Downey library to begin offering Kindle e-readers

DOWNEY - Beginning Nov. 1, the Downey City Library will begin a pilot program to circulate Kindle e-book readers to Downey residents with a valid library card and credit card.The library's portable readers from Amazon come with a variety of bestselling and classic books already loaded on each device. Patrons may check out a Kindle for three weeks with no renewals. "If you are considering the purchase of your own e-book reader, this is a great opportunity for you to try one of the most popular devices on the market," said librarian Dan Rooker. "The Kindle is easy to read in any light and the font size is adjustable. After a brief orientation at the library, patrons will be able to navigate easily and browse different books on the device as it bookmarks your page. "A generous donation from the Friends of the Downey City Library allowed the library to purchase Kindles for our patrons." Kindle users must provide valid credit card information to be charged only in the event that a device is lost, damaged or overdue. Approximately 50 titles are currently available on Downey City Library Kindles. Popular fiction books include "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, "The Affair" by Lee Child, "The Fifth Witness" by Michael Connelly; "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins and "The Tiger's Wife" by Tea Obrecht. Classic titles include "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London, "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas, "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley and "War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells. Each Kindle also includes popular biography and non-fiction titles, such as "Bossypants" by Tina Fey, "Cleopatra: a Life" by Stacy Schiff, "The Steve Jobs Way"‚Äàby Jay Elliot and William L. Simon, and "Unbroken: a World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption" by Laura Hillenbrand. Effective Nov. 1, Kindle borrowers will be asked to make an appointment to check out and receive orientation on the device. Patrons may call (562) 904-7360, ext. 132, for more information.

********** Published: October 27, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 28