29% of Adults Own E-book Reader or Tablet

According to the latest study from Pew Internet, the number of Americans owning either an e-book reader or tablet jumped from 18% in December to 29% in January this year.

That's amazing growth for these devices. 

I've had a Kindle for a few years now.  But when I saw a terrific close-out deal on an Android tablet last month - a Motorola Xoom - I decided that the time was right to get one.  

I've been enjoying it ever since, with all of my apps from my Android smartphone syncing up right away with the Xoom.  I quickly found myself downloading books, viewing Internet sites, shopping and requesting library books all from the comfort of a chair in our family room.

Many of our library users are also among those who are now trying these gadgets out for the first time.  If you find yourself lost in the weeds trying to figure out how to download a book, our reference librarians may be able to help you.

In fact, Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill now has an eBooksHub that will help you navigate your way through the library eBook download process.  We'll be happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

Time for a Kindle or a Nook?

It looks like the price wars have begun, and consumers who haven't yet purchased a Kindle or Nook ebook reader will benefit.

CNN reported this week that Barnes and Noble's reduced its 'Nook' price to $199, and also introduced a low-cost, Wi-Fi-only version for $149.

This was quickly followed by Amazon reducing its 'Kindle' price from $259 to $189.

CNN goes on to say that prices as low as $99 could be in our future by the end of 2010.

So, if you have been on the fence about taking the plunge, this may be the beginning of a great opportunity to try one out.