EBooks aren’t just popular, they are the fastest growing segment of our collection. But what library patrons don’t know is that eBooks are significantly more expensive for us to acquire than print editions.

While there is no one model for the purchasing of eBooks by libraries, most titles run in the $50 range. For that price, we receive one copy that we can typically lend for only two years before we have to purchase it again. Of course, just like a print book, that copy can be borrowed by only one reader at a time. And, just like print, when a book is popular, libraries purchase multiple copies to satisfy their readers.

Recently, Macmillan—a huge publisher with many imprints—has unveiled a new model that will be effective November 1st. Under this model, a library can acquire only one copy of a new title in eBook format, after which Macmillan is imposing an eight-week embargo before a library can purchase additional copies. For popular titles, this means that eBook readers will wait far longer to borrow a copy than before. It is sure to create frustration among library users and risks making the library less relevant to readers.

The American Library Association (ALA) has launched a national campaign, including an online petition for the public to urge Macmillan to reverse the proposed embargo. “ALA’s goal is to send a clear message to Macmillan’s CEO John Sargent: e-book access should be neither denied nor delayed,” said ALA Executive Director Mary Ghikas.

Brian Kenney
Library Director
bkenney@whiteplainslibrary.org

Expand your travel independence by attending Senior B.E.A.T. (be educated about the transit system) on Friday, September 27th at 2:00 p.m. This transit orientation program educates seniors on how to safely and successfully use the Bee-Line to promote greater travel independence. Participants will learn about key bus safety, "how to ride" skills, accessibility features, the reduced fare program, planning a trip, and much more. At the end of the presentation, seniors will have the opportunity to apply for the Reduced Fare Card. To be eligible, seniors must be at least 65 years of age and bring proof of age, such as a Medicare card, and a valid photo ID.

Registration for our Day of the Dead workshops begins Tuesday, October 1st. To register, visit the Trove Compass desk. Following ancient traditions, children & their families will make an altar to honor the lives of beloved deceased family members. For children in grades 2-6 and their families. Space is limited. Workshops will be held Fridays, October 11, 18 & 25 @ 4:30 p.m.

Interested in attending one of our upcoming Wellness programs? Register at our website here. Next week we have Forgiveness: Making Peace with the Past on Tuesday, October 1st at 10:00 a.m. Guided by Dr. Mimi Leibman, discuss and practice the stages of forgiveness. On Wednesday, October 2nd at 7:00 p.m., Andrea Deierlein will return with Relax with Reiki. Deierlein will discuss the natural healing practice from Japan that brings balance to body, mind, and spirit.

Tech Wednesday for Adults is a series of classes focusing on different advanced digital technologies each week. The topic on Wednesday, October 3rd at 12:00 p.m. is digital music making and audio editing. Participants will have the opportunity to practice using related software and discuss various related topics. Beginners and professionals alike are encouraged to attend! Registration required; visit our online calendar here to register.

Visit our website to see the top ten books published in August that librarians across the country loved.

 

Rotary Club of White Plains will celebrate their Centennial Gala on the evening of October 19. Congratulations, Rotary! The White Plains Library Foundation is a beneficiary of the event and we appreciate their support. Click here for details.

The MacArthur Genius grant winners have been announced.

New PEN America report condemns prison book bans.

The Shape of Water director Guillermo del Toro is publishing a short story collection.

Colson Whitehead, Marlon James, and Laila Lalami are among this year’s National Book Awards nominees for fiction.

20 of the top mystery books according to Goodreads users.