Friends of the Library AGM – Meet the Kindle

THE FUTURE IS NOW

AT OAKVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

COME TO

THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND

TRY OUT THE KINDLE

The Oakville Library Electronic Online Services Director, Brian Bell will be looking at the library’s newest electronic advances at the Friends of the Library’s Annual General Meeting on January 20th, 2010.  The title of Mr. Bell’s presentation is “The Future is Now” and he will look at ways that the library is adopting new technologies. Mr. Bell, a leader in the field of library electronic services, points out that the Oakville Library has been very proactive in making changes. As an example of the new directions taken, electronic book readers just like this Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device, that have been purchased by the Library recently will be available at the meeting to try out.

Some believe that these e-books will change the way novels, textbooks, and reference books may be accessed. And authors, who have struggled with slumping sales, may now have an exciting new revenue stream to exploit.  The current e-books may have handled some of the earlier objections to their use. The screens read like “real paper” even in bright sunlight and they can hold up to 1,500 books.

The library’s e-books will be available for lending out at each branch of the library where the readers will be loaded with digital books titles that will be provided for selection through the Oakville Library.

The questions that inevitably rise once again are; How the printed word and publishing is going to change? Does this spell the end of books? Will this put a serious crimp in the Friends book sales?  Many questions.  Mr. Bell may not have all the answers, but we are certain he will be able to share his expert observations.

FRIENDS OF THE OAKVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Mr. Bell’s presentation will follow Friends Annual General Meeting on January 20, 2010 in the second floor auditorium at the Central Library at Lakeshore Road and Navy Street. Parking is available IN lots on Water and Church Streets. There will be refreshments and snacks, a roundup of the year’s activities and installation of officers followed by Brian Bell’s presentation.  Acting chair: Carlie Oreskovich