Hamden Library Director Robert Gualtieri has announced the addition of downloadable e-books to the list of library collections and services. Hamden residents can gain access to the e-pub format titles through the library’s website at www.hamdenlibrary.org.  In order to download items, users must be Hamden residents with a current Hamden Public Library card in good standing. Before acquiring e-book titles, users must complete a one-time download of Adobe Digital Editions, a software program that manages lending of e-books through Overdrive Digital Library. Once that step is complete, users may borrow up to five titles at a time to be read on their computer or e-reader.  At this time, the Kindle e-reader is not supported for library use, but Overdrive plans for Kindle access at a later date.

            Gualtieri says he is grateful to the Legislative Council and the Mayor’s office in their willing and immediate support of this project for which a large number of library users have expressed interest for an e-book collection. Ebooks have seen a continual rise in popularity during the past few years to a point where Amazon.com recently declared higher sales rates for electronic books over their print counterparts.  At Gualtieri’s request and the Mayor’s recommendation, the Council voted to approve a contract with Overdrive. Library Technical Services Department Head, Jessica Rogoz and David Richards, IT Director for the Town of Hamden, have worked with Overdrive to connect the service to the library’s website and user database.  Final steps for the connection were completed this week.

            Detailed instructions for the download process are available on the library’s website as well as in print format at each of the library’s 3 locations in town. In addition, the library will be conducting surveys of e-book users to determine their particular interests in subjects and genres for future development of the collection.

            For further information call the library at 203 287-2680.