Free Library to lend Nook e-readers

Are you a mature adult curious about those newfangled digital reading tablets? The Free Library of Philadelphia has a deal for you.

Nook e-readers preloaded with best sellers and classics are available for two-week loans to library-card holders age 50 and up who owe no fines and can produce a photo ID that matches the name and address on their library card.

Better yet, the library will teach you how to use the device - or any Kindle, iPad, Android or Sony e-reader you own or receive as a holiday present. (Tablets top many gift lists this year.)

Training is at the Central Branch Library, 1901 Vine St., from 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. That's also where you can get a Nook loaner. And if the preloaded books don't fit your taste, staffers also can ready an e-reader with any of the 32,000 e-books and audiobooks in the library's digital collection.

The e-reader program is in "pilot mode" through June, said program director Lee Fishman, with content and the 65 Nooks funded by grants from the federal Library Services and Technology Act and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Visit www.freelibrary.org to apply for a library card, download media and learn about the library's other digital initiatives, including computer classes, homework helpers and an online job/career accelerator program.

-Jonathan Takiff