E-books are becoming increasingly popular with readers, and the Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester libraries know just what to do about it.

The SAILS library network, an online catalog network for 73 southeastern Massachusetts libraries, allows patrons to download e-books in a variety of formats for smartphones and tablets through the “OverDrive” program.

After a software download, anyone can check out audiobooks, PDFs or Kindle books.

And the libraries in town are seeing an increase in e-book popularity.

Next up: Circulating e-readers to accommodate the increase.

Right now, the Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion circulates an Amazon Kindle, and director Judith Klevin says more are being ordered for the library.

E-books have a lending period seven to 14 days, and after that time is up, a patron’s access is cut off.

“You’re not so much downloading the book as you are gaining access to read a digital version,” Klevin says.

Klevin also says that, although patrons can download books to the kindle via SAILS, the possibility of books being purchased the library’s credit card—through Taber’s Amazon account—is a possibility.

Because of a Kindle’s wi-fi ability, Klevin says a person could use Amazon to buy books not in the SAILS system. Luckily, this hasn’t been a problem.

But it is something worth looking at, she says, as well as keeping patrons accountable for damage or any activity on the device.

The Mattapoisett library already has a Kindle and Nook in stock but is not circulating them yet.

Director Susan Pizzolato says the library staff time needs time to learn the technology to be able to assist patrons through the checkout process.

“The goal is to give patrons the best experience of using an e-reader,” Pizzolato says. “Whether they want to use our system or get their own reader, our role is to help make them comfortable with the technology.”

Pizzolato says the libraries in Seekonk and Middleboro circulate e-readers, and the Mattapoisett Library is seeing a continued use in e-books.

“It’s really fun technology,” she says. “We really encourage people to come here and learn the OverDrive program to access it themselves. Printed books will always be our bread and butter, but the audiobooks and online books certainly are popular.”

Plumb Library director Gail Roberts in Rochester says e-books have boosted circulation around 20 to 30 percent for SAILS last year.

The library does not have an e-reader

“We have talked about it with the trustees,” Roberts says. “We need to decide if we need e-readers and how we would circulate them.”

Roberts also says audiobook are very popular at the library, and the OverDrive program is simple to use. The library has a “download station” with computers for patrons to access books quickly by plugging in their devices

“You can use any device—iPad, Kindle, Xoom, Nook—and just plug it into the computer to access the database,” Roberts says. “It’s ridiculously easy.”