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Nook added to Oak Park Library tech arsenal
Oak Park Public Library Teen Services Librarian Rachael Bild with a pair of the Nooks the library is offering the public. The library is carrying 33 Nook Simple Touch and 17 Nook Color devices. | Chris LaFortune~Sun-Times Media
Check it out
Nooks can be placed on hold by calling (708) 383-8200 or visiting the library’s SWAN catalog online. They can be loaned up to three weeks at a time.
Updated: October 28, 2012 6:11AM
OAK PARK — The Oak Park Public Library is offering Nooks to all library goers.
The library introduced 33 Nook Simple Touch and 17 Nook Color devices on Sept. 10 as apart of their collections.
“People want and need digital forms of books, so we are happy to provide them,” Executive Director Deirdre Brennan said. “The response has been full of enthusiasm.”
Nooks are not the only way the Oak Park Public Library is staying true to the changing times.
“Technology is core to everything we do,” Brennan said. “We couldn’t run the library without technology.”
Library members can use Mango Languages online, which offers 36 language courses and 15 English as a Second Language courses. Muzzy, a language program for children, is also available.
Members can also use their library card to download three MP3 music downloads per week for free.
“People are loving the free music available,” Library Marketing Coordinator Jodi Kolo said.
The library’s wireless printing allows people to send print jobs from home, picking them up at the library. Black and white printing costs 15 cents per page, color 25 cents.
Technology classes are also offered to help people learn computer programs and skills.
Brennan said the library hopes to upgrade and expand its self-checkout system and to redesign the lobby space next summer.
The library also plans to extend Wi-Fi to Scoville Park when the park renovation is complete, and to digitize their special collection materials.
As for the Nook, Oak Park resident Taylor Bernstein plans to reserve one soon.
“It’ll be nice to be able to use an e-reader without buying one,” Bernstein said. “It’s great the library is offering them.”
Each Nook comes preloaded with e-books selected by the librarians.
“The books were selected on a basis of what the community wants and needs,” Kolo said.
Categories include adult fiction and nonfiction bestsellers, cookbooks, mysteries, romance, teen fiction, graphic novels and more. There is even a collection dedicated to “All About Oak Park.”
Nooks are also reserved for children. They include picture books, beginning readers, classics and fiction.
“The reaction has been immediately favorable,” Children’s Services Manager Heather McCammond-Watts said.
She said parents have been thrilled to have books available that include text and audio.
“It’s a great way for the kids to learn,” McCammond-Watts said.
So far, the library has had no issues with damage to the devices, officials said. However, people are responsible for replacing lost or damaged parts.
