Candy Sweeney loves to read. She has two young children and a job that keeps her on the move so she doesn't have much time to read. Sweeney is excited about a free app for her phone that brings the library to her - wherever she is. Sweeney downloads Onondaga County library books digitally and reads them right on her phone when she has a few free minutes.
"I'm driving around all day long so I'm always on the streets but to actually just have my phone... to have it just instantly come on your phone, it's really neat," said Sweeney.
The downloadable app allows anyone with an Onondaga County library card to download a book to their phone, iPad, Nook or Sony e-reader. The app currently will not work with the Kindle.
While the books are digital, the library can only have a certain number "out" at a time. Librarians say the amount electronic borrowing doubled after Christmas week but the digital bookshelf is expanding.
"We have close to 800 or so titles and new titles are being added every day so if that one title you want isn't available right away, I'm sure there is something else that's on your list you will be able to download," said Liverpool librarian Glenna Wisniewski.
The downloaded books are readable for seven to fourteen days and will automatically be removed from the device.
The library has invested in modern software and readers. The books may stored on a computer instead of a shelf - but librarians say they will still be around to help patrons find information.
"We will be there helping people use the content, access the content, keep it in order. Our task is just getting harder and harder," said Onondaga County Library Executive Director Elizabeth Dailey.
Librarians in Liverpool say they are also ready to help anyone learn how to use their new iPad or e-reader device.
