For nearly 10 years, readers in Fayette County have enjoyed free online access to eBooks and eAudiobooks through their local public libraries. This service will continue, but users will see some changes in the coming weeks.
The public libraries in Fayette County will soon be purchasing their eBooks and eAudiobooks from a new vendor. Beginning Feb. 6, library patrons will need to download and use a new app to gain access to free eAudiobooks and eBooks.
In 2008, libraries throughout the state of Georgia joined together to form a consortium in order to share the cost and resources of an eBooks and eAudiobook collection. Now more than 40 library systems, including the Flint River Regional Library System, are a part of the Georgia Download Destination (GADD). Since its inception, GADD has used the vendor OverDrive to provide access to free downloadable audiobooks and eBooks through the OverDrive and Libby apps. In 2017, the consortium started shopping for a new vendor, searching for a more cost-efficient way to provide patrons with more electronic books, magazines, and audiobook content. RBDigital was the answer. RBDigital is a product of Recorded Books and provides access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks. The consortium will have access to the Recorded Books proprietary catalog featuring thousands of exclusive titles in addition to being able to transfer over the vast majority of the content that was available on OverDrive. RBDigital offers the added advantage of free access to a large collection of digital magazines, including Aviation Week, Better Homes & Gardens, and Kiplinger’s.
However, in anticipation of the switch, starting in early January patrons will no longer be able to place digital items on hold. On Feb, 6, the Overdrive and Libby apps will stop connecting to GADD, and patrons will need to start using the RBDigital app. Users who took advantage of the wishlist feature in OverDrive and Libby are encouraged to make a copy of their wishlist so that they can recreate it in the RBDigital app.
Through the RBDigital app, library card holders will have access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines available for download for free. The RBDigital app is available on Apple and Android devices, Mac and Windows computers, and Kindle Fire tablets. Unfortunately at this time, dedicated eReaders such as Nook Simple Touch and Kindle Paperwhite, are not compatible with RBDigital.
Please call your local library for more information. Peachtree City Library: 770-631-2520. Tyrone Public Library: 770-487-1565. Fayette County Public Library: 770-461-8841.
