LEWISTON — The Lewiston Public Library is offering private one-on-one help for anyone wanting to learn how to use e-readers and tablets (iPads, etc.) to borrow e-books from the library.

The library’s highly-knowledgeable staff can spend up to one hour helping to set up the necessary account, configuring a device and teaching the ins and outs of digital reading. There is no charge for this service; it is available to anyone with a library card in good standing.

Appointments need to be scheduled between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and must be requested at least one day in advance. Other appointment slots may be opened if the response to the program is good.

Library staff have experience with many different kinds of e-reading devices including Kindles, iPads, Nooks and Android tablets. Many other devices may work as well. When requesting an appointment, let the librarian know what kind of device you want help with and they will tell you if they can help.

The sessions are tailored to each person’s needs. The usual topics covered are: using the library’s e-book catalog, getting e-books onto the device, returning them when finished and setting up the necessary accounts to access the e-books.

The only materials necessary to bring are a library card, e-reading device and Amazon.com username/password if you are a Kindle user.

Every Maine library offers a large selection of e-books through a statewide purchasing consortium. Auburn and Lewiston also purchase extra e-books available only to their customers. The statewide e-book program can be accessed at LibraryLA.org/ebooks. Lewiston and Auburn library patrons should log in with their library card in order to see the locally-purchased titles.

This service is free, but advance appointments are required. To sign up for a one-on-one appointment or to obtain more details, contact the library’s Adult Services Department online at LPLonline.org/contact, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 207-513-3135.