Sumter County Library

[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]

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. :22yikes:

[cquick]

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?

[rustyp]

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.

Lady Lake Library cards are free for residents of Lake, Marion, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Non residents must pay a fee. The application is online but you must pickup the card in person with proof of residency. There is a list of acceptable proof very similar to the DMV list.

[CWGUY]

:read: LSSI Begins Operations at Sumter County Libraries | Library Systems & Services, LLC (http://www.lssi.com/lssi-begins-operations-at-sumter-county-libraries/)

[Boomer]

I am pretty sure Sumter County privatized its libraries a couple of years ago, outsourced management to a private company. :22yikes:

Marian Boomer

[CWGUY]

I am pretty sure Sumter County privatized its libraries a couple of years ago, outsourced management to a private company. :22yikes:

Marian Boomer

Wish I had said that.......:highfive:

Library Systems & Services (LSSI) is a private for-profit company that manages municipal libraries on an outsourced basis.

[CWGUY]

:( Can't post a link.(not allowed) Go to other site and click "SEARCH FOR STORIES" Search "LSSI" There are several stories. :thumbup:

[woolman44]

I've been trying to call LSSI at their 800 phone # 800-638-8725 extension #2236 for customer relations to voice my displeasure in the changing to Axis 360. We are a 2 kindle family and the old paper white will not support axis 360. My old "fire" works erractly with the new system.....but wait...I'm just now sending back to Amazon a brand new Fire HD that will not download the Axis 360 app! I was on kindle tech support for hours to no avail.

[Ohiogirl]

or wherever you moved from. There are multiple reasons why property taxes in Florida are so low (schools, libraries and trash collection are some reasons).

We are seasonal, although Florida residents, and I am very thankful we have access to the Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library system, always ranked one of the top 5 (this year I think #1 again).

We do appreciate the low property taxes here, but in some cases you get what you pay for. Would probably be worth the drive to Gainesville (suggest combining it with a stop at Trader Joe's and maybe the Botanical Gardens there or walk around U of F's campus or maybe a stop for lunch/shopping in Micanopy, although it's been a few years since I've been there).

[aninjamom]

FYI people, the Sumter Co library is run by a COMPANY from up north that got a contract with the county. They are NOT a non-profit, so don't expect any consideration that doesn't benefit them.

[dbussone]

or wherever you moved from. There are multiple reasons why property taxes in Florida are so low (schools, libraries and trash collection are some reasons).



We are seasonal, although Florida residents, and I am very thankful we have access to the Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library system, always ranked one of the top 5 (this year I think #1 again).



We do appreciate the low property taxes here, but in some cases you get what you pay for. Would probably be worth the drive to Gainesville (suggest combining it with a stop at Trader Joe's and maybe the Botanical Gardens there or walk around U of F's campus or maybe a stop for lunch/shopping in Micanopy, although it's been a few years since I've been there).


You do get what you pay for in the end. I consider myself extremely fortunate to live in TV despite having grown up in the Boston area.

I can access any library resource I really want or need - some for cost - many by private companies. I just don't understand all the hand wringing about a software access program to read a book that is likely otherwise available. Are we so into the fast food culture that a book you can hold in your hands is a piece of trash? Live in Gainesville if that suits your needs.

This isn't Gainesville, Boston, NYC or wherever it is that we are missing. I read/skim 5 newspapers a day. My favorite is the Daily Sun. There is just something about holding and folding a news paper each day.

And I am absolutely happy to be here.

And PS - there isn't anything wrong with the trash collections here. You can actually have a conversation with the men involved if you try.

[villages07]

I have been using overdrive on iPad, nook, and kindle fire for several years...to read ebooks from Sumter Library and "free" library of Philadelphia. It has worked fine and reliably. Now, Sumter has forced us to change to Axis. Some Google research shows that axis is less expensive for them and more efficient for the library in buying books and managing their collection.

So, today I loaded axis on iPad and nook...no problem and, actually, I like the reader software a little better. Would not load on my 5th generation Kindle HD. Again, professor Google had the answer ...had to side load the app out side the Amazon App Store and it works fine. But, it definitely won't work on the paper white versions of Kindle. It is what it is, required change...some features better, some features lost.

