This week has been declared “Read an E-Book Week.”  According to readanebookweek.com, the first e-book was created in 1971 by Michael Hart.  E-books started becoming popular with libraries in 1998 and publishing companies started to notice the popularity around 2001.

Washington Public Library Director Patrick Finney says they have e-books available through their website.  He says they are part of the WILBOR statewide consortium that offers e-books through their website.

When asked if the need for actual books will go away with the increase in popularity of e-books, Finney responds by saying actual books will remain because not everyone has the technology for the electronic books and some like to have the physical book in their hand to read.

He notes print publications are still the dominant form of consumption for printed materials.  To learn more about e-books click here or the Washington Public Library, click here.