MEDIA RELEASE

Library patrons with Kindle eBook readers can now access and download nearly 50,000 eBooks from the Hawaii State Public Library System’s (HSPLS) website, thanks to Amazon and OverDrive, the system’s primary provider of eBooks and digital audiobooks, State Librarian Richard Burns has announced.

Kindle, the popular eBook reader, is now compatible with the Library System’s outstanding eBook collection.

“With the recent launching of Amazon’s new Kindle Fire, the demand for eBooks is anticipated to increase, and we are expanding the size, depth and breadth of our collection to meet this demand,” Burns said.

Patrons with eBook readers can browse HSPLS’ eBook collection by visiting www.librarieshawaii.org, clicking on “EBooks, Audio-books and Music,” and then accessing http://hawaii.lib.overdrive.com.

By clicking on the “Kindle Now Available” button, users can access eBook titles for all ages on a wide variety of topics including fiction, non-fiction, health, fitness, business, religion, cooking, self-improvement, and biographies.

EBooks are the fastest growing segment of HSPLS’ total circulation. With Kindle compatibility, circulation is expected to increase by more than 30 percent this year, to more than 100,000.

Through the convenience of remote access, library patrons with a valid library card may borrow up to ten eBooks free of charge for up to three weeks without traveling to the library or incurring overdue charges.