hurts!

Stay tuned for tips for other reading-related gadgets!

Mobile Device Support for Free Library Resources!

Jen W. — 2010-02-25T16:35:00-05:00

The Free Library recently released its own mobile friendly version of our library catalog. You can access it by clicking on the "Mobile" link on the top of all our web pages. Don't forget to use our Text-a-Librarian service, too! Start the body of the text with the keyword askfree then a space, followed by your question.

Example: askfree What time does Parkway Central close?

The Free Library also provides content from a number of different vendors. Some of our resources now offer mobile versions of their products and some even have apps for popular phones.

Gale/Cengage just recently released an app for the iPhone called Access My Library. Get Access My Library from the iTunes store (free). If you are within 10 miles of ANY library that subscribes to Gale/Cengage products, you can access the resources available from the library without needing your library card. You can get to our Gale Virtual Reference Library collection right on your phone.
For Android and Windows Mobile users, Overdrive - the company we get many of our downloadable audiobooks and eBooks from - has a mobile version of their Overdrive Media Console available. You can download books directly to your phone!
PhillyHistory.org is partnering with the Free Library to make more of our historical photographs of Philadelphia available. They recently released a mobile friendly version of their website.

Coming Soon:

Alexander Street Press announced that they will release a mobile version of their streaming music services in 2010.

Changes to our database offerings

Jen W. — 2010-01-29T10:58:00-05:00

POWER Library has provided the public and school libraries within Pennsylvania with access to many valuable resources for years. The Office of Commonwealth Libraries has just announced that the following resources will be provided under the POWER Library Network this year:

General Periodical Resources (H.W. Wilson)
Newspaper Resources (Gale)
Business Resources (ProQuest ABI Inform)
Contemporary Authors
AP Photo Archive

We’ve been told that Contemporary Authors and AP Photo Archive will continue to be available uninterrupted. We should know more details about the new additions to our resources next week.

This also means that some of the electronic resources and databases that the Free Library has been able to offer will no longer be available.

The EBSCO Host titles that will be gone as of today include:

MasterFILE Premier
Business Source Premier
MAS Ultra – School Edition
Middle Search Plus
Primary Search
Newspaper Source
Teacher Reference Center
Auto Repair Reference Center

Please stay tuned here for announcements and feel free to comment about the impact of these changes!