North Merrick Library to Demonstrate E-Reading at Street Fair

Technologically-challenged readers looking to make the jump from parchment to LCD screen can look to the North Merrick Public Library to lend them a helping hand.

The North Merrick Library will be hosting its first public e-reader demonstration at this year’s 21st Annual Merrick Street Fair on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair, which begins at 29 Merrick Avenue in Merrick, is sponsored by the Merrick Chamber of Commerce and is free to the public.

Attendees are encouraged to visit the North Merrick Public Library at the fair by stopping by the library’s tent, located near Chatterton School. Members of the library’s reference department will be available to show fair-goers how to download e-books onto their personal devices. 

Adult North Merrick Public Library cardholders can also borrow Kindle, Nook and Sony Readers through the library’s e-Reader Lending Program. Book downloads are free and can be done from the comfort of home. Patrons can download up to five books and reserve up to seven books at once on their device, with a rental period of two weeks.

“I think the e-Reader Lending Program gives library patrons a perfect opportunity to take home and try a Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, or even all three of the devices. It allows them to get the feel for the new technology before actually making the commitment to purchase a reader,” said Library Director Tom Witt.  

With over 7,300 e-books available through the shared holdings of Nassau County libraries, the North Merrick Public Library staff is, according to Mr. Witt, “ready and willing to offer one-on-one assistance” to show patrons just how easy it is to have these titles right at their fingertips.

For more information regarding e-readers and other programs at the North Merrick Public Library, please call Adult Services at 516-378-7474 (ext. 17), or visit the library’s website at www.northmerrickpubliclibrary.org.