Sony Expanding Reader Library Program to Bring Next-Generation of Digital Reading to More Libraries

SAN DIEGO, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its work with libraries to expand their eBook collections and digital reading programs, Sony today announced that it has selected the next 30 libraries to participate in its Reader Library Program.  The libraries, from across 20 states, include the Pikes Peak Library District, Parkland Community Library, Laguna Hills Technology Library and the Kalamazoo Public Library.  The program will be rolled out over the upcoming weeks and will provide participating libraries with in-house training on digital reading devices, educational materials to help librarians and patrons learn more about eBooks and digital reading devices for library staff use and patron demonstrations.  Participating libraries have reported digital circulations more than doubling in the month following the in-house training.

"The first phase of our Reader Library Program was a tremendous success with participating libraries across the country reporting significant interest from patrons corresponding with strong growth in digital lending," said Phil Lubell, Sony Electronics' vice president of digital reading.  "Today, we're excited to announce the next 30 participants in the program and look forward to opening up digital reading opportunities to more consumers."

"The Sony Reader Library Program has enabled our Library to successfully spread the word about digital books, and we have seen an unprecedented increase in use since the inception of this timely partnership," said Kara Kohn of the Plainfield Public Library.  "Our patrons are enjoying the opportunity to test out devices the library would not otherwise be able to provide in the current economic climate.  The training and knowledge we received from Sony goes a long way in communicating to the public that the library is on the cutting edge.  We can't thank Sony enough for this effective initiative and hope it motivates other libraries to be active promoters of eBooks in the public library."

Components of the Reader Library Program include:

• An in-house training session for participating library staff developed by Sony.  This in-person session will cover digital reading formats, an overview of sources for digital materials, and training on Sony's Reader digital reading devices.
• Sony's Reader digital reading devices for use by library staff.
• Educational materials and informational bookmarks to provide patrons background on digital reading devices and eBook borrowing programs.

The next 30 participants in the Reader Library Program include:

• Rancho Bernardo Branch Library (San Diego, CA)
• Laguna Hills Technology Library (Laguna Hills, CA)
• Denton Public Library – South (Denton, TX)
• Utica Public Library (Utica, NY)
• Pikes Peak Library District (Colorado Springs, CO)
• Mill Valley Public Library (Mill Valley, CA)
• Mesa County Libraries (Grand Junction, CO)
• Park Ridge Public Library (Park Ridge, NJ)
• Mansfield Public Library (Mansfield, MA)
• Kalamazoo Public Library (Kalamazoo, MI)
• Moline Public Library (Moline, IL)
• Carnegie-Stout Public Library (Dubuque, IA)
• Roxbury Public Library (Succasunna, NJ)
• McHenry Public Library (McHenry, IL)
• Orono Public Library (Orono, ME)
• Mr. Vernon Public Library (Mt. Vernon, NY)
• Westborough Public Library (Westborough, MA)
• Town Hall Library (North Lake, WI)
• Rockville Centre Public Library (Rockville, NY)
• Springville Public Library (Springville, UT)
• Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (Evansville, IN)
• Howard City Library (Howard, KS)
• Buncombe County Public Library (Asheville, NC)
• Pioneer Library (Norman, OK)
• Fairfield County District Library (Lancaster, OH)
• Ohoopee Regional Library (Vidalia, GA)
• Grant County Public Library (Williamstown, KY)
• Parkland Community Library (Allentown, PA)
• Hooksett Public Library (Hooksett, NH)
• West Milford Township Library (West Milford, NJ)

Sony is also providing digital reading assistance to libraries beyond the next 30 participants in the Reader Library Program.  Libraries not currently participating will have access to further program information, details on applying for it, free eBook training videos and printable collateral for them to use in educating their patrons at www.sony.com/libraryprogram.

Libraries with additional questions regarding the program can contact program managers at [email protected].

Editor's Note: For additional information about the Reader digital book, your readers can call (888) 315-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sony.com/reader.  Members of the media looking for complete product specifications and digital images and other information are invited to visit Sony Electronics' news and information web site at www.sony.com/news.

SOURCE Sony Electronics