What slips into my handbag and allows me to read while eating a muffin and sipping a coffee at my local cafe, all at the same time? What do I prop against my partner’s pillow in bed at night, then snuggle up under the blankets and read without getting my arms frozen on a cold night?
First I researched the brands on the library online suitability page. Then I googled e-readers and found forums about brands, checklists where I could input what was important to me and was offered options for the best brands and models for my needs. From my research, I made my selection. Once purchased, again online, I downloaded the software easily onto my laptop from the OverDrive page, then practiced downloading, putting books on hold and searching the OverDrive book shelves and the more confident I became.
Overdrive has a great FAQ section and HELP! areas that help you find your way. I grew more knowledgeable when helping customers and because my e-reader slipped into my handbag so easily, I always had it handy to show customers looking to purchase one. I could also remind them that if they were having trouble, they could call the library and a friendly librarian would talk them through it.
I’ve just discovered the 23,000 public domain titles available through OverDrive from Project Gutenberg. I can download titles from this collection without waiting lists, needing to put anything on hold or it affecting my usual checkout limit.
One thing I keep forgetting to do with my e-book reader is to recharge, so occasionally the battery has run out at a crucial moment, such as when I’m in the middle relaxing at the local cafe, because I still think of it like a ‘real’ book.
But I’m loving it, I read both e-books and paper books, and with over 3000 titles on OverDrive, it’s widened my choice of reading and how and when I read, and I believe I am reading more which can only be a good thing!
