The holidays must be coming, because the number of questions we're receiving about eBooks and eReaders is shooting sky-high! With new models on the market at lower-than-ever prices, eReaders and tablets are the go-to gift for book lovers on your list. If you are planning on buying an eReader or tablet for a lucky friend or family member (or for yourself!) take your time, and do some research into all your options. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about eBooks at the library.

Can I borrow eBooks from the Library? 

Yes! We have thousands of eBooks in our OverDrive and Freading collections and we’re adding more every day. You can borrow them 24/7, with a valid Calgary Public Library card. The eBooks will return themselves automatically, so you’ll never have to worry about late fees.

Which devices can I use to borrow Library ebooks? 

Our eBooks work with a variety of today’s popular devices, such as:

eReaders

Kobo Glo

• Kobo Glo, Mini, Touch
• Sony Reader WiFi, Touch
• Barnes and Noble Nook

Tablets  

• Kobo Vox and Arc
• Blackberry Playbook
• iPad, iPad Mini, iPod Touch
• Microsoft Surface           
• Barnes and Noble Nook
• Samsung Galaxy
• Google Nexus
• Sony WiFi-PRS-T1
• Kindle Fire

List of devices that are compatible and incompatible with OverDrive (some of the newer devices aren’t listed here yet).

While Amazon has not made older Kindle eReaders compatible with OverDrive in Canadian libraries, you can use the Kindle Fire with OverDrive in Canada, by downloading the OverDrive Media Console app to your device. The Kindle Fire works with Freading also, with a few extra steps.

If you can cope with the teeny, tiny screen you can use your iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Windows smartphone to borrow eBooks. You can also use your computer or netbook.

Which eReader or tablet should I buy?

There are lots of choices this holiday season and a few things you should consider when you make your purchase:

• Cost:  If you’re buying an eReader you can expect to pay between $80 to $300, while tablets will cost you more: from $200 to $850 depending on storage size and connectivity.
• Weight: eReaders are lighter than tablets – the Kobo Mini weighs in at 134 grams, while the Apple iPad weighs 1.44 pounds. Try a friend’s if you can, or at the store, and see what feels most comfortable to you.
• Screen Size: The Kobo Mini measures only 5 inches while tablets like the Apple’s iPad are double that at 10 inches – and closer to the size of a magazine, or hard cover book.
• Screen type: Tablets have LCD screens and are back-lit, emitting their own light, but the print can be less sharp. EReaders have e-ink (electronic ink) screens that reduce glare and reflections in bright-light conditions, but rely on reflected ambient light to light up the screen. Some of the newer eReaders now offer lit screens.
• Functionality: If you want to be able to surf the Internet in addition to reading eBooks you’ll want to buy a tablet computer. (And you’ll have to access a wi-fi connection or pay every month for access to a network). With tablets you can also take pictures and video.
• Battery Life: Tablets use a lot more energy than eReaders do, due to their screen type and processing power, and need frequent charging with high-use. EReaders on the other hand can go for weeks without charging.

We have Consumer Reports in print at all our locations and you can access it online through the MasterFILE Premier database in our E-Library (have your library card ready)!

iPad with retina display

Check out these articles online for more information:

The eBook Reader Comparison Tables
PC’s World’s article: Last Chapter for eReaders?
Consumer Reports eBook Readers Buying Guide article

How can I learn about borrowing eBooks from the Library?

Check out our Getting Started information for OverDrive and for Freading online.

We also offer two great programs on getting started with eBooks at the Library:

• eBooks: A Library on the Go
  Library staff demonstrate how to download an eBook using OverDrive, and answer your questions.
• The eBook Doctor
  Drop in for one-on-one help with your eBook and E-Reader questions and learn how to use OverDrive and Freading.

Current eBook programs (Check back on Monday, December 18th for our 2013 programs -- they will fill up fast!)

What do I do if I need more help?

Call us at 403-260-2600 and our staff will be happy to help!  Or, if you have technical questions about OverDrive you can email them using this form.

Thanks to each and every Calgary Public Library volunteer!

With volunteer support and commitment we are able to bring library materials to those unable to visit the library, computer literacy skills to young children and seniors alike, language support to new Canadians, career support to job seekers, literacy and numeracy skills to children and adults, and so much more.

Thank you volunteers, for your dedication to the Library and for improving the lives of your fellow Calgarians!

Our newest volunteer program, Canadian Oil Sands Math Minds is designed to foster confidence in math skills among students in grades one through six. Through fun numeracy activities and with support from adult volunteers, elementary students receive specialized math tutoring services by using JUMP Math material.

Adults with an interest in math and an interest in helping children improve their math skills are encouraged to volunteer. Training will be provided.

Listen to Mayor Nenshi share the importance of math skills and his personal invitation for you to volunteer!

Learn more about the Canadian Oil Sands Math Minds program here and apply to volunteer with library programs here.

November 5th is International Volunteer Managers Day! We would like to celebrate and thank all of the Calgary Public Library's volunteer coordinators and the wonderful work they do supporting volunteers.

The Calgary Public Libary runs 25 volunteer programs, each of which is managed by staff that coordinate, support and train our many volunteers. Volunteer Resources truly values the work they do bringing meaningfull and rewarding experiences to library volunteers.

LAW CONNECT 2012 CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY Wednesday, October 17 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central Library 616 Macleod Trail SE

Join us from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Central Library on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 for Law Connect 2012.

• LEGAL RESOURCES FAIR (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
  Learn what’s available in the community, connect and ask questions of over 25 community legal service organizations.
• CAREER CONVERSATIONS (11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) NEW for 2012!
  Meet one-on-one with a variety of legal professionals to learn more about their careers.
• NON-GOVERNMENT AFFIDAVIT ID SUPPORT CLINIC (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
• EDUCATIONAL FILMS (12:00 to 1:00 p.m.)
  Learn about “what to do in court” for civil claims, foreclosure matters and landlord and tenant disputes.
• LEGAL GROUNDS ADVICE CLINIC (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
  Receive free legal advice from volunteers lawyers in a private setting. By appointment only. Registration deadline Oct 12.

Law Connect 2012 is a partnership between the Calgary Public Library and Pro Bono Law Alberta, Calgary Legal Guidance, Norton Rose (which provides the team of lawyers) and the Canadian Bar Association Alberta Branch.

Volunteers are needed at our Country Hills Library for our ESL Conversation Club and TD Read With Me programs.

Help adult English learners practice their speaking skills and gain confidence through games, conversation starters, and group activities with the ESL Conversation Club

OR

Help children improve their reading skills with our TD Read with Me Program.

Volunteers must be over 18, fluent in English, and able to make a one year commitment. To apply, please click here.