RANGELEY – The Rangeley Public Library has continued to embrace technology in all its forms. Director Martin Gagnon recently announced that electronic books are now available at no cost for all Rangeley Public Library card holders.
The availability of electronic books is part of a determined effort to bring library services at the historic landmark up to current trends in the field. “We are excited to offer our patrons with electronic reading devices what they are looking for while still being mindful that technology is not for everyone. While we will always seek to bring the latest services to our patrons, we know that we need to maintain a balance between new and traditional formats,” said Gagnon.
What is an e-book? An e-book is an electronic book, one you read digitally on your computer, laptop screen or on devices called e-book readers. Examples of e-book readers include the Nook and the Sony Reader. Unlike audio books which you listen too, e-books are generally text only books in a digital format which you read page by page.
Some e-books are produced simultaneously with the production of a printed format though in many instances they may not be put on sale until later. Often, e-books are produced from pre-existing hard-copy books, generally by document scanning, sometimes with the use of robotic book scanners, having the technology to quickly scan books without damaging the original print edition. Scanning a book produces a set of image files, which may additionally be converted into text format. Occasionally, as in some e-text projects, a book may be produced by re-entering the text from a keyboard.
Complete directions to download either an audiobook or an e-book can be found on the Library web site at www.rangeleylibrary.com. If you would like to visit the library in person, the staff of the Rangeley Public Library would be glad to help anyone download an e-book or answer any other questions. The Rangeley Public Library is open on Tuesday from 10 – 7, Wednesday – Friday from 10 to 4:30 and Saturday from 10 – 2.
