]]> Amy Bergstrom- Library Marketing Specialist Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:09:51 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1769&BlogID=112&BlogPostID=14705 Marathon County Public Library, Wisconsin’s Digital Library and OverDrive all hope you’ll join us and other patrons in the Big Summer Read, an online shared reading program for all ages, through most of June.

Each year, OverDrive selects a title with an author and publisher willing to allow an unlimited number ebooks and e-audiobooks available to download anytime from June 9 to June 23. This year adult patrons can read or listen to Kate White’s fast-paced suspense novel “Eyes on You” – Robin Trainer learns that being a media star comes with its costs; including potentially her own life. Can you guess her perpetrator before the big reveal?

For the first time, OverDrive also is inviting children and teens to share in the reading experience with the OverDrive Summer Read. From June 9 to July 9, kids will be able to download unlimited copies of “Red Berries, White Clouds, Blue Sky” from Sandra Dallas, who shines a light on a dark period of American history in this story of a young Japanese American girl caught up in prejudices and World War II.

Teens can sign into OverDrive anytime between June 9-July 9 and download a copy of “The Fat Boy Chronicles.” Inspired by a true story and told in first-person journal entries, Diane Lang’s novel brings to life the pain and isolation felt by many overweight teenagers as they try to find their way in a world obsessed with outward beauty.

This is a great chance to try a new book recommended by the fine folks at OverDrive, without the wait that occasionally accompanies newer releases! Our library staff can show you where to go within the Digital Library to download your copy of one (or more!) of these three books.

The Big Summer Read is also a great excuse to try OverDrive if you haven’t already. Any device will do – smartphone, tablet, e-reader, laptop – and you can find instructions to set up your device here under the “First-time users” tab: www.mcpl.us/catalogs/overdrive. Of course, if you’re a hands-on learner, you are always welcome to bring your device to the library and we’ll help you get started with OverDrive.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services recently released its report on public libraries as of 2012, and Wisconsin has the distinction of the highest number of library e-books available per capita in the country: As of 2012, our state had more than 3,500 ebooks per 1,000 people. Of course we still love our print books, but our selection of ebooks and e-audiobooks is growing almost daily, as is the selection of streaming videos available through OverDrive. And as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can browse and download titles from anywhere and keep your bookshelf full no matter where you may roam this summer. Once downloaded, you can read them anywhere, no wireless needed.

The Big Summer Read is not only a kickoff to vacation reading, it’s also a chance to share a literary experience with thousands of other patrons across the state, some of whom might just be a few towels down the beach from you, reading the same novel.

Chad Dally is a library specialist with the Marathon County Public Library

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]]> Chad Dally / Library Services Fri, 29 May 2015 10:46:04 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1769&BlogID=112&BlogPostID=14584
Synopsis: “Shakespeare professor and prison volunteer Laura Bates thought she had seen it all. That is, until she decided to teach Shakespeare in a place the bard had never been before — supermax solitary confinement. In this unwelcoming place, surrounded by inmates known as the worst of the worst, is Larry Newton. A convicted murderer with several escape attempts under his belt and a brilliantly agile mind on his shoulders, Larry was trying to break out of prison at the same time Laura was fighting to get her program started behind bars.
Thus begins the most unlikely of friendships, one bonded by Shakespeare and lasting years—a friendship that, in the end, would save more than one life.”

For more information on OverDrive’s Big Library Read, visit their website.

Need help downloading OverDrive to your new device? Check out detailed instructions here.

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]]> Kathleen Kosiec / Library Services Fri, 13 Mar 2015 09:27:09 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1769&BlogID=112&BlogPostID=14521
The WPLC was formed in 2001, and its main service is the Wisconsin Digital Library. This digital catalog is utilized by Marathon County Public Library and other Wisconsin public libraries to offer e-books and digital audio books to patrons.

This short survey will help WPLC develop its digital collections so it is as relevant as possible to library patrons.

