[dp000]

I logged onto my library account today, and found that Overdrive server for digital readers was no long there. The new server is Axis 360. I tried to log on to it but couldn't, so I called the Sumter County Library for help. After a couple of minutes I was informed that all the ebooks that I had checked out, all the held ebooks and all of my wish list are gone. When Sumter County Library switched to Axis 360 you lost all you your information.
Then the fun began, if you have a Kindle E-reader, paper white or any black and white E-reader, the Axis 360 won't work. Only color readers or iPads will work. I asked the administrator why would they eliminate the most popular reader on the market. If you are in bright sunlight, it's the only E-reader that works. They didn't care and said go buy something in color that works with Axis 360.
So for all of us who love to sit on the beach or by the pool and read a good book, we can't use our E-readers anymore, so I guess it's back to the hardback books and a waste of paper.
I just talked to Amazon and they stated that since our library has dropped Overdrive for Axis 360, no Kindle devise will work, in other words Kindle is supported by Amazon.com and they only use Overdrive to borrow books from libraries.

[pklein9747]

I noticed this the other day when I went to search for a book in the Sumter County Library using my Overdrive account. I, fortunately, use my iPad indoors to read books, so I can use the Axis 360; however, I do not like it. It is very difficult to browse through the available books as the font and the book covers are very small. I also do not like accessing a book once it is downloaded.

Overdrive is a great app. I guess the library got a better deal from Axis 360 but it is unfortunate that I will be unable to use it with my Nook. Wish they realized you get what you pay for when switching to this app.

DP000...I mostly use the Philadelphia Free Library to borrow/download books. There is a yearly cost...I believe it is currently $35, but that is waived if you or your spouse is a military veteran. The cost is free for veterans. Just go to their website and apply for a card. You don't have to live in Philly or be from there to get a card.

[dp000]

Thanks I will look into that.

[bozosmom]

I was very disappointed when I went to borrow a book from the Sumter County Library because of the new Axis360. However, I was able to download Axis360 to my Kindle Fire. They give you instructions on how to do it. There is a warning before you download that says your Kindle might not work after downloading, the instructions say to ignore warning. With trepridation, I downloaded and Kindle still worked fine. I don't like the Axis360 software either but its like everything else.... It keeps changing. Since I have had it now for several days I am getting used to it and learning how to use it.

[dp000]

I just got a phone call from the head Librarian at the Lady Lake branch of Lake County Library. Her name is Marsha and she stated that they are getting a lot of phone calls about Sumter Country Library dropping Overdrive. They do not have a reciprocal agreement with Sumter County because they are just not up to par with the rest of the state. Since they have no agreement with Sumter County, to get a library card from Lake County it cost $40.00 per year for the whole household. That seems to me a good deal. I check the Free Library in Philadelphia and it costs $50.00.
Lady Lake Library was very friendly and wanted my business. They seemed to care, not like Sumter County.

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by dp000

I just got a phone call from the head Librarian at the Lady Lake branch of Lake County Library. Her name is Marsha and she stated that they are getting a lot of phone calls about Sumter Country Library dropping Overdrive. They do not have a reciprocal agreement with Sumter County because they are just not up to par with the rest of the state. Since they have no agreement with Sumter County, to get a library card from Lake County it cost $40.00 per year for the whole household. That seems to me a good deal. I check the Free Library in Philadelphia and it costs $50.00.
Lady Lake Library was very friendly and wanted my business. They seemed to care, not like Sumter County.

I've never paid for a library card in my life, we're not full time yet so haven't gotten one yet. Aren't our tax dollars supposed to take care of this ?

[juneroses]

I was at the Sumter County library across from the Villages High School midday today. I created a problem when I selected an ebook using my PC but then downloaded it to an Android device (warning to others: don't do that. Select your book with the same device onto which you will download it.).

The Sumter staff could not have been nicer in helping to unravel the mess I created and cared very much that I had/have a positive ebook experience.

As a side note, I've used both Overdrive and now Axis360. In the short time I've been using Axis360, I much prefer it. An Axis360 book is automatically downloaded onto your device so you can read without needing an internet connection. Extra steps were involved to do the same with Overdrive.

[jblum315]

Sumter County Library does not have the kind of budget that northern libraries have, whether from tax dollars, donations or whatever. Therefore they are forced to use the cheapest kind of computer program and it shows I think they do a good job considering the budget constraints.

[CassieInVa]

Well I have a Kindle fire and I downloaded the axis 360, but I cannot figure out how to browse a certain category and see more than five or six books. I'm computer literate, and I keep trying but unless I know a specific author or title, the browsing function is horrible. For example, I picked the travel category and a total of maybe six books showed up? And there were no additional pages I could click on. Am I doing something wrong? I'm also disappointed because I had a long list of WishList books that I know longer have access to.

[juneroses]

CassieinVa, I find that I prefer using my PC to first browse for an available book. Sign into the Sumter Library System on PC or Mac. On the next page click the far left icon (a book) under "Online resources". "Magic Wall" will open. One of the selections in the banner just above the Wall is "Browse by Subject". Click on on that. A menu will open along the left side. Using your example, "Travel" is one subject. Click on "Travel"

"Travel" will open a subcategory menu. Browse in the subcategory of your choice. If you click on the check mark near the top of the menu on the left, the system will show only books that are immediately available at the top of your search (i.e. no wait).

When you find a title that you like, THEN go to your Kindle and proceed. Don't make ANY preliminary selections, etc. with the PC/Mac. I really made a mess of my account when I did that!

[llaran]

our tax bill is not itemized as it was up north, so we don't know if any goes to the library.

[Durham]

Gainsville Public Library offers library cards to any Florida resident, and they are free but must be applied for in person. They use Overdrive for ebooks which is a great plus. When Sumter switched to axis360 I went to the iTunes app store to download it, after reading the reviews posted I knew trouble was ahead, it was trashed by virtually every review posted. I have had nothing but problems with axis360 as have most of my friends I have spoken to.

[cquick]

Originally Posted by llaran

our tax bill is not itemized as it was up north, so we don't know if any goes to the library.

Yes, it does. All counties take taxes for roads, police, fire, libraries, schools, etc.

[cquick]

It is too bad that Sumter County doesn't have enough money to support Overdrive. Seems that The Villages taxes alone should be able to support the library.

[CassieInVa]

Ugh, this new Axis is a pain. Even though the box marked remember me is checked, I have to go find my library card number every time I go back in, even if it's only been a few minutes. Sometimes I can go back in and it takes me directly to the page I was reading in the book . But once I try to get back to my account to put a book on hold or something, I'm logged out and I have to go find my library card number again. So I guess I probably won't be using it as much, unless I can get it to remember my information. Anyone else having this issue?