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Frequently Asked Questions
Online Book Club FAQs
Can I see a sample of titles that are featured?
Yes. The sign-up page has the current title for each of the several "Clubs".
DearReader's Sign-Up page for Pierce County Library >> (Web site: librarysupport.com)
What if I don't have my own access to the Internet?
The main requirement is having access to an e-mail account. If you have an e-mail account, and can find a way to access it, you can join this book club. For instance, most libraries have public Internet terminals you can use to access your e-mail account.
Do I need a valid library card to join?
No, for joining the Online Book Club and receiving the e-mails, a valid library card is not actually required. ,But, you will need a valid library card if, and when, you wish to borrow copies of the full books themselves from our library.
Why would I want to read only part of a book?
Some people are interested in seeing what a book is like, before obtaining a full copy. Others are so busy that they feel don't have time to read, or have extended time to browse a library or bookstore to select a book. The book club opens the pages of a variety of books for you. In a few chapters, you can get a real flavor for a book. You decide whether you wish to continue with the full book or not. Even if you don't read the full book, by spending only 5 minutes a day you can be refreshed by a quick break from your current environment, further develop the habit of reading, and might even be motivated to find a way to work more of the joy of personal reading into your life!
What if I get 'hooked' on a featured book and want to read the entire book?
You can go immediately to our online library catalog and use your library card to place a 'request' for a copy in our library system, to be delivered to your local branch.
A quick link to our library's website is also located at the bottom of each e-mailed chapter. We try to have these featured books within our collection, so you are able to place request for your own copy.
Does the library have each featured book?
Usually, yes*. The library is advised in advance which books will be featured and we try to have copies of each title in our system. Most of these are currently popular books or popular authors, which the library already owns or has ordered.
*Note: Books that have been delayed in shipment to us, may not be available at the time the excerpts come out. Delayed titles will be added as soon as possible. And, for past users of the "Audio Book Club", the "Audio Book Club" is not currently supported by this library collection.
How do I join?
Go to DearReader's sign-up page >> , select the type of books you wish to read, and enter your e-mail address. (Web site: librarysupport.com)
How can I unsubscribe?
Instructions on how to unsubscribe are listed at the very bottom of each e-mail you receive. To unsubscribe the Online Book Club, send a blank e-mail, using the e-mail account through which you have been receiving the chapters, to the e-mail address that is listed a the very bottom of one of the e-mails you have received. (This address will vary depending on which "Club" you are subscribed to. Unsubscribing form on Club does not unsubscribe you from any others that you may also have chosen to participate with.)
What if I go on vacation, or can't read my e-mail everyday?
The e-mail messages will be sent to your e-mail account daily (M-F), unless you specifically unsubscribe. You can read them from anywhere worldwide that you can access your e-mail. Or, they will be waiting for you in your e-mail inbox until you get a chance to read them.
Who selects the books that are used?
The staff at DearReader.com make the final selection of the titles, and prepare and distribute the actual e-mails that are sent out. They consult with participating librarians across the country to gather ideas and opinions as to which titles the libraries would like to see featured. DearReader.com has already made agreements with many publishers to provide future selection's texts.
What if a title doesn't appeal to me?
If the current title is not one you wish to continue reading, just delete the e-mails that come that week. Just remember, a different title will be coming out in just a few days -- a new one each Monday!
Who pays for this service?
The service is free to patrons. This service is on a subscription basis paid by our library for its patrons. The service is also funded by the commissions DearReader.com receives on books purchased by readers via DearReader's bookstore links. If you prefer to purchase a copy of a title, rather than borrowing the title from our library, you might consider purchasing it through www.DearReader.com. The full title/author information & ISBN numbers are included in each e-mailed portion.
If I join and give my e-mail address, will I get more SPAM mail?
We have been told by DearReader.com that they will never sell, rent or disclose your e-mail address or personal identifiable information to outside parties without your consent unless compelled by law or court order to do so. Your e-mail address will be used only for the delivery of the Online Book Clubs. You may unsubscribe at any time.