It’s happened more than once now: I’m waiting in the checkout line at the grocery store (a place I frequent a lot as a mom of two boys) and one of my favorite magazines is calling to me to pick it up and take it home.
But, just as I’m about to put that enticing copy of Chicago Magazine, or Dwell, or Us Weekly in my cart, I remember: I can get this magazine for free! That’s because as an Oak Park Public Library cardholder, I can now access Zinio, the world’s largest digital magazine service.
The magazines in Zinio are available the same day as they’re released in print, so I know I’ll have access to that issue I just saw on the newsstand. And, since there are no holds or checkout periods, I know I can get what I want, when I want it. Since there are no return restrictions, and I can hold onto an issue for as long as I want.
Later, when all is quiet at my house, I download the magazine I was prepared to spend $4.99—or more—for at the grocery store, and read it cover-to-cover.
To get started, have your Oak Park Public Library card or account number handy and visit http://oppl.org/zinio. Here you can find simple instructions, create a free account, and log in to get start reading on your device, smartphone, or computer.
Don’t see your favorite magazine on the list of available titles through the library’s Zinio subscription? Send us your suggestions. Email digitalservices@oppl.org for consideration for subscription in 2014.
To learn more, join the library's Digital Services department on Facebook and Twitter for "What's a Zinio?," an online help session from 4 - 6 pm, Wednesday, Nov. 20. We'll be happy to answer all your questions during this live Q&A. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to join in.
By Gretchen Rings, Digital Services Librarian, grings@oppl.org
