Grand Island's library is moving fast-forward into the future, a future that's both high-tech, and high-touch.
Grand Island Library Executive Director Steve Fosselman: "They have access to we think about 3500 e-books, and about the same number of audios."
"They" are readers with a Grand Island Library card, and they are now able to access electronic print and audio titles through the Nebraska Overdrive collection, enjoying increased bestseller access via the Overdrive "Advantage" program.
Titles can be downloaded to a wide variety of reading devices and computers. And if you're feeling techno-confused, Steve Fosselman encourages patrons to use the library's Book-a-Librarian program.
Steve Fosselman: "You actually can call, or e-mail, or fill out a form online, and you can request that you have a little bit more time to work with a library staff member."
Although the books are not physical copies, they're still limited in quantity, so Mr. Fosselman advises readers to get online soon.
Steve Fosselman: "There's still a holds list, and we recommend that if there's a popular e-book that you want to read, go ahead and put a hold on it."
Even if you harbor a deep fear of technology, e-readers are more appealing than ever, especially since you can freely access scores of new, bestselling titles.
Volunteer technology instructor Gary Hewitt says that, in addition to e-readers' titanic title storage capacity, readers are drawn to the new generation of devices because of their glare-free screens that can be read in bright sunlight, and the adjustable font sizes.
And one more good thing...
Gary Hewitt: "No more late fees. When the book is due, it just goes away."
