The days of walking into a library to borrow a book are now a thing of the past for Ekurhuleni library members. Users can now use advanced technology to borrow books online.
Ekurhuleni libraries have introduced the e-book system, which is available to all registered library users in the region.
According to the City of Ekurhuleni, the e-book, an electronic version of a printed book, can be borrowed by library members electronically for a period of two weeks. The system will automatically retrieve the e-book thereafter for other users to access it.
The online books can be downloaded for free by punching in the library membership number after typing in the link http://gauteng.lib.overdrive.com
"The city's ultimate purpose for this initiative is to encourage a culture of reading among our citizens and to provide convenient access to books at any given time without walking into the library," says Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson Themba Radebe.
"Plans are in place to roll out an educational awareness campaign across the city to help library users and librarians become familiar with the online site," he explains.
Last month, Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele announced that free WiFi was available at more than 1 500 hotspots and used by more than 700 000 users in the Ekurhuleni metro.
The city also recently introduced the e-Siyakhokha payment system, a free online service that allows home owners, companies, property managing agents and tenants to make payments for all utility accounts electronically from their home or office.
The city says it will also be unveiling a customer relations app to interact with residents in the near future.
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