Independent and local bookstore customers in Friday Harbor no longer have to choose between reading digital and supporting their local bookstore – Griffin Bay Bookstore is now selling Google eBooks online at www.griffinbaybook.com.

Google launched its e-book program last month, and is partnering with the American Booksellers Association so indie bookstores can provide an easy way for their customers to discover, read, and buy e-books at competitive prices.

“Some of our customers are buying ereaders and are looking to purchase ebooks,” said Griffin Bay Bookstore owner Laura Norris. “Google eBooks now allows us to remain the store of choice for our loyal customers who are reading digital, and to serve new customers.”

A Google eBook is a new form of cloud-based digital book that allows readers to access their libraries on almost any device from one single repository, regardless of where the e-book was purchased.

“This partnership with Google allows independent bookstores that are our members to better compete with corporate retailers on selection, price, and convenience,” said ABA President Michael Tucker. “It levels the playing field.”

Google is offering hundreds of thousands of titles for sale, ranging from new releases and bestsellers in every category to classics in the public domain.

Because Google eBooks work with myriad devices – tablets, smartphones, computers, even most e-ink devices – consumers are free to shop from a variety of retailers rather than being bound to one retailer.

This opens up a wealth of indie recommendations and bestsellers to avid e-book readers.