By Paul Kagebein
Libraries are much more than just the traditional, paper books readers know and love. Patrons of the Garland County Library (GCL) also have free access to a wide variety of digital materials that can be accessed via several devices such as a phone, tablet, or computer.
The two main databases for digital media are OverDrive and Hoopla. These two popular services have many differences in collections and functionality, but both are free to members of the Library. In a time of social distancing, the library will always be able to offer books and other items in a digital format, regardless of directives that may limit the physical library’s accessibility to the public.
OverDrive offers eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. With the recent expansion in the form of joining the Arkansas Digital Library Consortium, over 70,000 items are available for reading or listening. A free app is available for most modern mobile devices.
Borrowing items is about as simple as searching for the right library, entering a library card number, and searching for a title or author. Users can borrow up to 5 items at a time for 14 days at a time, with no monthly limit. Holds can be placed on items that are not currently available.
Hoopla offers eBooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, TV shows, and music. The selection is different from OverDrive. This service also has a free app available for most modern mobile devices. Users must create their own account and password, which they have access to via their library card and pin number. Users can borrow up to 10 items per month. No holds are necessary as all items are available at all times.
“Library patrons are always encouraged to suggest all types of materials for us to purchase, and that includes digital licenses for eBooks and audiobooks that we can add to our OverDrive collection,” says Circulation Supervisor Karen Covey. A parent herself, Covey also adds that “we are adding a lot of materials that will greatly benefit parents who have to home school their children this year.” She also mentions the large number of mysteries added recently. Suggestions/requests for our digital database can be submitted online or by phone.
The library is located at 1427 Malvern Avenue. For more information about online databases, curbside pickup, home delivery for those that live in or near Hot Springs Village, and more, contact the library at 501-623-4161. Questions can also be sent to gcl@gclibrary.com. Visit www.gclibrary.com for access to online catalog, accounts, and e-materials.
Paul Kagebein is the Adult Services Programmer and movie aficionado at the Garland County. For more information about library collections, hours, special events, programs, or services, visit www.gclibrary.com or call 501-623-4161 or 501-922-4483. Follow the library on Facebook: Garland County Library.