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]]> Kathleen Kosiec / Library Services Tue, 03 Feb 2015 16:44:30 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1769&BlogID=112&BlogPostID=14328
Synopsis: “Anika is the third most popular girl in her high school–despite feeling she doesn’t fit in with the popular crowd in her small Nebraskan town. To maintain her social status, Anika does whatever Becky Vilhauser (first most popular girl in school) tells her to do. But when loner Logan McDonough returns from summer vacation hotter, and more mysterious than ever, Anika has a hard time staying away–even when Becky forbids her to date him. Anika’s glimpse into Logan’s troubled home life only draws her closer, but despite her blossoming feelings, Anika breaks up with him. In an emotionally devastating ending, Anika is left in the wake of tragedy, which leaves her with the revelation that we have only one chance to be true to ourselves, and nothing is more important than listening to your own heart.”

For more information on OverDrive’s Big Library Read, visit their website.

For more information on Andrea Portes, visit her website.

Need help downloading OverDrive to your new device? Check out detailed instructions here.

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]]> Kathleen Kosiec / Library Services Mon, 06 Oct 2014 09:29:05 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1769&BlogID=112&BlogPostID=14279
Want to win a tablet? Share your eReading experience in the comments on OverDrive's Read an eBook Day page, or share on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #eBookDay to enter the contest.

New to OverDrive and the world of eBooks? Overdrive has some great getting started guides and information for those new to OverDrive.

Visit our Wausau location, call us (715-261-7230), or email ref@mcpl.us with your OverDrive questions. We're here to help you!

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]]> Kathleen Kosiec / Library Services Fri, 12 Sep 2014 07:25:12 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1769&BlogID=112&BlogPostID=14205 Big Library Read! In June, Overdrive's global e-book club read "A Pedigree to Die For" by Laurien Berenson. During the Big Library Read, Overdrive offers simultaneous use for a title during the program timeframe, with no waiting on hold for the next copy. The title expires at the end of the lending period for each user, not the end of the program.

October's genre is Young Adult, and there are several selections that you can vote for through Friday, August 8. There is no limit on how many times you can vote.

Submit your pick here, and get ready for the next Big Read!

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]]> Kathleen Kosiec / Library Services Fri, 01 Aug 2014 11:34:06 GMT http://engagedpatrons.org/Blogs.cfm?SiteID=1769&BlogID=112&BlogPostID=14073 Looking for a new book to read on your Kindle or Nook for June? Check out Overdrive’s Big Library Read, which offers community-wide access to a new mystery during June 3-18, 2014. During this special event, all card holders can simply download  "A Pedigree to Die For, Melanie Travis Mystery Series, Book 1 " by Laurien Berenson from Overdrive. Since Overdrive is offering simultaneous use for this title during June 3-18, the title is available right away, with no waiting on hold for the next copy. The title expires at the end of the lending period for each user, not the end of the program.

Publisher’s description of "A Pedigree to Die For": "The apparent heart attack that killed kennel owner Max Turnbull has left seven pups in mourning, and his wife Peg suspecting foul play. But the only evidence is their missing prize pooch—a pedigreed poodle named Beau.

Enter Melanie Travis. With her young son happily ensconced in day damp, the thirty-something teacher and single mother is talked into investigating her uncle's death—unofficially, of course. Posing as a poodle breeder in search of the perfect stud, Melanie hounds Connecticut's elite canine competitions, and finds an ally in fellow breeder Sam Driver. But her affection cools when she's put on the scent of Sam's questionable past...and hot on the trail of a poodle-hating neighbor and one elusive murderer who isn't ready to come to heel.  For, as Melanie soon discovers, in a championship dog-eat-dog world, the instinct for survival, and winning, can prove fatal."

For more information on Overdrive’s Big Library Read, visit the Overdrive website.

For more information on Laurien Benson, visit her website.

Need help downloading Overdrive to your new device? Check out detailed instructions here.

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]]> Kathleen Kosiec / Library Services Mon, 02 Jun 2014 08:56:09 GMT