Library offers digital books

Kildare County Library members can now download eBooks into their computer as part of the Library service.



The electronic versions of the books are read on screen, or can be transferred to some e-readers from manufacturers such as Sony. Some smartphones are also supported by the system, while both PC and Mac computers can be used.

Access to the system is through digitallibrary.kildare.ie and those wishing to use the service need to have a valid Library membership and a PIN number that comes with their membership card.

Two pieces of free basic software need to be downloaded, and the website provides full instructions for this.

Your editor, who uses the Kilcullen Library regularly, took the time last night to download his first book from the service. Though I have always used Apple Macs, I do also have a Dell Mini laptop and because I travel with it, I used it to set up the system for myself. It took about an hour to get everything in place, and now means that the next time I travel I won't have to bring a physical book with me. As I travel only with a carry-on rucksack, every half kilo saved counts.

The reading is done through a window that shows half a page at a time. Because I spend most of my working time at a computer screen, reading off screen is not an issue for me. It may be for some.

I'll report further in due course. I don't expect it to take over from my use of real books from what is a really excellent local Library, but it does provide another option. For people who can't easily get to the Library it also looks to be useful.

Full marks the the County Kildare Library Service for keeping right up with the technological times.