EBOOKS have been flying off the virtual shelves at Gladstone Regional Library.

In the first four days after the June 26 launch, Gladstone bookworms had already loaned 120 copies of their favourite digital books.

Regional librarian Fran Moroney said while the new technology was popular, the loans wouldn't surpass loans for hard copy books just yet.

"In June we had 37,376 hard copy books loaned out," Ms Moroney said. "I think it will be a half and half affair for a while (between hard copy and e-books)."

There are 1950 e-books and 1215 audio e-books available in the Gladstone Regional Library collection.

In the past month Ms Moroney said the library had to increase its e-book download limit per member from four to 10 copies, to cater for such a high demand.

"I think we will still have a place for hard copy books," she said.

But Ms Moroney is still keen to dabble in the digital age - the library is launching free video and magazine downloading software for its members.

Indie Flicks allows members to watch short films, while Zinio magazine allows members to read magazines.

Most popular e-reads:

• Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly


• In the Name of Honour by Richard North Patterson


• Heart of Dreaming by Di Morrissey


• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak


• M is for Malice by Sue Grafton