Lancaster Public Library volunteer Kay Puma, left, explains how she uses her Kindle to download books from the public library system, as youth librarian Gwen Cassidy looks on. Photos by Scott Schild. Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com “Things are changing,” said Kay Puma as she held her second generation Kindle. “It gives people more flexibility to choose the way they read or want to interact with text.” Instead of shelf space, it’s gigabytes. Turning the page has become swiping the screen. And now, you don’t even have to visit the library to borrow a book. Advances in modern technology are changing the way society gathers, reads and studies information. With eBook readers like the Nook and the Kindle gaining popularity, libraries across the nation are doing their best to adapt to the change. The Lancaster Public Library wants its patrons to be able to easily navigate the Web-based, downloadable service “Downloads 2 Go,” which allows them to check out materials. Puma, a volunteer at the library, said she thinks the system’s navigation system is fairly simple and borrowing books digitally is a learning process, just like anything else. Gary Howell, the library board’s president, who does most of his reading on an iPad, agreed. “One of the things I really like about the site is that it contains videos that show you how to navigate,” he said. “They are really helpful, especially for those who are visual learners.”

Janice Nowick browses through books at the Lancaster Public Library. With new eReaders such as the iPad, Kindle and Nook gaining popularity, libraries across the county are offering patrons an opportunity to “borrow” eBooks from “Downloads 2 Go,” an online database that provides thousands of new and classic book titles. The county’s library system has more than 10,000 free electronic book titles in the fiction and nonfiction genres. Individuals can choose to download various audio books or movies and TV programs.

Furthermore, many people with eReaders are downloading free materials from Project

Gutenburg, a website that offers more than 38,000 books covering a wide range of titles.

Gwen Cassidy, the youth services librarian at the Lancaster branch, said the eBook circulation numbers have risen 100 percent within the last year.

“It’s pretty exciting, and it seems to be really taking off,” Cassidy said. “We’re embracing the changes.”

Patrons can check out materials from the comfort of their own home by making an eBook selection and entering their library card number on the screen. At the end of the loan period, the book expires and is “returned.”

So what are some of the differences when borrowing an eBook versus a traditional one?

Cassidy said there are no late fees associated with the digital system, because once the borrowed time period has expired, the digital file of the book just disappears. She added that most eBook titles cost the library around $15, as opposed to almost double the price for a hard copy.

Puma and Howell, both Lancaster residents, said their eReaders have several features that they think are very useful, like a text-to-speech option and the ability to enlarge the text or adjust the back lighting on the device, which is easier on the eyes, they said. Howell, who has carpal tunnel syndrome in both his wrists, said the lightweight iPad is easy for him to hold as opposed to a 600-page book. Puma, who travels frequently, likes the space-saving convenience.

Still, some people are reluctant to give up the “experience” of a traditional book. They like the library atmosphere. They enjoy the smell and texture of books that have oftentimes existed longer than they have. They have difficulty viewing the trendy reading devices as replacements for a hub where many visit to obtain information.

Puma believes in embracing the change.

“This is the way the world is moving,” Puma said. “If we want libraries to be a place that the younger generation will choose to be a part of, then we have to make it something that fits their lifestyle.”

The Lancaster Public Library will be offering classes on the “Downloads 2 Go” program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 14; 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 3; and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at its location, 5466 Broadway, Lancaster. Call 683-1120 to register.

For more information or online training guides, visit the website www.buffalolib.org. email: jolenez@beenews.com