Libraries in Swindon will soon be offering people the chance to download their favourite books.
Swindon Borough Council’s Library Service has recently signed a deal with American firm Overdrive to provide eBooks and downloadable audiobooks from February 2012.
The free service will give library members the opportunity to browse titles online and then download the one they like to their computer, eBook reader or other compatible device.
At the end of the loan the item automatically disappears so library members will not be liable for any fines.
Overdrive recently brokered a deal with Amazon in the US for library members to use their Kindles, and expect to be able to roll this out to the UK shortly.
A small number of local authorities have been providing an eBooks service, however an increasing number of libraries have been signing up as the demand for eBooks continues to grow.
Cllr Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Corporate Services who is responsible for the town’s libraries, said: “I am delighted we will soon be able to add eBooks and downloadable audiobooks to our already excellent library service. I am sure many of our members will take advantage of this fantastic new way to borrow books, which has the added bonus of not allowing any fines to accrue.”
For more information about the eBooks and audiobooks service contact Tracey Dowling on 01793 463799 or email: tdowling@swindon.gov.uk