As of yesterday, March 3rd, it is officially Read an eBook Week.” It goes through March 9th. Since 2004, it has encouraged using ebook platforms as a primary publishing route. During this time, authors and book retailers can publicize their books, offering discounts and even offering their books to download for readers to read from the comfort of their portable devices.
“But I prefer print, paper books.” Well, that’s fine. No one says you can change how you read. I read books and stories on my Kindle, paperback, and hardcovers. Some prefer eBooks, which are cheaper to buy, and still want to read. Even 70% of libraries enable their patrons to access eBooks and print copies. I have a book, Werewolves, Dogmen, and Other Shapeshifters Stalking North America, available in paperback at libraries for people to check out, while others have it as a download. My book still reaches readers.
Any way people reading is the goal, not how they do it. Libraries are still excellent places to check out books that people can still hold in their hands and offer eBooks they can download for a time. EBooks don’t stop someone from reading. Readers can view an eBook on a device like a Kindle Book or phones and on their computers.
The person who introduced Fead an eBook Week was Rita Towes. New authors released many great books as downloads, but regular publishers and distributors did not recognize their works. It frustrated Rita. She got the idea of this week and registered it, legitimatizing it. The woman informed libraries, T.V., radio stations, and other authors, retailers, and publishers about the initiative. It brought thousands of readers to a new way to read books.
It shocked me that e-readers did not begin in the 21st century, but research informed me otherwise. Writer Bob Brown conceived the idea in 1930, calling it “Readies.” The first device, ‘Enciclopedia Mecánica,’ was invented by Angela Ruiz Robles. It made it easy for schoolchildren not to have to bring numerous schoolbooks to school. But the first modern e-reader we know today was created by Michael S. Hart. He developed the first ever eBook, the Declaration of Independence in 1971.
Try an eBook this week. Even if you do not have an ereader, just your computer or phone, you can find free eBooks on PDFs online. Read it if you travel by bus, subway, or train to work and back home. It will make the trip much more relaxing. You will find another way to read and learn how enjoyable it is.
Happy reading!