Audio books available online

Enjoy listening to the latest bestseller in the car on the way to work? Want to entice a tech-savvy teen to keep up with reading assignments? Interested in fitting that trendy nonfiction title into your day?

The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System's new downloadable audio book service, available at http://over drive.buffalolib.org, can make that possible.

The service allows B&ECPL patrons with a valid library card to download audio books to their personal computers free of charge. The selections may then be listened to through the PC or transferred to a personal MP3 player. If publisher licensing permits, some titles may also be burned directly to compact disc for listening in the car or on portable players.

The library's collection currently contains more than 425 titles, including a combination of fiction and nonfiction bestsellers, classics and popular authors. The fiction category includes mystery and suspense, young adult and juvenile, classics, romance and science fiction.

Nonfiction titles are available in biography, business and careers, religion and spirituality and self-improvement. New selections will be ordered each month, and will include titles placed on local school reading lists.

"We want all members of our community to find the library's resources accessible and convenient," Director Michael C. Mahaney said. "In today's society, this involves reaching out beyond traditional library buildings. The downloadable audio book service is another way to bring reading and the library back to commuters, teens, busy parents and homebound individuals."

During an unadvertised trial period, the service was well-received with hundreds of titles downloaded during the first 10 days, according to Mahaney.

To check out materials, patrons browse the collection at http://overdrive.buffalolib.org, select a title and enter a valid library card number to download the digital book.

Late fees never accrue with this service. At the end of the seven-day loan period, titles will expire and be automatically "returned" to the library for others to enjoy. If an item is currently checked out, patrons may place a request for no charge and will be able to see how many people are currently waiting for the title.

The individual is notified by e-mail when the audio book is available for download. In addition, many titles are always available, featuring unlimited, simultaneous use.

The technology to offer the downloadable audio book service is provided by OverDrive Inc., based in Cleveland, Ohio.

For more details about this service, visit www.buf falolib.org/wireless.index.asp.