Free eBooks and Music Downloads at Local Libraries

With the new Apple iPad released today, you may want to know that thousands of books and songs are available for download from the local library -- many of them free.

Anyone with a Hillsborough County library card may use it to download the content. Library cards are free for Hillsborough County residents.

If you don't have one be sure to head over to (11211 Countryway Blvd. Tampa, Fla.) or , (17808 Wayne Road, Odessa, Fla.) to fill out an application.

Library-goers had been requesting eBooks and music downloads, said Jackie Zebos, manager at Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries.

"As prices for eBook readers and devices that play digital music have gone down, the number of people owning them has gone up," Zebos said. "Further, we offer this service to our residents as the next step in providing information in evolving formats; libraries have always been early adopters of new technologies."

To access the free downloads, users must download one of the apps before onto their tablet or smart phones. Find your local library for each app and log-in by using your library card number to access titles.

The following are available for download:

• OverDrive - Free Audiobooks & eBooks: With access to thousands of audiobooks and eBooks, OverDrive features bestselling titles available for download. PC, Mac, Kindle and almost all tablets and smartphones are supported. Download the OverDrive app from the iOS App Store or Android Marketplace to browse and download on the go!
• Freading - Free eBooks: Find thousands of eBooks from every genre, and there's never a waiting list. Read on the computer or on a compatible ereader, smartphone or tablet. Download the Freading app from the iOS App Store or Android Marketplace, to browse and download on the go! 
• Freegal - Free Music: Download a wide assortment of music, from yesterday's classics through today's hits and keep it forever. Recent additions include Adele, Beyoncé, Foster, Glee, the Pitbull, People and many more!