Library News & Notes: OverDrive will benefit from eBook sponsorships

Sometimes, large "maybe someday" endeavors start small and need time and a little luck to come to fruition. Such is the case with OverDrive, the library's ever-expanding system that enables patrons to read downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks on a variety of portable electronic devices. As with many library projects, various funding sources were suggested and the library staff applied for grants through Library Services and Technology Act and sought assistance from the Friends of the Library.

A portion of a larger grant, the "Silver State Library Education Portal," arrived first, followed by a significant gift from the Friends and recently a long awaited grant called "OverDrive Downloadable Audio Book Service," written by Technical Services Manager Kathy Rush added vital substance to the book content available. "Maybe Someday" arrived on Sept. 1 with the launch of OverDrive and now, with the recent inclusion of the widely used Kindle eReader, the system is generating wide use and is expanding every day.

In order to purchase more materials for this program, the library has initiated a program similar to the successful "adopt-a-magazine" plan.

"We are starting 'Sponsor an eBook' as a way to build the OverDrive collection," Rush said. "People who are interested in sponsoring an eBook give us the title and author of an eBook (or audio book) they want to purchase for the collection. Rachel March is the coordinator of the program. She looks to see if the title is available through OverDrive and what the cost is. She gets back to the person via phone or e-mail to let them know the price. They mail a check or come into the library to pay for it. Once Rachel orders the title she calls or emails the person a thank you and lets them know it should be available via OverDrive within 24 hours. If it were a regular physical book, we would put a hold on it for the person so that they are the first to get to use it but, unfortunately there's no way to do that with the OverDrive service. So the best we can do is let them know that the title will (probably) be available that day and they can be on the lookout for it. Hopefully they get it first. We plan to add the 'Sponsor an eBook' information to the Downloadables web page with an email link so people can email in their sponsor requests. For now people can call the library at 887-2244 if they are interested."

Not all titles and authors are available and some are only available as audiobooks, so the staff at the library will be more than happy to provide additional information regarding this unique way to help the library help the community.

Kindle, probably the most widely used eReader, has joined the ranks of OverDrive and is now an option for library patrons with the device. According to information from OverDrive, "When a user checks out a Kindle book, a 'Get for Kindle' link will be presented that opens a new window at Amazon prompting the user to login to their Amazon account to access the library eBook in the Kindle format. No purchase or credit card is required to create an Amazon Kindle account; users only need to provide an email address."

OverDrive has updated the library's Virtual Branch website with assistance in My Help

wizard, Help and FAQs regarding compatibility.

Lane Simonian: Aromatherapy use in Alzheimer's Treatment

Western Nevada College history instructor and author of "Defending the Land of the Jaguar: A History of conservation in Mexico," Lane Simonian has wide and varied interests and expertise, including the use of aromatherapy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. According to her article in "Generation Boomer," a Senior Spectrum newspaper publication, research is beginning to indicate, "Specifically, essential oils prevent and partially reverse the damage done to memory by oxidants." While it is not a cure, aromatherapy enhances both smell and touch, senses that can often penetrate the "fog" caused by dementia and provide a sense of calm and relief. Simonian will host a discussion at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the library auditorium.

Library closed on Friday

In conjunction with the Nevada Library Association Annual Conference, which meets in Carson City this week, the library will be closed on Friday. This one-day closure will provide time for library planning and for professional development and will give the staff an opportunity to attend or conduct some of the presentations. The library will reopen during its regular hours on Saturday.

Nevada Legal Services moving to Monday

Nevada Legal Services will provide ongoing information regarding foreclosures and mediation at a new time and day. Advocates from NLS will be available at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10 in the library in order to assist those who might be unable to attend at an earlier hour.

Capital City Arts Initiative presents poet Gailmarie Pahmeier

Gailmarie Pahmeier, creative writing and contemporary literature instructor at UNR and winner of numerous education awards, including the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2007, will present two programs as part of CCAI's "Books and Writers Series." Pahmeier will conduct a writing workshop from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 will read excerpts from her published works at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.