OverDrive has updated our eBook site once again, this time offering some new options for viewing titles.

In addition to the existing Cover view, you can now select to view titles in a Grid or List, each of which provide more information about each title:

Cover View:

Grid View:

List View:

(Also, note that the option for changing the search results from “My library’s collection” to “Only titles with copies available” or “Additional titles to recommend” has now moved to the top of the left column.)

These updates were made in part due to user feedback — If you have suggestions for OverDrive, please fill out their survey and you could win an iPad!

Happy Downloading!

The Kentwood branch is currently closed due to a power outage. They will reopen when the downed power line has been repaired. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope to reopen later this afternoon.

UPDATE: Power has been restored and the Kentwood branch has reopened. Thanks for your patience!

Whether you’re a computer novice or looking to update your skills, KDL’s free computer classes can help you learn something new! Registration opens today for our May classes:

• Computer Basics: Where’s My Stuff?
• Internet: Create Your Own Website or Blog
• Internet: Email Basics
• Internet: Facebook Basics
• Internet: Getting Started on Craigslist
• Internet: Internet Basics & More
• Internet: Online Genealogy Research I & II
• Internet: Online Resources for Book Lovers
• Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: Developing Your Personal Brand
  (pre-registration not required)
• Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: Résumés, Online Profiles, Cover Letters & More
  (pre-registration not required)
• Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: LinkedIn Bookcamp
  (pre-registration not required if you bring your own laptop)
• Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: Networking (pre-registration not required)
• Job Seekers: Career Transitions Workshops: Behavioral Interviewing (pre-registration not required)
• Microsoft Excel Basics I, II & III
• Microsoft PowerPoint Basics
• Microsoft Word Basics I, II & III
• Speak to a Geek (pre-registration not required)

For class descriptions and schedule, please see our brochure or search our events calendar.

Unless otherwise noted, pre-registration is required and will begin the month before the scheduled classes on the first Monday of each month for KDL cardholders and the second Monday for non-KDL cardholders (if space is still available):

• May classes: Registration begins Monday, April 1 for KDL cardholders
  (Monday, April 8 for non-KDL cardholders)

To register, please call 616-784-2007.

All Kent District Library branches will be closed Sunday, March 31 for Easter. We will resume normal operating hours on Monday, April 1. For additional 2013 holiday closing information, please view our holiday closings page.

We appreciate your patronage and wish you a Happy Easter!

Trustee Charles Fry recently retired from the KDL Board after over 6 years of service. Board chair Charles Myers presented him with a plaque of appreciation during the March 21 meeting at the Comstock Park branch.

Thanks for your service to KDL, Trustee Fry!

Those of you who download eBooks and eAudiobooks from KDL have probably noticed that our eBook website recently underwent a makeover as OverDrive upgraded it to their new “Next Generation experience.”

Now that you’ve had a chance to use the site for a while, OverDrive wants to know what you think. Share your thoughts by taking their survey, and they will reward one lucky winner with an iPad!

The survey runs through April 30, and the data will be used to enhance library services in the future.

Good luck!

Good news for eAudiobook lovers — titles from popular audiobook publishers Books on Tape and Listening Library are now available in MP3 format! This means that these eAudiobooks can now be downloaded directly to a much wider variety of devices, including Mac, iPhone and Android.

Popular authors from these publishers include:

Visit http://ebooks.kdl.org and download one today!

Due to instructor illness, the “Get Appy with Your iPad” program scheduled for 3:30 PM today at the Gaines Township branch has been CANCELED.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope you can instead join us for the other session of this program on Thursday, April 18, at 6:00 PM.

Each month KDL staff join Shelley Irwin on the WGVU Morning Show to talk about what’s going on at the library. This month, listen to KDL Director Lance Werner and GRPL Director Maria Warner talk about the Write Michigan Short Story Contest, including the Awards Ceremony coming up on Tuesday, March 19.

Enjoy!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download WGVU3-7-13.mp3

(photo courtesy of Shelley Irwin)

Good news for eBook fans — a collection of titles from Macmillan Publishers are now available from the library for the first time! Macmillan has previously chosen not to sell eBooks to libraries, but they are now testing a ”pilot program” featuring selected mystery and crime titles.

KDL has purchased over 200 Macmillan eBook titles, including:

• A Crimson Warning by Tasha Alexander
• Burn by Nevada Barr
• Introducing Agatha Raisin by M. C. Beaton
• Blue Heaven by C.J. Box
• Heartsick by Chelsea Cain

• Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo

• A Burial at Sea by Charles Finch
• The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton

• In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming

• A Taint in the Blood by Dana Stabenow

• The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer

Visit http://ebooks.kdl.org and download one today!