Camellia Net expands library services in the digital age

Published 5:20 pm Monday, January 6, 2020

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The staff of the Selma – Dallas County Public Library are seeking to further connect the community with the library by promoting the digital services through Camellia Net.

“We’re adapting to the digital age with a digital format,” said Selma-Dallas County Public Library Director Becky Nichols.

The Selma-Dallas County Public Library is one of 25 libraries across the state that has entered a consortia agreement to pool their resources together and offer readers 25,000 – 30,000 titles on a platform called Camellia Net.

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Nichols says Camellia Net provides a great browsing experience and is very user friendly.

Camellia Net can be accessed by clicking the link at the bottom of the library’s webpage.

Once Camellia Net has been accessed, readers can browse through thousands of titles.

Once the reader has found a title, they select the Selma – Dallas County Public Library from a drop-down list of libraries across the state, enter their library card information and then they’ll be able to read any of the libraries books or periodicals on their computer, tablet or smart phone.

Coordinator of Library Services Dana Stewart said that Camellia Net also offers audio books.

“I can listen to books while I walk, while I cook or while I garden,” she said. “It allows you to bring reading into so many other things.”

Circulation Librarian Deontae Dial said Camellia Net is convenient for people who can’t regularly get to the library to return or renew books.

“A lot of people that use Camellia Net still come into the library,” said Dial. “But when they can’t they can use Camelia Net.”

Barbara Barge is an avid reader who can’t always get to the library because of her teaching job.

“It’s very convenient,” she said. “I’m so glad that the staff at the library introduced me to Camellia Net.”

Willianna Moore, another loyal patron of the library, said she prefers the feeling of a physical book, but Camellia Net served a s a great “Plan B” for when the book she wanted wasn’t available.”

“I enjoy it and encourage others to use it,” she said.

For more information about Camellia Net, contact the Selma – Dallas County Public Library at (334) 874-1725.