Now that summer is on its way, we are all thinking about holidays - and holidays include more time for reading, right? Wonderful stacks of books to be lugged from home to cottage, or stuffed into suitcases for that plane or car trip.
But there are other options: e-books and audiobooks.
Forget about lugging around hardcovers and paperbacks. You could be using your e-reader, iPad or other tablet. This means packing all that great reading into one thin device - and no overweight luggage fees. Car trips can pass very pleasantly if you take your books in audio format and you can download several titles onto your MP3 player or iPhone.
Worried about how much all these e-books and audiobooks cost? Don't be. They are all free.
Library-to-Go, the BC Libraries website for downloading free e-books and audio books, is the place to visit. All you need is your library card. Go to http://downloads.bclibrary.ca (or go through your local library website), follow three easy steps and you are on your way.
In the catalogue, you will find hundreds of titles available to borrow for free in both audio and e-book format. You will be able to borrow books for 21 days and there will never be any late fees. The books just expire on your device when the time is up.
What kinds of books are available? Well, pretty much the same kind of thing you would find in your local library building. You will find bestsellers, mysteries, science fiction, romance, western, historical fiction. Non-fiction titles include biography, computer manuals, relationship help, business, health and fitness, history, religion, sports and much, much more.
What about the kids? There are many novels and picture books for children. Like many other popular titles, the Harry Potter books are available in both audio and e-book format. Geronimo Stilton, The Book Thief and a large number of Disney favourites are always available.
For young adults, the Pretty Little Liars series is available in both formats along with Twilight and other teen series.
So, take a trip online before hitting the road or the sky this summer. You may just find your favourite travel guides are waiting for you there as well.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published every Wednesday. Irene Jakse is program and services co-ordinator with Port Moody Public Library.
