Talking Books Now Downloadable

I can remember the advent of the “Princess” telephones that came in pastel colors and had the push-button dialing mechanism built into the handset. These colorful devices were revolutionary! As I recall, a person could purchase one to replace the old, heavy black rotary dial telephone that was leased to every telephone subscriber. My parents never went the “Princess” route. In their time, the old black telephone that sat on the counter had been quite a change from the wooden box and hand-cranked earlier version.

The current computer and electronic age is much like the “Princess” telephone era. Many of us feel too old and inept to keep up with the marvels that continue to spin-off our nation’s historic race to catch up with the Russians and their “Sputnik.” We’ve adapted to the hand-held television remote and the VCR and its remote. Many of us older folk are just now struggling to figure out our how to use DVD players.

The younger generation feels at home with the cell phones. Just like the “Princess” telephone, these cell phones come in all colors and shapes. But unlike the pastel princesses, the cell phone can talk to you, give you messages, act as your personal calendar, address directory, and more.

The I-Pods and MP3 players are another category of devices to first attract the younger generation and then, slowly make inroads with the older folks—particularly the “gadget” crowd who always wanted to be a step ahead of their cohorts.

Many of the public libraries in the state, including the Columbus Public Library, have just begun to offer our patrons yet another electronic challenge. Beginning this past Monday, March 10th, a new era of library service was inaugurated with the downloadable talking book. By going to http://nebraska.lib.overdrive.com, a library patron can peruse the vast collection of talking books that range from novels, biographies, motivational, and more---select and download the book in seconds. A high-speed internet connection is required. Patrons can listen to their selection from a computer or laptop, or can “upload” it to an “MP3” player or similar device. Some cell phones can also be used to upload talking books.

This new era of electronic books will mean that your Columbus Public Library will never be closed. You can browse, check out, and download from your home. Of course, a library card will be required for each transaction. Just like in the TV series, “Mission Impossible,” after a 2-week check out period, the electronic download will self-destruct and become available for some other resident in the state.

The Internet-source talking book is just the beginning of this new electronic library world. Already, patrons can Google many copyright-free books to read from their computers. Soon, libraries and video stores will abandon their DVD collections and replace them with downloading movies for rent or checkout via a credit card or library card. Now that I look back, the “Princess” phone may have been the harbinger of a new world.

Recent memorial donations to the Library Foundation included those in memory of Ruby Behlen from Alice Aerni, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Augspurger, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Haney, Mr. and Mrs. John Lohr, Mary Norton, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Raimondo, Mr. and Mrs. San Scheidegger, and Mary Sharpe. A Donation in memory of Frank Schuele was received from Lucille and Burns Ellison. These memorials are gratefully received and will be used to enhance the services of the library.