CHICAGO (WBBM/AP) - The Chicago Public Library system has begun allowing patrons to download movies and other videos to their computers and portable devices.
WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports.
Of course there are thousands of video offerings that you can check out of the libraries and the Chicago Public Library’s Web site has offered downloads of audiobooks and music for years.
But, Library Director Mary Dempsey says the movie downloads is new.
Dempsey says her system has just started making free downloads of movies and other videos available online. Dempsey says there are more than 500 downloadable titles, from movies like “Enron: the Smartest Guys in the Room” to Public Television programs and instructional videos.
At the end of the three-week lending period, the program removes itself from your computer system or other device.
Dempsey says there are only about 530 downloadable titles right now, but they could expand.
Dempsey had one bit of bad news for the public. The library will double the fines for overdue books and other items. But, she says, the fines have not gone up since 1991.
As the nation's economy continues to slow down, Chicago Public Library officials say they are seeing increased use of its facilities.
Library officials are reporting circulation of library materials during the first nine months of this year is up a whopping 28 percent over the same period a year ago.
Dempsey on Monday told a City Council budget hearing that as the economy has become more difficult, more people are choosing to visit a library instead of buying books, movies or CDs.
Despite the increased use, Dempsey said the library is laying off five employees, cutting 166 vacant, full-time jobs and 177 part-time positions.
In the past, such budget cuts have been accompanied by threats to reduce library hours. But Dempsey said this is hardly the time for that.
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