Videos & music added to library system’s downloadable audiobooks

The Timberland Regional Library system has added downloadable videos and music to its popular catalog of audiobooks that people can download for free to their computers and portable digital devices. TRL has been providing access to downloadable audiobooks since October 2006.

The catalog of downloadable videos, music and audiobooks can be found at the library system’s Web page titled the "Download Collection" at http://ebook.trlib.org. Of the 718 video titles currently in the collection, 284 of are PBS programs, covering a wide spectrum of subjects and interests. Some titles include "America in WWII," "The Journey of Sacagawea," "Art in the Twenty-First Century" and the children’s series "Cyberchase." Independent, short and foreign feature films include "Conversations with Other Women," "The World’s Fastest Indian" and "One Last Thing."

The starting music collection is small and eclectic, reflecting the content available at this time to buy from the vendor (OverDrive®). The 190-plus titles are mainly classical music including Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Copland; smooth jazz; and folk and holiday music. Additional titles in all three collections will be purchased as they become available.

To download videos and music, library patrons will first need to download (or upgrade to) the newest version of the free software program, OverDrive Media Console for Windows, the platform for storing, listening, and now viewing the items. The free software, along with a quick-start guide and detailed help, are all on the TRL Download Collection Web page.

While audiobook titles in the library’s download collection can only be played on Windows-compatible computers and portable digital devices right now, later this year TRL will be able to provide audiobooks in a format that’s compatible with most MP3 players, including Apple® devices. That’s good news for people who have iPods®, which haven’t been able to play the downloadable audiobooks.

Up to four downloadable titles can be checked out at one time and four more can be placed on hold. The service is not available on library computers; people must use their own PCs and portable devices. For further details, people are encouraged to visit www.trlib.org or their local Timberland library.