Open house events showcase installation of revolutionary eBook lending service

The 3M Cloud Library eBook Lending Service continues to successfully roll-out in libraries across the nation, and will be introduced to patrons at the Glendale and Pasadena Public Libraries today at launch events just prior to tomorrow’s American Library Association Annual Conference opening in Anaheim, Calif. The public and media are invited to experience the revolutionary lending service at open house events from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Pasadena Central Library and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Glendale Central Library.

“We have heard a great deal of positive feedback about the 3M Cloud Library from other beta sites, and we’re extremely excited about the installation,” said Glendale Library Arts & Culture Director Cindy Cleary. “This system will allow us to offer patrons the latest in eBook lending technology, and the best part is that anyone can benefit from this system, not just those who already own an eReading device.”

The 3M Cloud Library offers a turnkey system of digital content, in-library hardware, and apps for borrowing and reading. At today’s open houses, attendees will be able to test drive the system, which uses several components to allow users 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 at several branches of the Glendale and Pasadena public 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.

“With 3M’s solid history in the library community and their commitment to customer service, the decision to move forward with the 3M Cloud Library was absolutely the best choice for our libraries,” said Jan Sanders, director of the Pasadena Public Library. “This system offers our patrons the opportunity to access our eBooks from anywhere, and it allows them to do so with unprecedented ease and speed.”

Along with the Glendale and Pasadena Public Libraries, a number of other libraries across the country have now made the 3M Cloud Library available to patrons, including St. Paul Public Library, Minn.; Richland County Public Library, S.C.; Addison Public Library, Ill.; Douglas County Libraries, Colo.; Darien Library, Conn.; Richland County Public Library, S.C.; Mobile Public Library, Ala. and the State Library of Kansas on behalf of the Kansas Digital Library Consortium. 3M continues to seek feedback from both patrons and staff at these locations on the service’s ease of use and functionality, using their input 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 $30 billion in sales, 3M employs 84,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

About Glendale Library, Arts & Culture
The Library, Arts & Culture Department provides services, materials and activities to enrich life, foster literacy, inspire intellectual curiosity and stimulate the imagination. With over 1 million visitors every year, the Library serves the information needs of people of all ages. The Brand Library & Art Center includes an art gallery and recital hall, and houses the Department’s art and music collections, including over 33,000 music CDs. The Department’s functions include administration of the City of Glendale’s Arts & Culture Commission. For more information see: www.glendalepubliclibrary.org or Facebook, at www.facebook.com/GlendalePL.

About Pasadena Public Library
Pasadena Public Library is your source for information 24/7 providing free access to materials for all ages, including books, eBooks and digital media, DVDs, CDs, audio books, electronic databases and online resources, free Wi-Fi and Internet access. From computer training classes for adults, career assistance, author talks, book clubs, storytimes to children’s programming, teen activities and family events there is literally something for everyone! For more information, visit www.pasadenapubliclibrary.net.

Karwoski & Courage Public RelationsEmily Finley, 612-342-9732orGlendale Library, Arts & CultureChuck Wike, 818-548-2042Cell: 818-679-2173or3M Public RelationsConnie Thompson, 651-733-8914orPasadena Public LibraryCatherine Hany, 626-744-4207