Grayslake library purchases e-book readers
Because of the popularity of e-books, the Grayslake Public Library District has purchased nine NOOK Simple Touch™ e-book readers that are available for patrons to checkout.
Six of the NOOKs™ are loaded with the same 23 fiction titles, including best-sellers like Kathryn Stockett’s “The Help” and John Sanford’s “Shock Wave.”
The other three NOOKs™ share the same six nonfiction books, with titles including “In the Garden of Beasts” by Erik Larson and Tom Brokaw’s newest work, “The Time of Our Lives.”
The purchases were made possible by funds raised through the Grayslake Library Foundation and Grayslake Running Club’s inaugural “Just Book It!” 5K run and walk this past August, which raised nearly $6,000.
Some of these funds were set aside and designated to help with a longer-term space reallocation project in the library’s circulation area, but foundation members also wanted to use part of the funds to do something now to support the library and its patrons.
The library found the NOOKs™ to be a great response to the requests it has received from patrons regarding using this popular technology and providing more current and popular materials. Barnes and Noble works with libraries to make this possible.
“We pay for one fiction title, for example, but can put that title on up to six NOOKs™ — it’s like getting six copies for the price of one. It’s a very thoughtful and economical use of our budget, maximizing the service we’re able to provide our taxpayers.” said library director, Roberta Thomas.
“I’ve spoken informally with several residents over the last few weeks and everyone thought it was a great idea. We think patrons will be thrilled.”
NOOK Simple Touch™ eReaders’ features include clear, crisp text and reading capabilities, long-lasting batteries, ease of use and adjustable fonts that enable the reader to pick a type face and size to their liking.
Grayslake Library cardholders who want to see what all the buzz is about, or perhaps want to test the technology before spending their money on a gadget, now have an opportunity to get in on the fun.
NOOKs™ check out for two weeks — the same length as best-sellers — with no renewals.
Grayslake cardholders may reserve the readers, which are listed on the library’s online catalog. Cardholders ages 18 and older will need to bring in their Grayslake Library card and their driver’s license to check out one of the nine readers.
Visit www.grayslake.info or call (847) 223-5313 to learn more about the new NOOKs™ and other library services and programs.