Avon Free Library Gets iPad Tablets to Keep Patrons Up-to-Date on the Latest Technology

The A is keeping pace with the latest technology and encouraging patrons to do the same with the recent addition of two new iPad tablets.

The devices cannot be taken out of the library, but users are free to borrow one for a few hours or longer, according to Tina Panik, circulation and public services manager.   

“We want people to get comfortable with the technology and embrace it,” she said. “We don’t want them to be afraid of it. ”

A iPad tablet is a touch screen, with a similar look to a laptop screen, but it is more portable and has added features. Users can surf the Internet and access databases, read e-books, newspapers and magazines, check email, watch movies and listen to music. There is a touch screen keyboard for typing.

Navin K. Sanghvi, of Avon, who comes to the library every day, has enjoyed learning to master what he calls “an educational toy. The iPad is a cool device,” he said. “I can enlarge the screen and tilt it. It’s great for research. I like to look at the globe and planets.”

While there is no guided instruction on iPad use, staff members are available to answer questions and provide advice.

“The whole idea is for people to explore on their own,” Panik said.

In addition to the iPads, the library has one NookColor that can be taken out for 14 days and already is quite popular. Users can surf the web, watch movies, play music and read e-books. 

“People are very curious about the color screen, which is ideal for reading children’s books,” said Panik. “The parents love it when they take their kids travelling.”

The library also offers two Sony Readers (PRS-200) for downloading e-books and two Sony Walkman MP3 Players for audio books, music and radio.  Both have a 14-day lending period.

According to Panik, many people don’t realize that they can download e-books and audio books from their home computers, laptops, iPhones or “wherever there’s an Internet connection. It’s that easy.”

She said that patrons with an active library card can go to the website and access for free a catalog of more than 1,240 e-books and 2,300 audio books. The selection includes new fiction, classics, and children and teen titles.

Suggested titles to add to the collection are always welcome, according to Circulation Assistant Adam Delaura.

“We’re continuously looking for new ways to reach potential readers, especially as the general public changes how information is consumed,” said Delaura, who is the go-to technical expert at the library.

On the morning of April 15,  as part of National Library Week, the Avon Free Library will have the iPad Tablets and other devices on display. Staff members will be present to answer questions.

For further information, go to www.avonctlibrary.info