With e-readers, tablets and smartphones expected to be among the top holiday gifts this season, Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) is prepared to meet the increasing demand for electronic materials. The library offers an extensive collection of e-books, audiobooks and music available for immediate download and use on a gamut of gadgets. The downloads are accessible 24/7 at www.VBgov.com/downloadables, even when libraries are closed. And it’s all free with a VBPL library card.
In January, VBPL staff will host a variety of hands-on classes and one-on-one tutoring at most library locations to help residents learn to use their new devices to access the library’s collection. Library staff teach these classes year-round, but they have added additional classes this winter to meet residents’ needs. Thanks to funding from the Friends of the Virginia Beach Public Library, VBPL has a “petting zoo” of popular gadgets to help with training and demonstrations. To find upcoming events, search “classes” in the library’s online calendar, www.VBgov.com/library-events, or call your local library.
About Virginia Beach Public Library
A community anchor for more than 50 years, Virginia Beach Public Library includes a central library, eight area libraries, a law library and a bookmobile. Services include workforce development and job-search support, small business resources, computer and technology classes, early childhood literacy classes and local history archives. In addition to books in a variety of formats (print, audio and downloadable), the library provides online research tools accessible from home or work, as well as movies, music, and a variety of specialty collections. In 2010, the library saw 1.9 million people through its doors and checked out more than 3.3 million items. Visit www.VBgov.com/libraries for more information.
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