Electronic Books and Devices Available at County Libraries

If you don't have an e-reader but are eager to try a Nook or Kindle, you'll soon be able to borrow one at the and . Each branch will have e-readers available for borrowing—and placing holds on the devices—starting Nov. 2, according to a release from Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL).

The Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation Inc. recently provided $50,000 to the library system to purchase 200 e-readers.

“It is a very exciting time for the Anne Arundel County Public Library and the Foundation is proud to be a part of providing Library patrons with this cutting-edge resource,” said Eric Edstrom, president of the Foundation Board of Directors, in a release.

Here are some quick facts about the devices and e-books from AACPL:

• The devices are pre-loaded with up to 30 titles.
• Children’s titles are available only on the Color Nooks.
• The check-out period for the devices is three weeks. 
• For those who have their own devices, the library provides free access to more than 5,000 e-book titles (see attached PDF for sample list).
• Patrons must have a valid library card, Internet access, and the applicable software in order to download content to their device. 
• From the AACPL homepage, go to “eLibrary” to check out e-books.
• Checkout period for e-books ranges from one to two weeks, and the books expire at the end of their loan period so there are no late fees.
• Patrons are limited to four e-books and/or audiobooks at a time.

The e-books are available in Adobe PDF and EPUB formats. Compatible e-readers include: Alex; iPad (iOS v4.0 or newer), Kobo (Borders); Nook, Color Nook (B&N); Kindle (Amazon) and Sony eReader. Android, Blackberry and iPhone, as well as computers running Mac OS v10.4.9 (or newer), Windows 98 SE (or newer) and Windows Mobile 5 and 6 are also suitable devices for download.

For more details, go to the AACPL website or call 410-222-7371.