Number of eBook Subscribers at Du Quoin Library Grows to 81

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[You've been asking for it and in May eBooks came to the Du Quoin library.

The number of registered eBook subscribers has already grown to 81 since a tutorial workshop was held in recent days.

An electronic book or eBook is a book or publication in digital form readable on computers or other electronic devices.

Sometimes the equivalent of a conventional printed book, eBooks can also be written digitally to begin with. They are usually read on dedicated e-Book readers like the Kindle or the Nook. Personal computers and some mobile phones can also be used to read eBooks.

Their popularity has grown exponentially. Some books are free. Subscription or licensing fees for others can run from 99-cents a book up to $10 or $15.

In May, the Du Quoin Public Library joined the Southern Illinois Libraries on the Go project which is allowing Du Quoin patrons to obtain thousands of eBook titles free. The program is made possible through the Du Quoin Public Library and the Illinois Secretary of State's office. The program will cost the library about $3,000 a year. The first $1,000 was paid to the company Overdrive, which provides the software. The balance will be used to purchase book titles and other materials for the Southern Illinois eBook network.

Du Quoin library director Kristina Benson said you will have to have a Du Quoin library card (free if you live in Du Quoin) to participate. Those outside the city limits can purchase a library card for $27.

eBooks will be free, but you will need a PIN (personal identification number) or a password to access the offerings. Anyone with an outstanding fine(s) at the library must clear those up before participating. Once you download the books into your device you have 14 days to read the book before your use of the book electronically expires and will disappear from your device. You will only be able to download five eBooks at a time and some of the selections you want may be placed on hold until they become available.

Mrs. Benson said it will greatly expand the library's ability to be a resource for the community and provide a great savings to readers who are beginning to find out that subscribing to eBooks on their own can be expensive over time. There are currently 24 area libraries on the system.