Air Force eReaders turn the page in library program Published Jan. 15, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The Little Rock Air Force Base library has initiated the eReader program, offering tablets to active-duty military service members. (Courtesy Photo) (Courtesy photo) The Little Rock Air Force Base library received 10 AERO U.S. Air Force eReader tablets Dec. 1, as part of an Air Force test program to evaluate the usage and demand for electronic readers by Air Force members. The tablets, which are not web-based, contain 200 titles in different genres such as science fiction, classics, business, history and books from the Chief of Staff reading list. Each book is pre-downloaded and cannot be taken of the tablet, nor can individuals add books to the tablet. As the world shifts to the digital age, the Air Force consistently produces new products and ideas to keep up with the ever-changing demand. The eReaders are a small step in the right direction in regards to supporting base libraries. The eReaders also encourage younger Airmen who have grown up in the digital age to utilize the base library program and enjoy reading the plethora of titles available at the touch of a button. "The Air Force is simply expanding programs to create add-ons to what is in the library already," said Bethry Becker, Little Rock AFB library manager. "People are going digital. Nobody checks out 200 books at once." The eReaders are currently only available to active-duty military members for a three-week checkout. At the end of the three weeks, the service member may extend the checkout for another three weeks as long as there is not a waiting list for the tablets. While the eReaders are available to all active-duty service members, Becker feels that the younger generation of military service members at Little Rock AFB will be more geared toward them. "It's hard to tell who they will appeal to, but ideally young Airmen or the Marines who are here for training. We have them coming in here all the time." Becker also hopes that the new foot traffic will bring customers in for other products that the library has available. While books are the glue that binds the library together, DVD's, games and online programs are available to active-duty service members and their families, retirees and Department of Defense civilians. As the base library transitions from page turning to button pushing, the goal of the library remains the same: To educate curious minds and provide a place for patrons to do so. For more information on the eReaders or other programs the library has to offer, call (501) 987-6979 or visit the Little Rock Air Force Base library official Facebook page.