Let The Book Come to You: eBooks Now Available at PWC Library Website

What would Benjamin Franklin, founder of the American lending library, say if he knew that instead of people coming to the library to borrow books, the books now come to the people?

While the traditional borrowing system is still in place at Prince William County libraries, branches are now offering up eBooks.

 Users can download books from the library system's website to their computers or, directly to their mobile devices, iPods or iPads through a free app.

 The books are still free, but library cards are needed. All patrons have to do is click 'download' to digitally access eBooks.

 In addition to being convenient, library employees said it's impossible to incur late fees because the books automatically return themselves on the due dates.

 So far, eBooks are can be downloaded on Nooks, Sony Readers, Kobo readers and others.

 The books aren’t available for the Kindle yet, but its in the works.  Library eBooks could available for that device in just a few months through the system vendor OverDrive.

 Many authors are holding back on making their work available through eBooks because of copyright infringement concerns.

 “I look forward to the day when all publishers will allow all their books to be sold in every version, Jean Ross, materials manager for Prince William County Library system said.   “ …. So while there will occasionally be a popular title we cannot supply, but the good news is, we can and will have many books on your ‘must read’ lists.”

 Popular authors, such as James Patterson, Lee Roberts and Nora Roberts have all made their works available in digital format.