With a collection of almost 22,000 eBooks and downloadable audiobooks, the Stillwater Public Library’s Oklahoma Virtual Library (OKVL) now rivals the size of some branch libraries in towns like Tulsa and Oklahoma City.  People interested in using these downloadable materials can learn how to use the website, features and tools during “OKVL Website: Tips & Tricks” on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 12 p.m.     

“We’ve done many classes on how to download titles to various devices, but never one dedicated to the website itself,” said Lynda Reynolds, library director. “In the three years since the service started, the options have been drastically upgraded and many people may not know about some of the amazing features available.”

“OKVL Website: Tips & Tricks” will focus on the best ways to search for materials, how to place holds, how to perform filtered searches to retrieve materials based on genre, subject or device and other ins and outs for making the most of the site.

“One newer option is ‘Overdrive Read,’” said Reynolds.  “This feature lets users checkout a book and read it on any device as long as they are connected to wi-fi or internet.  There are no apps to download and no software to install.  Just click ‘Read’ and start reading. It is a great feature for beginners and for anyone who has had trouble with the downloading process.”

The class will also explain how to make eBook and downloadable audiobook suggestions for the library to purchase.

“Because not all titles are useable with OKVL, suggestions can only be made through the OKVL website.  That way, readers will know whether or not a title is available for us to purchase.”

“OKVL Website: Tips & Tricks” is free and open to the public.  To register, go online at http://library.stillwater.org/computer_classes.php, call 405-372-3633 x106 or email askalibrarian@stillwater.org.

OKVL is available for free to any person with a Stillwater Public Library card.  Cards are free to those who live, work or go to school in Payne County. 

OKVL books materials check out for 14 days and six items can be borrowed at a time.  To learn how to download the software or apps needed to use the service, visit http://tinyurl.com/okvlhelp or contact the Help Desk.