Feb 11, 2016 2 min read

Can’t get to the library to check out a book? With a new program offered by the Washington County Library System, books are sent directly to a reader’s inbox.

“(The program) essentially allows everyone in the county with Internet access snippets of books in their email if they’re really busy and don’t have the time to stop into the library,” said Jessica Miller, library system coordinator.

Every weekday, subscribers to the new online book club will be emailed a portion of a book that takes about five minutes to read. By the end of the week, readers will have read two or three chapters and can check out the book from their local library or download the e-book from the OverDrive collection.

There are 11 book clubs from which to choose, including fiction, nonfiction, teen, business, romance, good news, science fiction, mystery, thriller, classics and audiobooks. A preview club allows access to books that have not yet been published.

Readers don’t even need a library card – or email – to join.

“If you don’t have email, you can read snippets right on the website,” Miller said.

By clicking on “book forum” on the library system’s website, readers can provide feedback and connect with others who have read the book.

“We love the chance to interact with our patrons in new ways all the time,” said Miller. “We’re working on programs to get people into libraries and reach out to where they are. Even if people can’t make it on a regular basis, we can still provide services to them.”

To sign up, visit www.washlibs.org.