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Year: 2017

Did the Digital Bookmobile Go Inside a Building?

Posted on by od.admin

Can a 42-foot-long Toterhome that runs on a generator fit and run inside of a building? We put it to the test this year at Digipalooza.

Every two years, OverDrive hosts Digipalooza, an international user group conference for partner libraries and schools that offers a unique blend of education, networking and fun. The conference is packed full of valuable librarian-led sessions and networking activities with publishers and industry experts.

When planning this year’s conference, staff members thought outside the box and envisioned the Digital Bookmobile inside the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. It had to be close enough to sessions and convenient enough for attendees to visit during breaks. I mean, what if it rained!? (It did… briefly.)

Did it go inside a building? Yes, yes it did.

Digital Bookmobile inside Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

With the help of convention center staff, our driver Ira, and pre-planning, over 400 attendees saw the Digital Bookmobile inside the convention center, and many got a tour! The Digital Bookmobile was set up to safely run inside on battery power and showcased our traveling exhibit to library and school partners.

This was our second stop during Digipalooza. Our first stop saw 244 visitors at Punch Bowl Social, Digipalooza’s Kickoff Social. Both days were fun, but there’s something special about being somewhere you’re traditionally not supposed to be.

Digipalooza attendees visit the Digital Bookmobile inside the convention center

For more photos from the event, please visit our Flickr page.

ADA Accessible Digital Bookmobile Empowers Patrons in Evanston, IL

Posted on by od.admin

On Monday, June 12th, the ADA Accessible Digital Bookmobile was in the city of Evanston!

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. For that reason, the Digital Bookmobile is equipped with a BraunAbility wheelchair lift to ensure people of all abilities can safely enter the Digital Bookmobile.

Evanston Public Library is at the heart of a diverse community and promotes the development of independent, self-confident, and literate citizens.

Heat in the mid-90’s didn’t deter patrons from stepping outside the library and into the air conditioned Digital Bookmobile located in Evanston Public Library’s back parking lot. Here, visitors learned about borrowing eBooks and audiobooks for free on their personal devices.

 

The day didn’t end there! At 5pm we went to our second stop at Over the Rainbow Association (OTR). OTR is an Illinois non-profit organization dedicated to providing independent living solutions for individuals with physical disabilities. Twice a month, staff from Evanston Public Library visit OTR with library materials that residents can check out.

That Monday, residents learned about a whole new way of borrowing materials… digitally. Fifth Ward Alderman Robin Rue Simmons partnered with Evanston Public Library to bring the Digital Bookmobile to the Hill Arboretum Apartments!

Photo from @OverTheRainbowAssociation on Facebook

OTR resident Katelyn learned how to borrow digital materials from OverDrive employee Leslie inside the Digital Bookmobile!

OTR resident Anthony said, “This is so cool! We never had this type of stuff when I was a kid,” as he browsed the Star Wars audiobook collection.

Overall, a total of 70 people visited the Digital Bookmobile from both locations to explore Evanston Public Library’s digital collection, “My Media Mall,” of around 23,000 eBooks, 10,800 audiobooks, and 133 videos.

“It was great! For such a hot, humid day, and two locations,” said Supervisory Librarian Heather Norborg.

No matter your age or ability, borrowing eBooks & more from your library promotes independence, self-confidence, and literacy.

An article posted in the Evanston Round Table following the event can be found here.