The (virtual) Rappahannock Library

Just in time for summer travel reading, Rappahannock County Library has announced a new download service that now offers library cardholders free access to audiobooks, ebooks, music and videos and more – entirely online.

“It is a great pleasure to announce the new Internet download service, made possible by collaboration with the Blue Ridge Library consortium of 13 libraries in our area,” said library director David Shaffer, noting that without the consortium, such a service would have been cost-prohibitive.

“We are delighted now to be able to offer our patrons the availability 24/ 7 to browse, check out and download ebooks, audiobooks and other library offerings” to computers, mobile devices, iPads, Kindles, Sony Readers and similar devices, Shaffer said.

After testing over the past few weeks, the library’s download service is now ready for patrons to browse the library collection and use their library cards (your card number and name are used for access) to check out what they want to read, hear or watch – and then download it to PC, Mac and many mobile devices.

Shaffer noted that there are hundreds of popular fiction and nonfiction titles available for “borrowing” from the virtual library; each has an time limit for use, usually two to three weeks, and renewals can be obtained if more time is needed. No late fee is charged. Several software tools will need to be downloaded for the service to work on your device; they are all available, as are instructions and a link to the service itself, via the library’s website at rappahannocklibrary.org.

Shaffer said that while the library itself offers its patrons free internet access – and those with questions are welcome to visit the library for a demonstration of the new download service – the service itself can be accessed from anywhere there’s an Internet connection and a patron with a valid Rappahannock County Library card.