
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Ahead of Superstorm Sandy on Monday came a influx of downloads of e Books from the Prince William County Library System.
Jean Ross with the library system said 276 e Books were downloaded Monday. Â That’s up from their usual 180 per day.
PotomacLocal.com asked Ross about how the e Book system is used and why it’s so popular:
Q: Do you think the storm had anything to do with the demand?
A: We are quite sure that the combination of poor road conditions and office closures, with people stuck at home, contributed to this uptick.
Also, many people keep their e-readers charged and might have not had other entertainment options if their power was out, thus leading them to think about downloading an e-book. In addition, the Federal government offices were closed, and Federal workers had an unexpected day at home.
Q: How does the e book download option work?
A: You must have a current PWC library card and from there you go to the main library website and click on “Download and Go” or go directly to princewilliam.lib.overdrive.com.
Downloading is completely free and the steps required vary according to what device people are using (for example, iPads, Nooks, Kindles and others) Users can have up to 5 e-books checked out at any one time, and may place holds on e-books that are checked out.
Q: How long has Prince William allowed for e book downloads?
A:We have had free downloadable e-books since September of 2011, and the collection continues to grow, with new titles added constantly.
Unfortunately, there are some publishers who will not allow library circulation of their e-books, so we have some limits as to which titles we are able to buy.
We do, however, have a well-rounded collection of fiction, non-fiction, romance, science fiction, and other genres to offer users, and all are free with a library card.
Q. Why is this a popular service?
A: As e-readers have become more reasonably priced, more and more users are e-reading, and the library offers a source of free content for these e-readers, which has undoubtedly contributed to their popularity.
Recent Stories

Stay up to date with today’s top local stories: Virginia lawmakers pass a new budget with tax rebates and state employee bonuses, Governor Youngkin commutes the sentence of a former Fairfax officer in a controversial case, and a Manassas special education teacher is honored with a prestigious award.

Looking for a night of laughs and great craft beer? Amazon Prime comedian Zane Lamprey is bringing his ANOTHER ROUND! comedy tour to Ornery Beer Company in Manassas on Sunday, March 16, from 8 – 9:30 p.m. This event is strictly 21+ and features a brand-new stand-up set full of hilarious stories and jokes.
Schedule:

McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.

A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and