Naperville bookshop offers tech petting zoo for digital age

E-readers, tablets, PCs, laptops, netbooks, smart phones — all are capable of giving you access to the books you can’t wait to read. But if the procedure is new to you, you may be reluctant to give it a try.

Have no fear. Anderson’s Bookshops — with roots dating back more than 130 years — have thrived by keeping up with the times. And this new age is no exception.

Anderson’s Bookshop’s first “Technology Petting Zoo” event is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 25, at the store’s downtown Naperville location, 123 W. Jefferson Ave. Learn how to browse for, buy Google eBooks from Anderson’s website, read them on gadgets you probably already own, and discover how new devices can enhance your future reading.

Anderson’s is committed to providing for all customers’ reading needs, digital or otherwise. Google eBooks makes that an option for traditional booksellers, too. Independent bookstores, like Anderson’s Bookshop, can now sell digital content alongside physical books. So readers who are curious and gravitating to an electronic screen for their next new thing have no need to leave their neighborhood bookstore behind.

Statistics report that eBook sales surpassed the sales of physical books in 2010. But not everyone knows how to buy eBooks from their local bookseller, or that they can read eBooks on gadgets they’re already using.

With that in mind, Anderson’s “Technology Petting Zoo” is offered to interested readers who want to “test drive” the latest gizmos that are compatible with the Google eBooks the store sells.

The program will provide a hands-on demonstration on selected devices, but customers are also encouraged to bring in their e-reading tools as well. Customers who purchase a Google eBook through Anderson’s Bookshop’s website at the event will receive a $5 gift card for a future in-store purchase. This program is free.

The Google eBooks “Technology Petting Zoo” is part of Anderson’s Bookshops’ calendar of special events (http://andersons2.indiebound.com/events). To learn more about how to participate, visit or call Anderson’s at (630) 963-2665.