Libraries deliver digital downloads

Middletown — Digital media technology isn’t just for sophisticated urbanites, as almost 750,000 residents in four New York counties are about to discover. Starting Tuesday, Jan. 17, popular eBooks, eAudio Books, and eMusic can be downloaded from efiles.rcls.org with a valid library card from an Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) member library. Digital material can be checked out and downloaded online 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and the items will be returned automatically to the library at the end of a set loan period. “With the Digital Library Reserve platform, patrons will be able to download digital versions of the same popular titles they’re enjoying on CD or on paper. But, with this service, they won’t have to make a trip to the library or pay late fees,” said Robert Hubsher, RCLS director. “This is the kind of innovation you’d associate with Silicon Valley, not the Hudson Valley.” Once library users have downloaded and registered the free reader software, they can use their library cards to checkout and download eBooks, eAudio books and eMusic from the RCLS Digital Download Center Web site to their PCs, laptops, MP3 players, PDA devices, Pocket PCs, and certain Smartphones. In late spring of 2006, video downloads will be available. Directions are available at www.rcls.org/RCLSdirs.html or call 343-1131 ext. 242.