You know that book that’s at the top of your “Must Read” list? Imagine grabbing your tablet and searching the library’s catalog only to find that the eBook you wanted is unavailable. That’s what may happen under the new policies the major publishers have for public libraries. You may have already read media stories related to publisher restrictions on how libraries can purchase and circulate eBooks and eAudiobooks. None of the big publishers are selling or licensing eBooks and eAudiobooks to public libraries in the same way they do print copies. Libraries are limited on the number of copies they can purchase, as well as when and how long they can be active in the library’s catalog. These changes will make it impossible for libraries to provide equal access to information and hurt Ohioans who depend on the library the most.
Carnegie Public Library has promoted eBooks and eAudiobooks usage for more than eight years, long before it was as popular as it is today. In fact, more than 18,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks were borrowed from the Carnegie Public Library last year. That’s a 46 percent increase from 2017! The costs associated with eBooks and eAudiobooks are rising as well. Libraries are often required to pay several times the retail price and now may be forced to re-purchase popular titles every two years. Carnegie Library is fortunate to be part of the Ohio Digital Library. Contributing to and participating in a library consortium helps offset costs, but these practices are harmful nonetheless. Libraries throughout the United States hope to reverse or modify these new policy changes by working with the publishers and authors, as well as library consortia, our state and national library associations, and other stakeholders. In the meantime, keep reading! Carnegie Library and our partners strive to provide access to the titles you want in the format you prefer. Want to learn more about eBooks? Ask library staff about “Libby!”
The “Scarecrow Book Sale” is just around the corner! Join AAUW and Carnegie Public Library to peruse a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction books, children’s books, and DVDs. All items are just 50 cents! “Preview Day” is also “Community Day!” On Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 2 p.m.-6 p.m., admission is free when you show us your library card! Admission without a library card is $2. The sale continues on Thursday, Sept. 19 and Friday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. is “Bargain Day” where a bag of books is just $1! Proceeds from the sale benefit the library’s general fund and AAUW’s local scholarship fund. The library will begin accepting donations of new and gently used books, music CDs, and DVDs for the “Scarecrow Book Sale” beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3.
In Washington Court House: Code Club and Storytime are on hiatus for August!
In Jeffersonville: Coming up on Aug. 28 at 3 p.m. the “Knifty Knitters” group will meet at the library for fun, fellowship, knitting, and crocheting for a good cause. Members make caps for newborn babies and those undergoing chemo. All are welcome!
Coming up, the libraries in Washington Court House and Jeffersonville will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Both locations will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m.
Information about all of our programs can be found on the library’s website, www.cplwcho.org, or by calling the Washington Court House Library at 740-335-2540 and the Jeffersonville Library at 740-426-9292. All programs are FREE, unless otherwise noted. Check us out on Facebook; follow us on Twitter @cplwcho.
