Mahomet Public Library (MPL) patrons can now find an extended eBook and audiobook catalogue through the 3M Cloud Library.
MPL gained access to the 3M Cloud Library through membership with the Illinois Heartland Library System. Patrons can use their library card to directly download eBooks to eReaders, iPad and Android tablets, smartphones, music players, personal computers and laptops.
The 3M platform does not work with Kindle eReaders, but do with Kindle Fire.
The library continues to offer eBooks through the My Media Mall (Overdrive) system. My Media Mall works with all Kindle, Nook and eReader brands, iPad and Android tablets, smartphones, music players, personal computers and laptops.
“When the opportunity became available to work with 3M, we were excited because we could offer more materials, and with a couple hundred libraries participating, it gave us a better price,” Library director Lynn Schmit said.
Once a member of the Illinois Heartland Library System purchases an eBook, it becomes available to all members of the consortium.
My Media Mall and 3M Cloud Library are paid for through the library’s budget.
“We are still purchasing books, but we know there is a demand for eBooks,” Schmit said. “We are keeping up with the times. We won’t migrate entirely to eBooks. We still purchase books generously with the money we have.”
Schmit said Mahomet patrons rank in the top four users of the eBook services in the area. Champaign, Urbana and Decatur round out the top three.
3M books have a two week checkout period, but can be renewed when available or put on hold.
The Mahomet Public Library also offers Zinio Magazines, Book News, an online subscription to the Wall Street Journal and 11 databases to help with homework and research.
Tri-fold guides of the programs can be found at the library circulation desk.
