Free Ebooks now at a library near you!

Ebooks and other digital content are now widely available and free to borrow at public libraries.  More than 30 libraries throughout New Zealand now provide this service which was previously only available in the larger cities of Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

By early next year, free ebooks will be available from over 80% of the 67 public library systems nationwide. Libraries have grouped together in three regional consortia to bring this service to as many libraries as possible: (NOVe-L in the Upper North Island, ePukapuka in the Lower North Island and the South Island Downloadable Zone). Check this list of participating libraries to see if your local library is taking part.

Library users can download titles to their own digital devices via the participating libraries’ websites. The majority of ebook content will be ‘epub’ format which is readable on nearly all ereaders and tablet computers. However, the Kindle is not yet compatible with library ebook lending services.

If you would like to find out more about ebooks in libraries and ereaders then keep an eye out for the upcoming ‘Travel Light this summer with Library ebooks’ roadshow at a library near you. This roadshow is designed to introduce you to your library’s ebook collections and help you decide which of the myriad of ereader devices meets your needs. You can folow the tour's progress by following Sally's tour blog or check its schedule to see when it will be in your neck of the woods.

These initiatives have been facilitated by The Association of Public Library Managers and showcase how public libraries are working collaboratively to evolve with technology to best meet the changing reading and information needs of their communities. “We are very excited to be offering these digital collections to library users across the country” said NOVe-L spokesperson, Paul Nielsen of Hauraki District Libraries.

For more information contact:                                                                                              

NOVe-L : Northern Virtual e-Library
Paul Nielsen - Manager, Hauraki District Libraries
Phone: 07 862 5064
Email: pauln@hauraki-dc.govt.nz

ePukapuka: Lower North Island Digital Library Group
Paula Murdoch - District Library Manager, Hastings District Council
Phone: 06 871 5182
Email: paulam@hdc.govt.nz

South Island Downloadable Zone
Jane Robinson - Library Manager, Gore District Council
Phone: 03 203 9129
Email: jrobinson@goredc.govt.nz