Library's videos now available as downloads

A new Naperville library service allows users to check out videos from their personal computers.

More than 400 movies and instructional, children's and informational videos can be accessed by patrons through the new downloadable service.

The service forgoes the checkout process as well as the return process. Naperville library patrons in good standing -- no overdue items -- can go to the library's Web site and access the catalog of videos from MyLibraryDV.

"We're paying for the products so the patrons get it for free," spokeswoman Susan Greenwood said.

The service runs at $14,000 a year and more videos will be added on a monthly basis, said Anne Bultman, collection development coordinator.

Users are allowed to download up to 10 videos during a seven-day span. It's also only available to Naperville library patrons. The videos will remain viewable for seven days and then automatically return to the library's system, Bultman said.

"The big thing people really, really like is they don't have to worry about returning anything," Greenwood said. "There's no chance for fines with this product."

Since its introduction Aug. 1, Bultman said 205 people have used the service.

Greenwood said the new service is an extension of the library's growing downloadable program that allows users to access books and recorded readings on their computers.

"This is our first time with offering anything with streaming video," she said.

Most of the movies offered through the service are classics starring the likes of Buster Keaton, Lillian Gish and John Wayne. There are several more recent, independent films available for downloading as well.

The service's travel video catalog is its most extensive with scores of shows from the "Globe Trekker" series available for viewing.

To access the service go to the library's Web site: www.naperville-lib.org.