New York Public Library to host high-tech download experience at inaugural event

 

Cleveland, OH – July 16, 2008—The Digital Bookmobile (www.digitalbookmobile.com), a traveling community outreach exhibit for public library download services, will kick off a national tour on August 10 in Central Park with The New York Public Library (http://ebooks.nypl.org).  The inaugural event will allow readers of all ages to experience digital audiobook, eBook, music, and video downloads from their public library and immerse themselves in an interactive learning environment.  Events are scheduled at Queens Borough Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library in the days following the Central Park launch.

The Digital Bookmobile will travel coast-to-coast promoting digital downloads at public libraries through 2009. Libraries in Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Cleveland, St. Louis, Phoenix, and places in between will play host to the 18-wheeler as it weaves across America. A schedule of upcoming events is available at www.digitalbookmobile.com.

“Over 7,500 libraries provide millions of patrons with access to digital books through their ‘Virtual Branch’ websites, and with the Digital Bookmobile, libraries can promote their download service and generate new users,” said David Burleigh, director of marketing for OverDrive, Inc. “Readers of all ages will discover just how easy it is to browse, check out, and download digital audiobooks, eBooks, music, and video from their library with the Digital Bookmobile’s interactive educational sessions.”

The Digital Bookmobile, developed inside a 74-foot, 18-wheel tractor-trailer, is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. The community outreach vehicle creates an engaging download experience around the host library’s digital media collection and ‘Virtual Branch’ download website. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players. Interactive computer stations give visitors an opportunity to search the digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and download and enjoy eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video from the library.

The Digital Bookmobile is hosted by individual libraries in support of their download services and operated by OverDrive, Inc. OverDrive powers download media catalogs at thousands of libraries, including institutions in New York City, Singapore, Boston, and Toronto.

 

About OverDrive
OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audio books, music, and video. We deliver secure management, DRM protection, and download fulfillment services for thousands of publishers, libraries, schools, retailers, and aggregators serving millions of end users. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.overdrive.com

Media Contact:
David Burleigh
Director of Marketing
OverDrive, Inc.
dburleigh@overdrive.com
216-573-6886 Ext 218

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