Five Apple iPad minis and five Google Nexus 7s will be on display during the technology petting zoo. Patrons are encouraged to look them over, handle them and ask questions.

"This is where a lot of books are going, and it's a lot less expensive," said McMullin. 

Library card holders who are familiar with these types of devices can rent one of the four Kindles the Southwest Harbor Public Library already has on hand. 

"They come pre-loaded, and people have three weeks to read whatever they want on there," said McMullin. "If there is a new title we're waiting to get, we can get it immediately by downloading it to the Kindle and it'll go onto all four Kindles." 

Patrons can also access music on these devices for free. 

"Freegal is a site where you can download three free MP3 songs every Sunday night that you can keep forever," said McMullin.

Those interested in learning more are encouraged to register for one of the four one-hour technology petting zoo sessions on Oct. 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. and 11 to noon or Oct. 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. and 11 to noon at the Southwest Harbor Public Library. For more information, contact the library at 244-7065.