ATLANTA — Earlier this month, Georgia Public Library Service launched eRead Kids, a new digital library available through all 407 public libraries in the state, including in Moultrie and Doerun. The collection of almost 15,000 electronic and audio books is for children from pre-k through fourth grade.

“Kids will build confidence and reading skills — and have fun — through eRead Kids,” said State Librarian Julie Walker. “eRead Kids will empower libraries to support young readers by offering a format convenient for traveling and entertaining kids, while growing their reading skills.”

The collection is a mix of fiction and non-fiction ebook and audio book titles that can be downloaded onto computers, tablets and smartphones.

 All Georgia families now can freely check out electronic books for their devices, encouraging the early reading that is so important to educational success, according to a press release from the state library service.

GPLS has worked with children’s librarians across the state to select titles and identify the most advantageous offerings and pricing. eRead Kids is made possible by funding proposed by Gov. Brian Kemp and approved by the legislature.

“At GPLS, we strive to create programs that can be shared by all of our libraries, urban and rural, large and small. We can create economies of scale by leveraging our buying power for materials and services for statewide use,” said Walker.

To access eRead Kids, you need a Georgia public library card and an internet connection. Visit georgialibraries.org/eReadKids or your local library to learn more.