Austin Public Library goes high-tech

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin Public Library is determined to meet the needs of a new generation of readers who might never reach for a book on a shelf.

"We have things like downloadable books now," said Brazos Price, a virtual library administrator. "And this new catalog that we're doing really adds a social component to that technology.

"The younger people are using technology to a greater degree," he added. "And it's important that we maintain connections with people who are going to become tax payers in the future. They're going to become library users in the future."

The library spent nearly $100,000 for the new state-of the-art online catalog.

Users can use a variety of features including the option to rate a book with a five-star system. Readers can also leave comments about the books.

Bobby Crooks is a frequent reader and likes the new idea.

"Is this book worth my time?" he asked. "Everyone invests time in something -- might as well make it good."

This is the library's second step in attracting the modern reader.

Austin Public Library launched a digital library in November. It allows people to download a book for a two-week period.

Since the launch, they have seen at least a 250-percent increase in digital readers.