Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older - roughly 77 million people - used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year,  according to a national report released today. In 2009, as the nation struggled through a recession, people relied on library technology to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about critical medical treatments, and connect with their communities.

The use of library technology had significant impact in four critical areas: employment, education, health, and making community connections. In the last 12 months:

40 percent of library computer users (an estimated 30 million people) received help with career needs. Among these users, 75 percent reported they searched for a job online. Half of these users filled out an online application or submitted a resume.

37 percent focused on health issues. The vast majority of these users (82 percent) logged on to learn about a disease, illness, or medical condition. One-third of these users sought out doctors or health care providers. Of these, about half followed up by making appointments for care.

42 percent received help with educational needs. Among these users, 37 percent (an estimated 12 million students) used their local library computer to do homework for a class.
Library computers linked patrons to their government, communities, and civic organizations. Sixty-percent of users - 43.3 million people - used a library’s computer resources to connect with others.
“There is no ambiguity in these numbers. Millions of people see libraries as an essential tool to connect them to information, knowledge, and opportunities,” said Marsha Semmel, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “Policy makers must fully recognize and support the role libraries are playing in workforce development, education, health and wellness, and the delivery of government services.”

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OverDrive has expanded on-the-go access for library patrons with the beta release of an audiobook app (mobile version of OverDrive Media Console) for BlackBerry. Popular devices like the BlackBerry Storm and BlackBerry Curve can now be used to download MP3 audiobooks from your library’s digital collection anytime, anywhere.

The audiobook app for BlackBerry joins the mobile suite of apps that are already available for Windows Mobile and Android™ devices. To download an audiobook app, users can visit http://www.overdrive.com/software/omc

Trying to get audiobooks off a Zune isn’t easy. If you have pulled your last hair out trying to figure out how to get those books off your zune, here is your answer.

1. Connect the Zune to your computer. (Do not open the Zune software.)
2. Open the OverDrive Media Console.
3. Select a title (any title, including the Welcome message) and click
‘Transfer’.
4. Once at the ‘Confirm’ window, press the ‘Advanced Options’ button.
5. Click ‘Browse’.
6. To delete all OverDrive Audiobooks from the Zune, right-click the
‘OverDrive’ folder and click delete. (To delete individual files, expand
this folder and delete the files one at a time.)

On Wednesday, October 28 at 9:30 AM we’ll trick-or-treat at the library!

Wear your costume and come have fun with us!

You don’t need a library card to participate and registration is not required.

Most public school students in Tennessee have no Tennessee history or civics textbook, even though students in about half of the grades are required to learn parts of the subject every school year. Because of this, it is more important than ever that students have a place to go for information on Tennessee history.

Nashville author Bill Carey founded the 501c3 organization Tennessee History for Kids in November 2004 for the purpose of improving this situation. Step one was to research, write, and produce this web site.

Tennessee History for Kids

Preschool Story Hour

Each Wednesday 9:30 am with Miss Virginia and friends