The New York Public Library has just released a new app for Android and iOS called SimplyE. It bypasses the need to have the 3M Cloud Library and Overdrive installed on your smartphone or tablet. Instead, the new app includes digital content from both of these digital providers.
SimplyE allows you to browse the New York Public Libraries entire digital catalog of 300,000 titles. This includes e-books from the libraries own royalty free collection, 3M and Overdrive. You can use your library card number to login to the app, find some books you want to borrow and read them.
The app was developed using open source software, giving public libraries around the country the ability to use the code to develop their own e-reader apps, and make borrowing free e-books easier for their patrons. NYPL is actively working with library systems around the country to potentially implement customized versions of the app.
NYPL President Tony Marx said the e-book selection is “growing” and the library will continue to make it more accessible. He also mentioned that a web and Kindle edition is in development and will be released soon.
Michael Kozlowski is the Editor in Chief of Good e-Reader. He has been writing about audiobooks and e-readers for the past ten years. His articles have been picked up by major and local news sources and websites such as the CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and Verge.