Library tunes into iPods

Lugging books around is no longer a requirement if you want to borrow from the library — residents can now download from home right onto their iPods with no fees, return dates or late charges.

The Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Center has more than 150 iPod-compatible audio books, thanks to a recent software change. The books can be downloaded from home to any iPod or MP3 players.

“We’re really excited by how popular it is,” said Lia Hernandez, a reference librarian.

“It’s kind of keeping up with the new technology.”

The library has been offering downloadable audio books since February, but the recent switch to new software will allow people on PCs to listen to books on their iPods, Principal Librarian Mary Wilson said. Users on Macintosh computers might still find audio books incompatible.

Audio books can be downloaded from home for two weeks, and users can customize how long they want to keep the files, Hernandez said.

After the agreed-upon time period, the books are automatically deleted. There is no circulation charge for downloading from home.

The new service comes when audio books, as well as library services in general, are at an all-time high, Hernandez said.

The library expanded its audio book offerings to appeal to new readers.

“We’re always trying to meet the needs of the community,” Wilson said. “[We’re] just expanding to get an additional audience.”

The library boasts a collection of books for every taste, from Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to the New York Times Bestseller’s “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert and John Grisham’s “The Appeal.”

The most popular books have been Stephenie Meyers’ “Twilight” saga, Hernandez said. The library is adding to its collection by looking at reviews, the popularity of a book and the audience for audio books when selecting new titles, Hernandez said. Residents can also suggest titles they want to read.

Despite this push to technology and the community’s positive response, the librarians said they aren’t worried about downloadable literature replacing books.

“People like certain things in the new technologies, but books keep winning out over the new technology,” Wilson said.