Keeping up with eBooks & eReaders

One of the goals at Bernardsville Library is to help introduce community members to new technologies and how to use them effectively in conjunction with library services. With that in mind and with the popularity of eBooks on the rise, Bernardsville Public Library will offer a series of classes to give help and guidance with downloading books -- a process that is not always straightforward. “We know that people need help downloading books onto the variety of digital devices available on the market because people ask us for help every day,” said Library Director Karen Brodsky.

On Tuesday, January 31 at 7:00 pm, Doug Baldwin, MLIS, will take listeners through the steps of downloading content to an iPad. He’ll answer basic questions about using an iPad and specifically address downloading eBooks and show which apps to use to do this. He will also demonstrate some of the general features and settings of the iPad and recommend some of the top ten free apps available. Mr. Baldwin is the System Administrator for the Cranbury Public Library and is also the current President of the New Jersey Library Association IT Section. At Cranbury Public Library, he maintains the library’s automated systems, teaches computer classes, runs one of their two book discussions, and leads their video game programming.

On Wednesday, February 1 at 7:00 pm, Pat Kennedy-Grant, Readers’ Services Coordinator at Bernardsville Library and an early adopter of eBook readers, will demonstrate how to use library resources such as OverDrive to download books to digital devices. Listeners are encouraged to bring their own devices with them and ask questions. The same class will be offered again on Tuesday, February 7 at 11:00 am.

There is no charge to attend these programs, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link under Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.