Enoch Pratt Library Offers More Books In Electronic Form

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The paper page is being replaced by the silicon chip.  More electronic readers are coming to the Enoch Pratt Library.

Mike Schuh turns the page on this development.

Gutenberg's press led to libraries. A press of the finger leads to the eReader. And now, the Pratt is offering a big change.

"You can download from home or come into our branches," said Carla Hayden, Pratt Library CEO.

The library received $350,000 from the Weinberg Foundation.

That's money which buys 200 more of the library-owned readers to be available at all branches, and it allows them to buy more titles and downloads from home.

"Even books that have been on waiting lists like 50 Shades of Grey, they'll be available now, more for free," Hayden said.

Special computers in each branch make it easy to use your own device.

"The cool thing is because it has this QR code, you can scan it, either with iPhone tablet. After you scan it, it will pop up on your iPhone," said Roswell Encina, Pratt Library spokesman.

It's the kind of stuff these kids will soon come to expect.

"That is one of the reasons why our library is admired nationwide, and more people are using the Pratt because the Pratt finds ways to stay relevant," Encina said.

If you want to learn how to use the reader, ask any librarian at one of the branches or downtown.

This program is open to all residents of Maryland.