BOISE -- Usually, you have to go to the library to check out a book -- but not anymore. The Boise Library has a program that allows cardholders to check out, and start reading books without ever leaving their homes.
Anyone with a Boise Library card, an Internet connection, and a computer can instantly access thousands of eBooks.
"Depending on what you like to do, if you like to listen or if you like to exercise, audio books are great," said electronic resource librarian Lindsay Zamara. "Regular just text books are also really popular too, so we have a little mix of everything."
The Boise library has about 5,000 eBooks in all.
Library members can check out eBooks through the library's website. The eBooks can be checked out for seven to 14 days. Zamara says once that time has expired, eBooks disappear from the device that they were downloaded on.
What's more, even if people don't have an eReader, they can still check out eBooks and download them to a regular computer -- even their smartphones.
The Boise Library is adding new eBooks to their collection each day, while also adding traditional print books as well.
"I think we will always have a mix of both," said Zamara. "But I definitely think that our eBook collection will continue to grow because it is so popular and so handy for folks. They don't have to rely on our hours to come in. They can connect with the library at anytime."
So far this year, more than 36,000 eBooks have been checked out.
To promote the program, the Overdrive Digital Bookmobile is visiting the Boise Library on Cole and Ustick Thursday afternoon. The 74-foot bookmobile will be in the parking lot from noon to 6 p.m.
The bookmobile has broadband Internet, computers and portable media players so people can learn how the eBook program works.
The Overdrive Digital Bookmobile will also stop at the Boise Barnes and Noble Friday afternoon.
