CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Public Library took a giant step into the world of digital music this week, offering its cardholders something few others can -- legal, free, music downloads.
With the launch of MyTunes Monday, users can download up to three songs per week and 150 songs per year from Sony's catalogue of more than a million songs without costing a thing.
"This is a groundbreaking opportunity," library director Felton Thomas said. "With the Rock Hall being so close, we're in the fortunate position to offer it. Not every library has a Rock Hall down the street."
Brian Downing, a spokesman for Freegal Music Service, the company that offers the downloads, said it has been offering free music downloads at libraries across the county. But he said the Cleveland Public Library is using the program much differently than anybody else.
Downing said when they offered the idea, the library came back with a way to include the Rock Hall and use the program as a cornerstone to promoting a more interactive music experience.
"What they came back with was probably the most unique approach I've seen to use our product," Downing said. "Their idea to include the Rock Hall was brilliant and they're really gone above and beyond in promoting it."
Users can log onto the library's website -- http://cpl.org/ -- and find links to MyTunes and the Rock Hall, where they can download free music and learn more about the artists.
The library's website will also direct users to the Rock Hall's new application, Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll, where they can learn about all the programs and exhibits on display at the museum, as well as other events and concerts.
Users also can go online and learn more about a featured artist, by finding books and other material that has been printed about him or her.
Right now, the featured artist on the library's website is Bruce Springsteen, but Felton said that will change periodically.
But the free downloads are what Felton expects will draw people to the website.
Jason Booker, 18, doesn't usually spend his summer afternoons on the computer at the library. That is, until a friend told him about the free music he could get online.
"There have always been ways around paying for music," he said. "But I'm glad there's finally a way to do it legally. I'm all for free music."
Thomas said it's more than just drawing people to the website. He said its finally time for library's to embrace the new technology they have, and use it to better educate and inform the public.
The library has offered books online for years, but none of them have allowed cardholders to take ownership of the books as they do with these music downloads. The other audio options are simply borrowed from the library.
Thomas said he can see this being the start of cardholders taking ownership of other downloadable options, both in music and books.
"This kind of project will show us how close we are," Thomas said.
Cleveland Public Library free music downloads to cardholders
Cleveland Public Library to offer free music downloads to cardholders
http://realneo.us/content/cleveland-public-library-offer-free-music-down...
People with MP3 players can now download songs for free from the Cleveland Public Library.
Cleveland Public Library to offer free music downloads to cardholders
Published: Monday, July 18, 2011, 10:00 PM Updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 11:04 AM
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