The Santa Barbara Public Library System and the City of Goleta will be hosting the Digital Bookmobile for two days in February. The Digital Bookmobile showcases the free eBook and audiobook download service available through the Santa Barbara Public Library System. The Bookmobile will be at the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta on Feb. 2 from noon–6pm, and Feb. 3 from 1-7pm.

At this free event, readers all ages will learn how to download eBooks from the library through interactive demonstrations and high-definition instructional videos. A gadget gallery—featuring Kindle®, iPod® touch, Android™ tablet, NOOK™, Sony® Reader™, BlackBerry®, Windows® Phone, and more—will help visitors discover portable devices that are compatible with the library’s download service.

Library card holders for any Santa Barbara Public Library System branch or Black Gold Cooperative library can also check out and download digital titles anytime, anywhere by visiting www.sbplibrary.org.

“The library system is fortunate to be able to offer the Digital Bookmobile for the only two days it will be in the Central Coast area,” said Irene Macias, Library Director. “eBooks circulation has really taken off in the last six months, and the library is trying hard to keep up with the demand,” continued Macias. In December the Black Gold Cooperative, of which the Santa Barbara Public Library is a member, increased the eBook collection size by over 18.5%, mainly through purchases by Santa Barbara Public Library, and downloads increased by more than 25.5%. This number does not even include the downloadable audiobooks, which account for roughly 35% of all electronic checkouts, and also continue to rise in popularity as people become more technology savvy and downloading becomes easier.

The Digital Bookmobile is housed inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. This 74-foot community outreach vehicle is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players, all of which help visitors explore the Santa Barbara Public Library System’s download service. Interactive learning stations give visitors an opportunity to search the library’s digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video.

Library users can take advantage of the download service 24/7 from the library’s website. From there, they can browse the growing collection of bestselling, new release, and classic titles, and check out a digital title with a valid library card. Once downloaded, digital titles can be enjoyed on a computer or transferred to supported mobile devices. Many audio titles can also be burned to audio CD. At the end of the lending period, titles will automatically expire and become available to other users. Even more good news: there are never late fees. The Digital Bookmobile is operated by OverDrive, Inc.

The Santa Barbara Public Library System has six full service libraries throughout the county, including the Goleta Library in the City of Goleta. All Library programs are FREE and open to the public. To download and check out eBooks and audiobooks, or to find out more about library programs and services, visit the library online at www.sbplibrary.org.

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