At $1.29 per download, five ITunes singles can cost $6.45.
Thanks to the
Public Library of Cincinnati’s commitment to online accessibility, you can download five songs from the Freegal music database every week legally and for free.
“There is a tremendous variety of music available on the database,” says Sandy Bolek, the library's website coordinator. “And we’re excited to offer a product that is similar to our e-books' collection.”
In 2004, The Public Library of Cincinnati became one of the first libraries in Ohio to add an e-books collection to its online resources.
Since then, Bolek says she has noticed an increase in library use and library card applications.
“The e-books have been popular among library card holders,” says Bolek. “They give people the option to easily access the library’s services from home. We have been trying to make a gradual shift to more online accessibility for our customers.”
In 2011, the Public Library of Cincinnati added Freegal’s music database to its online resources. Currently, Cincinnati Public Library cardholders can access music, e-books and audiobooks using computers at the library, computers at home and smartphones.
As with any library transaction, a library card is required for the Freegal music downloads.
But, in not-so-typical library fashion, there is no return date. Once the songs are downloaded onto your Mac, PC or phone, they are yours to keep forever.
Bolek says that the downloadable music program has been successful. She also says that the staff is always looking for new ways to make the library digitally available.
“In the future,” she says, “you may not even need to come into the library to use most of its services.”
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