Coronado Library Now Offers eBooks

Coronado library patrons can now “check out” books electronically by downloading them to their computers, eBook readers or mobile devices. Using their Coronado Library card numbers, library members can access nearly 1,000 eBooks from the Serra Cooperative Library System, which shares books with eight other libraries in San Diego and Imperial Counties through a grant from the California State Library. So far, Coronado library members have checked out 55 titles since the collection was first made available July 18. To get started, patrons should go to the Coronado Library’s home page at www.coronado.lib.ca.us and click on the “Now Available” picture. That link will take patrons to the Serra Digital Download Library. Several book titles are highlighted on this page but before you can “check out” an eBook, patrons must download “Adobe Digital Editions.” To do that, click on “My Help” in the upper left corner of the page and follow the specific instructions for your computer, eBook reader or mobile device. When the appropriate software is downloaded, patrons may select and download eBooks using their Coronado Library card number. All eBook titles will expire at the end of a 14-day lending period. Since they automatically are removed from patrons’ devices, there are no late fees. “When the 14-day check-out period expires, the book can be downloaded again unless another patron is waiting for it,” said Anne Clifford, Coronado Library Head of Adult Services. The eBook service is powered by Overdrive, a major provider of digital materials to libraries. Library officials note that Overdrive book titles are not currently compatible with Kindle readers. However, Overdrive and Amazon recently announced a partnership but no details have been released about when Kindle owners can download Overdrive materials. For more information about the eBook system, call the Coronado Library at (619) 522-7390.