READING, ELECTRONICALLY Library patrons get hooked by e-books

Some Trumbull County libraries feature a new way to read your favorite authors.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
Millie Reider recently walked into the library but left without any books.
At least, no hardcovers or paperbacks.
Instead, she emerged with two electronic books -- the first person to do so at the Newton Falls library.
"I like the size. They're easy to hold and prop up," the Newton Falls resident said about the small electronic readers. E-books are the newest addition to several Trumbull County libraries.
Reider, 67, mentioned being confused about how to use her first e-book but said she found the second easier. She likes true murder stories and mysteries, two of several e-book categories.
Joshua Coen, 13, is reading "Pegasus in Space," an Anne McAffrey science fiction thriller. He likes having four other books, plus a dictionary, on his e-book.
"It saves me having to say, 'Mom, what does this word mean?'" Joshua said. He found out e-books were coming to the Newton Falls library and checked out "Pegasus" last week. He's been reading it daily.
Andrea Rufner likes being able to switch between large and small print, avoiding eye strain. She enjoys reading late at night -- without a lamp.
Rufner, 31, mentioned another advantage: "I don't have to force open the pages. It's easier than a paperback."
She also likes being able to turn the print, enabling her to read by holding the e-book horizontally.
Rufner is reading a Patricia Cornwell novel, "The Last Precinct." Mysteries and thrillers are her favorites.
Catching on: Rufner told her mother about e-books and said her mother plans to take one on a future camping trip.
"They're the way of the future," Rufner said.
Darlene McKenzie, a former Newton Falls reference librarian, said the devices can hold multiple titles, depending on size. They are about as large as a paperback and feature authors such as Danielle Steel, Ed McBain and Mary Higgins Clark.
McKenzie also offered some general information.
"They are hand-held and already downloaded into the device. There's no hookup and batteries can run up to 20 hours. We tried to make them as easy as possible," she said, adding that they can be checked out for two weeks, with no renewal. The patron can take an adapter with the e-book so it can be recharged, if necessary.
Exclusive domain: For now, though, if you want one of these compact devices, you'll have to visit a Trumbull County library. They're not yet available elsewhere in the Mahoning Valley.
Mahoning County's branches are considering e-books for the near future, said Janet Loew, communications and public relations director.
"[Mahoning County] has 19 locations and it would be very costly," she said, adding that further studies are needed.
George Hays, director and clerk treasurer at the Salem library, said a provision in Ohio's budget bill, now in the state House, would freeze library funding for two years. The Columbiana County system can't afford the added expense.
"We're not aware of any in Columbiana County and we don't have plans to proceed," Hays said.
Other priorities: Citing expense and budget concerns, Carol Cobb said e-books are not a priority at the Columbiana branch.
"We're maintaining what we have. No one has asked for them yet," the Columbiana library director said.
Connie Jewell hasn't had any requests either. The Mercer Library director said most patrons prefer checking out hardcovers and paperbacks.
"Ours is a small community where people still love to hold that book." She also mentioned a limited budget.
New Castle library patrons like books in various formats, but haven't requested e-books, according to Chris Baldwin, adult services coordinator.
"We're not in the market for it yet," Baldwin said. "There's been a push for DVDs and books on CD and cassette."
However, library staff members have discussed the idea, and the New Castle library may consider it later, Baldwin also said.