By Ici Pozo
Rowan Public Library

Hi book lovers! Did you know that there is no need to worry about not being able to finish the last chapter of your current read just because you have errands to run? With technology available at our fingertips the possibilities of finding what you need can often seem overwhelming. Despite the world evolving with various technological improvements, the love of reading has not disappeared. While there is nothing better than opening a new physical book for the first time — or even an old copy of your favorite novel, there are times when carrying around a book can be tedious, uncomfortable or simply not possible. Considering how impractical and tiring it can be to carry around a book, app developers from various companies such as Amazon — who owns Kindle and Kindle Unlimited, Audible, etc., have created downloadable apps that allow users to access e-books and e-audiobooks on the go. Imagine sitting at the doctor’s office and being able to finish that last chapter while you wait. Right on time for book club!

While Kindle and Audible are great apps for book lovers, the monthly fees can often discourage users from subscribing to them. Rowan Public Library (RPL) has made it easy for patrons to access e-books and e-audiobooks at no cost to the individual. As a library card holder, whether it be a physical or online borrower (OBR) card, users can use digital resources such as Libby — a platform that allows library users to check out e-books and e-audiobooks from participating libraries. RPL uses Libby to provide users access to the North Carolina Digital Library (N.C. Digital Library), the online library consortium that allows public libraries access to digital books (e-books and e-audiobooks) from all over North Carolina.

What is so great about N.C. Digital Library? N.C. Digital Library allows users to borrow materials from their local library’s digital collection and from libraries around the state, meaning the likelihood of having multiple copies of the same item(s) is greater. Also, as a benefit, users can borrow materials that their own local library may not be able to purchase. Having access to resources such as Libby makes it easier for users to always have reading material with them — all they need is a device such as cellphone or tablet with internet access. It is important to note that once the item is downloaded (borrowed) through Libby, the e-book or e-audiobook can be accessed without Wi-Fi or cellular data for the duration of their checkout period. To access Libby, users must have their library card number and 4-digit PIN. Items can be checked out for up to 21 days (about 3 weeks), but you may return the item before then. Once the item completes its checkout period, it will automatically return to the owning library.

For more information, visit RPL online at www.RowanPublicLibrary.org or visit any of RPL locations: RPL Headquarters (Salisbury), RPL East (Rockwell), RPL South (China Grove) or RPL West (Cleveland). You can also call 980-432-8670 to speak to a staff member about how to obtain a library card, setting up your Libby account, and much more.

Ici Pozo is library support specialist at Rowan Public Library.