booktastic

As I said, this job gives me an excellent opportunity to catch up on my reading via audiobook. Today, since I’d exhausted what I could find on other free sites, I made use of a resource I recently discovered through the Chicago Public Library website…

Free Media Downloads!

Yes, the Chicago Public Library website allows you to search their site, locate downloadable media (audiobooks, videos, and PDF copies of books) and keep them, for a short time, on your computer. (I don’t know what happens after the 21 days you’re allowed to keep them… Maybe your computer blows up or something.) Actually, some items (randomly, it seems) you are actually allowed to download and copy to disk, which is pretty keen.

I think this is a fairly new program on behalf of the ChiPubLib, and I haven’t heard of any other Libraries doing it. But isn’t it nice? Unfortunately, you have to have a Chicago Public Library card in order to use the system (sorry, out-of-towners).

The first thing I downloaded (when I discovered this service last month while attempting to renew books online) was one of the Patrick Troughton Dr. Who episodes which is available only in audio form because the silly BBC destroyed the video copy of the episode. I was also able to copy this particular download to CD, so I have it to enjoy for all time. (I am very enthusiastic about this program right now.)

Today, since I’ve been needing things to listen to at work, I downloaded the audiobook of Garcia Marquez in 90 Minutes - which was actually about two freakin’ hours long. (Very misleading). Granted, I do know a lot more about the South American modernismo movement in literature than I did before - but come on. It said 90 minutes. — Mrs. Hall

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