MEDIA RELEASE
1966 was the last time the Stillwater Public Library has had a visit from a bookmobile—one of those drivable libraries used to deliver books throughout town and make reading easier. OSU sent over “a big red bookmobile” to be on display during National Library Week.
Over fifty years later, Stillwater is getting another visit, but this time “the big red bookmobile” will be replaced with the behemoth of all bookmobiles, which will be on display at the front of the Perkins Road Wal-Mart on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 12-6 p.m.
The digital-only, 74-foot, 18-wheel tractor-trailer outfitted with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition touchscreen monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players will introduce the Stillwater community to the Oklahoma Virtual Library (OKVL), the library’s online book collection powered by Overdrive.
“Many community members still don’t know that they actually have two public libraries available to them,” said Lynda Reynolds, library director. “One is the physical library located at 12th and Duck, while the other is a 46,000 item digital collection located anywhere the reader wants to use it. This highly coveted visit from the Overdrive bookmobile will help people get started using our free service”
The library has offered OKVL since 2011, to great success. Over 20% of the library’s 350,000 yearly checkouts are on digital content. Recently the OKVL website underwent updates to make finding and downloading books and audios even easier. It also introduced a new app called Libby that improved OKVL service for mobile devices.
First time users or those who want assistance with the new app and webpage, will get one on one help from librarians. Potential users looking to purchase an e-reader or digital device can test drive a wide array of devices in the Digital Bookmobile’s Gadget Gallery to see which one they like best.
“Although we encourage community members to borrow eBooks and eAudios online, it doesn’t mean that you have to purchase your devices online,” said Reynolds. “One reason we wanted to host the Overdrive bookmobile at a business was to allow visitors to try out devices, and then purchase one at a local store.
Whether you shop at Wal-Mart, Best Buy or another electronics outlet, Stillwater stores have huge selections of tablets, eReaders, and smartphones that all work with OKVL.”
Visitors to the bookmobile will each get a chance in a giveaway for one of two tablets available through Wal-Mart and provided by the Friends of the Library. Overdrive will also be offering a Wal-Mart gift card in the drawing.
Visitors can get an additional chance in the drawing when they get their library card at the event. Library cards are required to use OKVL, and librarians will be available to issue free cards to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Payne County. To get a free card, bring a photo ID and something showing name and either local address (license or bill), workplace (paystub or work ID) or school enrollment (student ID). A parent or legal guardian must be present for card applicants under 18 years old.
For more information about the event, visit the Stillwater Public Library website at http://library.stillwater.org or contact the library Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106 or [email protected].
To view the OKVL, click on the eBook link on the library’s homepage. EBooks and eAudiobooks are available to download for free 24 hours a day and never incur late charges, because they are automatically returned on the due date. The OKVL collection includes multiple copies of bestsellers, as well as classic titles, non-fiction and adult and children’s material from all genres.
The Perkins Road Wal-Mart is located at 111 N Perkins Rd.
