Ed is currently reading Brian May’s Red Special as a physical book, but he also reads plenty of digital books and listens to audiobooks when driving.
Want stories without the weight of a bag of books? Check out the digital collection at GCPL. The ease of streaming and downloading materials has been steadily improving over the past decade, and now, a vast storehouse of work from your favorite authors is yours. All you need is an internet connection, your library card and an account in one of our digital platforms: Overdrive (Libby app) or hoopla. It takes only a few minutes to check out items and enjoy them instantly.
Before anyone worries about the staying power of physical books, let me put your minds at ease. Actual books with paper pages aren’t going anywhere. There will always be a market for people who prefer books. But, there are times when digital books are more practical.
If you’ve ever listened to an audiobook during a road trip, you’ve already experienced the magic of having a story come to life while you travel. If you have a smartphone or other device, just download your book onto it, and enjoy a story by anyone from Stephen King to Toni Morrison. When it’s due, it automatically returns. This means it comes off your device, freeing memory for all your other apps – and to download your next item. No overdues.
Commuters who live in Geauga but work in Cleveland or Akron can easily learn about The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up or how to make the most out of their 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think. Or, if a good escape novel fits the bill, The Girl in the Woods will fill your commutes with suspense and intrigue. We have heard from dry-wallers and painters who look forward to going to work so they can finish their audiobooks. Wouldn’t it be great to learn and expand your mind while on the job?
Digital ebooks are another great option. Book lovers (and we know that’s you, dear reader) tend to amass a weighty collection of titles over the years. Your shelves are groaning. Of course, there are special titles that will never leave your home. But, what about all those popular novels you read once? Anytime you consume books quickly or if you don’t want the hassle of leaving your home to find your next titles, all you need to do is open your Libby or hoopla apps and start browsing. You’ll be reading in minutes.
Digital books, audiobooks, music, movies, and magazines from your library have never been easier to obtain and enjoy. If you have any questions about how to use our digital services, please come to any GCPL Branch. Our staff is ready to help you.
Start reading, listening, and enjoying!
Ed is currently reading Brian May’s Red Special: The Story of the Home-Made Guitar That Rocked Queen and the World .