[zcaveman]

The good news is that many of the newer hard back books are available. I was told I had two to pick up today and I just put them on my hold list on Sunday.

Z

[dbussone]

I have been using overdrive on iPad, nook, and kindle fire for several years...to read ebooks from Sumter Library and "free" library of Philadelphia. It has worked fine and reliably. Now, Sumter has forced us to change to Axis. Some Google research shows that axis is less expensive for them and more efficient for the library in buying books and managing their collection.

So, today I loaded axis on iPad and nook...no problem and, actually, I like the reader software a little better. Would not load on my 5th generation Kindle HD. Again, professor Google had the answer ...had to side load the app out side the Amazon App Store and it works fine. But, it definitely won't work on the paper white versions of Kindle. It is what it is, required change...some features better, some features lost.


Thanks for your review

[dp000]

Just got back from the Lady Lake library. Nice people and a larger library. It's worth $40 a year to stay with overdrive. Sorry Sumter County, you lost me.

[CassieInVa]

I'm reading a library book book on Axis. It doesn't seem to keep track of where I stopped reading and goes back to beginning. I have to set a bookmark manually every time. Am I missing something?

[cbg150]

How does the ebook collection at Lady Lake compare to the Sumter Library?

[Ohiogirl]

You do get what you pay for in the end. I consider myself extremely fortunate to live in TV despite having grown up in the Boston area.

I can access any library resource I really want or need - some for cost - many by private companies. I just don't understand all the hand wringing about a software access program to read a book that is likely otherwise available. Are we so into the fast food culture that a book you can hold in your hands is a piece of trash? Live in Gainesville if that suits your needs.

This isn't Gainesville, Boston, NYC or wherever it is that we are missing. I read/skim 5 newspapers a day. My favorite is the Daily Sun. There is just something about holding and folding a news paper each day.

And I am absolutely happy to be here.

And PS - there isn't anything wrong with the trash collections here. You can actually have a conversation with the men involved if you try.

I don't think there's anything WRONG with the trash service here - it's just not included in your property taxes (like many other places, I understand as well).

As for fast food culture regarding books - for many of us, the libraries are not that convenient, and compared to many larger communities, what is readily available is not a huge selection (I know, I know - you can request it, but that means yet another trip to the library when it arrives). Also, for many of us who travel frequently or are seasonal or whatever, e-readers have become a convenient way of life.

There is nothing wrong with embracing technology - it just seems that the Sumter County library is not thinking of its patrons, but more about costs - yes, they are not managed any longer by public employees.

I recently (Black Friday) bought a new Nook Glowlight and discovered it is not Adobe Reader compatible yet. Could have returned it within 14 days but was told by Nook that they were working on this issue day and night and it should be resolved within days (it hasn't yet). Kind of hard to believe they would roll this out without this feature (which the old ones had - I spilled coffee on my old one and fried it).

I am glad you can access anything you want, but not everyone is computer-savvy and probably many here just want to be able to keep doing what they finally figured out - how to download and read e-books from the Sumter County library system without paying any additional fees or encountering technological problems.

[zcaveman]

How does the ebook collection at Lady Lake compare to the Sumter Library?

They do not have too many of the latest releases.That is why I was using the Sumter library. Just so I don't get jumped on, let me qualify that by saying that they do not have the latest books in my reading desires. They might have some of the newer ones in other people's likes.

The good news is that they do have a three week read period instead of two.

Z

[Ohiogirl]

The Columbus Metro Library consortium for ebooks has a MUCH wider selection than Sumter County Library - not sure if they are in a consortium or not for ebooks - but once in a while, back when Sumter County used overdrive, I would find something on Sumter County that was not available from Columbus.

In Ohio, I believe you just need to be an Ohio resident to get a free library card to any library, or at least have an Ohio address. Part-year residents count. Ohio's libraries are usually funded through both state and local taxes.

I recently renewed my Sumter Library card - they are now doing it for 2 years instead of 1, but in September, my card inexplicably would not work online - when I took it to library they tweaked something, said that happens sometimes! A month or two later, I had to renew it. Don't know if they will do that over the phone or not. It was a real pain when it was only a 1 year card if you use ebooks mainly - who keeps track of their library card expiration date? Usually would happen when I was home with a cold or trying to download books for a trip.