Library helps connect readers with magazines, papers and more

You might have noticed some changes around the library lately.

Change can be startling and inconvenient sometimes, but it can also be very exciting. If you used OverDrive for magazines after they took over from RB Digital, you might have noticed that they aren’t there any more. But don’t worry; while we no longer have that collection on OverDrive, we’ve been working to expand your access to magazines, newspapers and other periodicals through Pressreader. In addition to the popular titles that we still have on Flipster (Time, People, and Consumer Reports), you can now use your library card on Pressreader to access over 7,000 publications from all over the world for free. You read that right: free.

You also might have noticed that I included newspapers in the previous statement. It’s true. Pressreader offers free access to multiple newspapers from all around the world. You read that correctly: the world. Trying to reconnect with your familial roots from Kazakhstan? Just dip into the newspaper tab, click on filter, and select your country and Pressreader will do the rest. You can even filter by language, which is particularly useful if you’re trying to find a Welsh publication in the ocean of United Kingdom newspapers. And if you don’t read Welsh, you can have it translated into English.

Have you distanced yourself from periodicals in the past, because you can’t keep up with them? You really wanted to see what was happening with Retro Gamer in November, but ever since the December issue came out, November is impossible to find. Luckily, Pressreader keeps a digital copy of past editions, making it a breeze to get all caught up in no time flat.

Pressreader even offers the ability to listen to periodicals. This option is perfect if your job or hobby requires your visual attention, but gives your mind time to wander. Sometimes I like to learn more about a specific subject, but I don’t want to spend a lot of time researching books I need to hunt down and listen to while working on projects at home. Periodicals give a nice bite-sized amount of information that’s easy for me to process while doing other things, especially if I can listen to them.

If you’ve been feeling a little brain drain from your current stock of magazines and newspapers, you should check out Pressreader today. It’s easy to access with your library card - just head over to the library’s website, click on the digital library and find the big green and black Pressreader button. Voila, easy as that.

Brenden Bobby can be reached at the East Bonner County Library, 1407 Cedar Street, Sandpoint, by phone at 208-263-6930, or email at brenden@ebonnerlibrary.org.