By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

The Nook Tablet is more than the average eBook reader. Put together by Barnes & Noble, this unit functions as both a tablet and eBook reader in one.

The unit allows the user to read books and magazines – and more! One can also check e-mails and play games. Plus, the battery life is exceptional so there is no need to worry about carrying around a charger all the time.

The Nook program has been available to patrons of the Livingston Library since 2013. “It’s a way for us to expand e-content offering,” said Melissa Brisbin, supervisor of patron services.

Brisbin, who came onboard at the Livingston Library two months ago, said that the Nooks are already pre-loaded with e-books – 23 titles for children, and 175 titles for adults. Nooks can go out for two weeks and be renewed if nobody is waiting for one. Do note that there is a $5 per day late fee.

Nooks are available for Livingston residents and paid card holders – people who live out of town but pay for a library card.

There is also a contract for patrons to sign to make them aware of the late fee and let them know replacement prices if something happened – which never did, according to Brisbin.

“They’re great because with e-ink you can read in any kind of lighting,” said Brisbin. “There’s no glare, like you get with an iPad. They are smaller than seven inches and easily fit into a decent sized purse. I find them easy to use and you don’t have to take a bunch of books with you when you’re traveling.”

The Livingston Library buys their Nook selection directly from Barnes & Noble so they get the most popular titles. What’s trending now, according to Brisbin, is anything to do with Alexander Hamilton. And “Sweetbitter” by Stefanie Danler has a long waiting list for the physical copy.

Even though Nooks and e-books are currently all the rage, Brisbin thinks hard copy will still always have a place. “I still like print,” she said, “but when I’m traveling, I take e-books. It’s easy to transport. They automatically bookmark, which is a nice feature since I always lose my place. You can enlarge the font if you’re visually impaired.”

Brisbin doesn’t see any downfalls to e-books. She said, “Once the title is purchased, if you accidentally delete, you can always get it back. You can move titles on and off of it to free up space.”

But when it comes to adult readers versus children, it seems adult readers are the ones who favor the Nook. “E-books just don’t replace the interaction of a real picture book,” said Brisbin. “Families still like to have the reading time.”

All-in-all, Brisbin feels the library’s Nook program is great.

“People are always excited that they can take one out. They didn’t know about it [the program].”

For more information on the Nook and titles offered, visit the reference desk at the Livingston Public Library or check out https://livingston.bccls.org/.