Library launches music downloads
    Phoenix Public Library is expanding its digital resources with Freegal, a service that allows library cardholders to download three free songs per week from Sony Music and its affiliated labels. The songs do not expire, and they become the permanent property of the cardholder.
    Access the service by going to the “Music” page on phoenixpubliclibrary.org and clicking on the Freegal ad on the right side of the page.
    Customers may search by genre, artist, composer, song or album. Freegal highlights selected artists, newly added songs, the top ten downloads by Phoenix Public Library customers, and the top ten downloads nationally.
    For more information, visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org or call 602-262-4636.

College Depot finds funds for college aid
    College Depot, a unique full-service college planning center, offers several free programs this month to help incoming high school seniors and their families streamline that hunt for college scholarships. The depot is located on the second floor of the Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave.
    On Tuesday, Feb. 21, an “Understanding Financial Aid & FAFSA Lab” will be held from 5-6:45 p.m. Come for an overview of financial aid and learn about grants, loans, work-study and more. The workshop will be followed by a FAFSA lab using the College Depot computers.
    A “Searching for Scholarships & Hands-On Lab” will take place 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28. This informative workshop will give you helpful tips and ways to search for scholarships, followed by a practice session on the depot’s computers to use what you have learned.
    For more information, visit http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/ collegedepot or call 602-261-8847. To RSVP for a workshop, e-mail college.depot@phoenix.gov.

Library offers NOOK e-readers
    Phoenix Public Library is taking another step in the digital age by offering a pilot program to lend NOOK e-readers to library customers. The program allows customers to learn how to use e-readers and gain access to the library’s collection of e-books and e-audiobooks.
    Twenty-five NOOKs will be available for loan at several library locations, including Burton Barr Central, Acacia, and Saguaro libraries. Customers may check out a NOOK for a three-week period. They’ll also receive instructions to guide them through using the NOOK at home and downloading materials from the library’s digital media collection.
    Approximately 3,000 customers will be able to participate directly in the program in the first year. The program is supported with funds granted by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Agency under the Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, call 602-262-4636 or visit phoenixpubliclibrary.org.