From the comfort of your home or office computer, you can browse the collection, check out, and download eBooks anytime, anywhere. eBooks are growing in popularity and are an exciting addition to the thousands of digital audiobooks that are currently available through ListenNJ.

An eBook is a digital or electronic version of a paper book. eBooks can be read on a PC or Mac® using free reader software called Adobe® Digital Editions. eBooks can also be transferred to popular e-reading devices like the Sony® Reader and the Barnes & Noble nook™. Many eBooks feature reflowable text which allows a user to resize the text and alter the display to fit any screen size. The Sony Reader and the nook are designed to look and feel like a book and are great for users on the go. The devices feature E INK technology, a screen that reads like paper so it’s easy on the reader’s eyes. The Amazon Kindle and Apple iPad currently cannot be used to download eBooks from ListenNJ.

Almost 1,000 titles are currently available including popular authors like James Patterson, Nora Roberts, and Stieg Larrson. eBooks are available in all subjects including business, cooking, self-improvement and other non-fiction genres.To download an eBook you will need your library card barcode number, a computer, and an Internet connection. Ebooks automatically expire at the end of the lending period so there are never any late fees. You may checkout a maximum of 5 titles at any one time. If the book you want to read is not currently available, you can join the waiting list or add it to your wish list. You can also rate the books that you have read.

To download an eBook, go to www.oldbridgelibrary.org, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link for ListenNJ. After you have selected your books and you are ready to checkout, select Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium from the drop down menu, enter your library card number and pin and you are ready to download the book to your computer. If you don’t already have Adobe Digital Editions software on your computer, you will need to download it (click on the help link at ListenNJ) and set up an account. (By C.L. Quillen, Head of Adult and Information Services)