The future of reading is a mouse-click away

Prior to the Apple iPad being released in Australia, Sunshine Coast Council is giving residents a sneak preview of the latest electronic books phenomena by offering free information sessions at selected libraries across the Coast.

Scheduled to hit Aussie shores on 28 May, the iPad, allows owners to download books and read them on a transportable computer screen.

Other e-readers already on the market include the Apple iPhone and Amazon’s Kindle, which will also be on display at the information workshops.

A recent survey conducted by Sunshine Coast Libraries, showed the popularity for e-books and e-audiobooks is set to sky rocket.

Manager of Learning Communities at Sunshine Coast Council, Ross Duncan, says this growing trend is an exciting one and a real coup for local libraries.

“With our collection of materials about to expand dramatically over the next three months to make it possible for our members to borrow e-books, and e-audiobooks, we are keen to provide as much information as possible to help people understand the technologies involved and to make the right choices,” he said.

Together with Leading Edge Computers in Buderim, select local libraries will be showcasing the Apple iPhone, iPad and Amazon Kindle, discussing how to use them and the future plans for e-books in libraries on the Coast.

Book in for an e-book session at these library locations:

Library	Location	Phone	Session Time
Caloundra	Omrah Avenue,<br>Caloundra	5491 1255	2pm, Thursday<br>27th May
Maroochydore	Sixth Avenue,<br>Cotton Tree	5475 8900	2pm, Wednesday<br>26th May
Noosa	Wallace Drive<br>Noosaville	5442 4411	10am, Thursday<br>27th May

For more info visit the Library Website.