Ottawa Public Library participates once again in Big Library Read program

_ (Ottawa Public Library) _ The Ottawa Public Library will be taking part in the Big Library Read program, which will be taking place until March 31, on a device near you.

Library card holders will be able to borrow and read American Sniper, the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir of U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle, and the source for Clint Eastwood’s blockbuster movie which was nominated for six academy awards, including best picture, by visiting http://ottawa.lib.overdrive.com/BigLibraryRead.htm . The eBook will be available without wait lists or holds and cannot incur late fees. The title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period.

“The Big Library Read program is an opportunity to offer a better experience to customers by improving access to eContent,” said Tim Tierney, Chair of the OPL Board and Councillor for Beacon Hill-Cyrville Ward. “We will continue to advocate for improved access, and a change to the cost of eBooks for libraries.”

The Big Library Read program is offered by OverDrive, one of OPL’s eBook suppliers. Big Library Read is an international program that gives library customers unlimited simultaneous access to a popular title during the program dates, creating a virtual, global eBook club. Interested customers will be able borrow American Sniper using a valid OPL card, and read it on all major computers and devices, including iPhone, iPad, Kobo, and Android phones and tablets.

Tierney explained that the cost of an eBook for public libraries is often up to three times more than the consumer price, resulting in fewer copies available for library readers. “The Ottawa Public Library is working with Toronto Public Library, Edmonton Public Library, and other libraries in Canada,” said Tierney, “to raise awareness about the pricing improvements needed when it comes to making eContent available.” More information on the advocacy campaign is available at fairpricingforlibraries.org . _ The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is the largest bilingual (English/French) public library system in North America, with 34 branches, physical and virtual at _ _ BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca _ _ , mobile libraries, and a vending machine library service. OPL’s mission is to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people. Follow us on Twitter _ _ Twitter.com/OPL_BPO _ _ and like us on Facebook _ _ Facebook.com/BiblioOttawaLibrary _ _ . Contact us at 613-580-2940 or _ _ InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca _ _ . If it’s out there, it’s in here! _