Flexible eBook lending service offers hardware, digital content and apps for borrowing and reading

The 3M Cloud Library eBook Lending Service will be introduced to the public today in an open house event from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sun Ray location of the Saint Paul Public Library. The library is one of a number of beta sites where library staff members have undergone training and are now ready to unveil the system to patrons.

The 3M Cloud Library offers a turnkey system of digital content, in-library hardware, and apps for borrowing and reading, and promises to revolutionize how library patrons discover, borrow and read eBooks. At today’s open house, attendees will be able to test drive the system, which uses several components to allow them to browse the electronic catalog and read on the device of their choice:

• 3M Discovery Terminals: Patrons at the library can browse the catalog on these electronic kiosks with an intuitive touch-based interface.
• 3M eReaders: Content from the Cloud Library can be synced with easy-to-use 3M eReaders that can be checked out like any other lendable materials. eReaders can be checked out at three Saint Paul Public Library locations including Central, Sun Ray and Arlington Hills Libraries.
• Mobile device compatibility: The service’s eBooks are compatible with PCs, Macs, iPads, Nooks, and Androids. Using their personal devices, patrons can browse, check out and read eBooks all without leaving the 3M Cloud Library app.

“Saint Paul is proud to be one of the first library sites to provide this service,” said Mayor Chris Coleman, who will be on hand at today’s event. “The fact that the system allows eReaders to be checked out along with digital content is a great way to ensure eReading is available to all. For people who have their own eReading devices, the 3M Cloud Library gives them access to thousands of titles. This system has something for all Saint Paul library patrons.”

The Sun Ray location of the Saint Paul Public Library is in close proximity to 3M’s campus, making it an ideal “living lab” for new technologies from 3M Library Systems.

“3M has been an outstanding partner to us, and we are proud to work with them to serve as a leader for other libraries across the country,” said Kit Hadley, director of the Saint Paul Public Library. “With this technology, we are able to offer cutting-edge technology to all our patrons, whether they own their own e-reader or not.”

Along with the Saint Paul Public Library, a number of other libraries across the country have now made the 3M Cloud Library available to patrons, including the Bergen County Cooperative Library System, N.J.; Maricopa County Library District, Ariz.; Douglas County Libraries, Colo.; Darien Library, Conn.; Richland County Public Library, S.C.; and the State Library of Kansas on behalf of the Kansas Digital Library Consortium. 3M will seek feedback from both patrons and staff at these locations on the service’s ease of use and functionality, using their input to continue to refine the system.

For more information about the 3M Cloud Library eLending system, visit 3M.com/Cloud.

3M is a trademark of 3M. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

About 3M Library Systems
3M Library Systems is committed to helping libraries thrive by providing cutting edge technologies including RFID, automated materials handling (AMH), self check and security solutions, as well as our latest innovation 3M Cloud Library, the fastest growing eBook Lending Service. Finding the technology solution that is right for each unique library, 3M’s promise is to deliver a long term partnership that is built to exceed expectations. Follow us on Twitter @3MLibrary or visit www.3M.com/us/library.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

About Saint Paul Public Library
For 130 years, the Saint Paul Public Library connects people in Saint Paul with the imperative and the joy of learning through a lifetime. Saint Paul residents can enjoy free access to technology, books, movies, music, programs, classes and more. The Saint Paul Public Library includes 12 neighborhood libraries, Central Library, the Bookmobile, and online at sppl.org.

Karwoski & Courage Public RelationsEmily Finley, 612-342-9732orSaint Paul Public LibrarySheree Savage, 651-266-7029or3M Public RelationsConnie Thompson, 651-733-8914