E-books have been available overseas for a number of years but they are now available in New Zealand too. The introduction of e-books, electronic books, means New Zealanders will are able to download and read a book on their computer, an e-reader or some phones. At the moment, only a small percentage of books are sold in digital format but that is increasing.

The company that owns Whitcoulls in New Zealand is offering e-books for sale on the Whitcoulls website. People need to buy a $295 e-reader called a Kobo (these are the same letters as in book – b-o-o-k). A kobo is quite small, about 15cm, weighs only 221 grams, has different font sizes and can be read in bright sunlight. E-books are cheaper than normal books and would be useful for travelers who do not want to carry heavy books around.

Contributed by Anita Jones

Questions

1. Would you prefer to read a book on a screen or written on paper?

2. Could you lend an e-book to a friend?

3. Could you borrow an e-book from a library?

4. Do you think in the future that there will be no books written on paper?