Gadget Training at the Arlington Public Library
By Office of Communication
Posted on January 05, 2012, January 05, 2012

Gadget Training at the Public Library

Did you receive an eReader, smartphone, or a tablet computer as a holiday gift? Are you unsure how to use your new "gadget?"

The Arlington Public Library can help.

The Library offers a Gadget Workshop and Petting Zoo to help familiarize you with your new technology. Workshop participants receive hands-on experience with Nooks, Kindles, iPads, iPods, iPhones, Androids, and more. Knowledgeable library staff will be on hand to answer questions about how to download eBooks and eAudiobooks.

In addition, there are Drop-In Downloadable eBook Clinics scheduled every Thursday from 4-5pm at the Lake Arlington Branch.

If you aren't able to come to the library but have questions about accessing or downloading eBooks and/or eAudiobooks, library staff will be available for an online chat, or you can call the library at 817-459-6900. One-on-one appointments can also be made.

The Arlington Public Library partners with:

  • OverDrive- Focuses on bestsellers in fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels for adults, children, and teens. A list of compatible gadgets are also available.
  • OneClickDigital- Services include eAudiobooks books from the following genre: self-help, inspirational, suspense, fiction, western, history, romance, and more. At this time, OneClickDigital is not compatible with Apple Computers.
  • Tumblebooks- A collection of streaming eAudiobooks for children, tweens, and teens which cannot be loaded on a portable device, but may be enjoyed on a computer with an internet connection. AudioBookCloud is also from Tumblebooks and is a collection of streaming eAudiobooks for adults. Categories include fiction, non-fiction, and classics. AudioBookCloud also offers audiobooks in Spanish.
  • EBSCOhost- Offers more than 29,000 eBook titles including non-fiction, business, health, homework, computers, and history. The focus is on titles to support research and school assignments. EBSCOhost eBooks are not compatible with mobile devices or Kindle.
  • Kindle anyone? Currently, the library has more than 2,500 Kindle-compatible eBook titles. Explore these links to get started: Amazon's Public Library Books for Kindle and OverDrive's Kindle help page. Also, consider watching this video overview of the entire process. Many people find that the video answers all of their questions.

Online tutorials are available to help get you started with any of the eBook and eAudiobook options.

In order to download any of the eBook or eAudiobooks, you must have a current Arlington Public Library card. It's easy to get a library card, you can register three ways:

  1. On-line
  2. Print a registration form
  3. Go in person to any library location.

If you choose online registration, you should receive your card in the mail within 7-10 days. However, you will be required to show an ID with proof of address the first time you use your card to check out materials. Non-residents are also allowed to use the Arlington Public Library services, but certain fees apply.

So this year don't forget to take advantage of the Arlington Public Library where you will find a treasure trove of classes and activities for adults, children, tweens, and teens.

News, Library