Overdrive App - Library eBook System

I found this great resource a while ago but never felt the need for it.  While we were camping in Marianna, FL I had the need!  The book I brought with me to read was actually one I had already read just under a different name!  Debbie Macomber has published a few books that are older and republishes them with a new name.  Thankfully this book I found at a thrift store and only paid a $1 or so for it.  I had to call my local library to figure out what my PIN number was to get this all set up on my phone.  Probably took me about 20 minutes because I was trying NOT to have to call.  Had I just called when I first had the question I would have been done in like 5 minutes! 

So this is the APP (and I know this app isn't available to everyone but if you have access to it it's GREAT, and very user friendly!.

When you first open the app this is the screen that you see.  As you can see while we were at Blue Springs I was trying to download books, I finished the one at the bottom and was trying to turn in back in but with cell reception so low I just gave up.  When we went into town I downloaded two, incase one I started reading and didn't like it.  (it's pretty obvious I love Debbie Macomber!)

This is what the side bar looks like when you hit the 3 lines at the top left corner of the picture above.  The bookshelf brings you to the screen showing you all the books you have out (5 at a time), in the picture above.

I chose a book and this is the first page.  I was VERY afraid when I saw 406 pages (the first overdrive book I borrowed had 600 something (two books in one).  But when you are reading you go through them quick because they aren't standard page sizes.

This is the first page of the above book.

See not many words on a page.  Quick easy reading.  When you close out of the app it holds your place.

Here is how you download a book.  Click the 3 lines in the top left corner, Click your linked Library, in my case it says "Chattahoochee Valley Libraries"

That brings you to this screen.

In the search bar you search author name, title of book, theme...like you would in any online reservation system that does inter library loaning.  I clicked on "Debbie Macomber Classics"

Brings me to this screen.

Click on the book you want, click "BORROW"

In our library (and it may be different at other libraries) we have a 14 day limit.  You can go and re-borrow if you need more time.  I did on the first book I read.

You can hook it to your kindle or phone.  I don't have a kindle so I did the "Download Epub eBook" option.

Give it a second to download.

Go back to your bookshelf and you'll see it available.

This is a great option for me as sometimes I forget my book in the car when I'm waiting somewhere.  So I can just pull my phone out and continue reading.  I'm thinking this will be a great option for my daughter for school.

I will always love the smell of a paper book though, you think they make it in a candle?

Uptown Float - Columbus, Georgia

Our anniversary is next week but because we have busy lives I decided to surprise my husband with a trip to Uptown Float in downtown Columbus.  Uptown Float is a new place here in town.  It's basically sensory deprivation, while you are floating in high salt content water.

We were told to arrive 10 minutes early.  We got there at 3:45 and he wasn't ready for us yet.  So we walked across the street to Iron Bank Coffee, and Tim got two shots of espresso and we shared a giant chocolate chip cookie. 

I told him to "look cute", such a goofball. 

This is the hall you come out of when you are finished.  The door with the light on is the place you can dry your hair, reapply your makeup, and style your hair.

This is the waiting area.  This is where I sat and waited for him to get done.  I originally was going to walk around and look at the shops downtown but it started to rain so I just sat and waited.

The front desk waiting area, where you check in.

I took this picture from their website as I didn't go back with him.  This is what the float room looks like.

In the second waiting area they had aroma therapy, soft spa like music, coffee, water and these adult coloring books.

Really comfy couches!!

So I colored while I waited!  Only so much Facebook you can browse.

 

Once he came out he came into the "get ready room".  They specifically say on their website to not bring your own hairdryer as they have super quiet ones to keep the noise down.

And they provided, lotion, hair spray, makeup remover pads, and qtips.  Also had body wash in the bathroom as well.

Overall my husband said it was super relaxing.  When you were in the room you would choose to have ambient glowing blue lights from underneath the pool, stars on the ceiling or BOTH with the push of a button.  He mentioned if he didn't have either of those on it was so dark that if he closed his eyes and opened them he couldn't tell a difference!!  The water was warm and comfortable, only about 10 inches deep.  He said he wouldn't do it monthly but that every couple of months that it would be nice, and he would totally recommend his friends to at least try it! 

So THUMBS UP to Columbus' Uptown Float.