by Mary-Kate Roan
Staff Writer
If you ever find yourself wishing that you had a book in your hands but didn’t have enough room to carry one, you’re in luck. The Jacksonville Public Library is offering audio book and video downloads to library card holders. Because of this, the Main Library paid host to a visit from the Digital Book Mobile.
“This is a way for people to test out the service,” said Stacie Bucher, library system spokesperson. “Instead of just coming in and having it being a little intimidating, they can just come in and be shown along with other people.”
Bucher added the bus came in Friday around 9 a.m. and was on display during the Hemming Plaza Farmers Market hours and forced the stretch of Laura Street in front of the library’s entrance to close.
But Bucher made sure the bus and blockade were gone before rush hour traffic set in.
“It’s neat,” said Danielle Lamoree, who added she’d never heard of the service in her home state of New York.
Upon downloading free software, library card holders can then download books onto their personal computer free of charge.
“This is really impressive,” said Simon Davies, a native of England and current Jacksonville resident.
Brian Files was more interested in the gadgets that the bus had on display.
“I travel just enough to use (the gadgets),” said Files. “I use the library a lot and (this technology) would make it less heavy and less bulky than a typical book would be to lug around.”
The program can be used on iPods, computers, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other compatible MP3 players.
356-2466