So... you have a new tablet - what now? Ask a librarian!

Is Santa bringing you a new device this year? Before you rush out to spend that holiday cash or gift card on popular e-book titles for your new tablet or smartphone – take the lead from National Public Radio (NPR) and talk to your local librarian.

NPR developers recently blogged that public libraries are one of the top two resources for those seeking to read the books that NPR’s Book Concierge app recommends, second only to Amazon.

In fact, WCCLS’ own Lisa Tattersall, Adult Services Program Supervisor is the librarian that NPR referred to when they wrote, "it’s always awesome to make librarians happy." Via Twitter, Tattersall encouraged NPR Books to include a link to WorldCat for each book recommended in the Book Concierge. One day later, developers implemented Tattersall’s suggestion, adding a Find at Your Library option. Leveraging WorldCat allows readers across the country to easily locate recommended titles at their nearest library.

Locally, Tattersall’s own recommendation is to explore the amazing collection of free, best-selling e-books and audiobooks available for all ages through our website - wccls.org/ebooks. "Wait times are short for new titles in the 3M Cloud Library app," says Tattersall, "and a lot of the best sellers from years past are often available to check out right away."

Tattersall also announced that, "due to a recent change, owners of Kindle Fire devices will be happy to know that it is now easier than ever to get the 3M Cloud app on their Fire." 

In the past month the most popular titles borrowed from the library 3M Cloud app include:

• As You Wish, by Cary Elwes 
• Switchblade, by Michael Connelly
• A Sudden Light, by Garth Stein
• The Cuckoo’s Calling, by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling)
• All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr 

A few of the latest best-sellers added to our e-book collection include:

• Yes Please, by Amy Poehler
• Flesh and Blood, by Patricia Cornwell
• The Boston Girl, by Anita Diamant
• The Innovators, by Walter Isaacson
• The Art of Asking, by Amanda Palmer

Your local librarian can help you find that next great read – one that fits your interests. They can also recommend additional titles based on authors and series you’ve read previously and enjoyed.

As a WCCLS patron, you have access to great reads on your tablet or smartphone. Use your library card to enjoy popular titles on your new devices throughout the new year, without spending any extra money this holiday season.