The IRC is now equipped with new e-readers called Kindles. Lots of students are putting their names on the waiting list to check one out, and for good reason.

The Kindles, produced by Amazon, are very thin and sleek e-readers, and with about 80 digital books on every e-reader, their convenience is proving popular.

The Kindle may not have a touch screen, but without a backlight, it is easier on the eyes than looking at screen. Not only is it easy on the eyes, but it can also change the font and font size of text, as well as indicate how much progress has been made on the book.

Sherry Baehr, the head librarian in the IRC, said, ” I like the portability of Kindles, it’s a thin lightweight device and for someone who reads a lot it’s easier than carrying around a lot of heavy books. It also adds a level of excitement for people who otherwise don’t read that many books.”

Michael Jarney, a freshman who recently checked out a Kindle,  agrees.

“I like how the Kindles have a built in internet browser,” he said. “I read my first Sherlock Homes book on the Kindle I checked out.”

In order to check out a Kindle, students need to fill out a permission form signed by their parents to claim responsibility. Once a Kindle is available and ready to go, an email can be sent to the student to let him or her know that the Kindle is ready to be checked out.