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Electronic readers storm Laughlin library

  • Published
  • By Joel Langton
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin library users just received another benefit when the library received 10 new electronic readers.

The AERO eReaders are preloaded with 200 titles in categories like science fiction, classics, business, history and of course, books from the Chief of Staff's Reading List, said Sue Blankemeyer, base librarian.

Laughlin was one of 19 bases to receive the electronic readers. Patrons can check the electronic readers out for three weeks and must be 18 years or older.

While the electronic readers are popular with the younger generation who were raised on smart phones, it's easy enough that those who fondly remember typewriters can still navigate.

"It's very simply designed," said Blankemeyer. "We can show someone how to use it in minutes."

Blankemeyer encourages people to come in and give the readers a try.

"If you think this is the direction the Air Force needs to go in, people need to use these because it's a test program and Air Force's leadership is closely watching the response," said Blankemeyer. "If people use these, we're going to see more. If they gather dust, these will be the only ones we get."

One user was excited the first time he went through the titles available. "I was really surprised when I saw the selection of really good books," said Brandon Boyd, a member of the 47th Student Squadron who's awaiting pilot training, who was the third person at Laughlin to check one out.

However, this isn't the Air Force's first foray into electronic media. Information on how to sign up for eBooks, eAudio, and digital magazines is available on the AF Portal, MyAirForceLife, Military One Source plus the library staff is ready to help anyone who wants to drop by.

The customer service focused library staff is ready to help people navigate the world of electronic media. "We have purchased a Kindle, Nook, and Samsung Galaxy tablet that the staff are currently using for training purposes to familiarize themselves with how these devices work with our eBook programs, but we are more than willing to have patrons come in and try one out in the library if they are in the market to buy an eReader or tablet or if people are just curious how they work," Blankemeyer said.

The library hasn't turned into an electronics store, they still have approximately 19,000 books and over 80 magazine and newspaper subscriptions. In addition to reading materials, the library carries a DVD collection that includes many first-run movies and television series.

They are also working to develop programs that help turn youngsters into life-long readers. Registration for the 2015 Summer Reading program will begin the middle of May. There will be weekly programs for children during June and July, and also several programs designed for teens this summer. 

"Bottom line, if there is anything we can do for people when it comes to anything library related, our staff is ready to help," said Blankemeyer.