NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Downloads in the state's Regional E-book and Audio Download System (READS) increased 77 percent in the past year.

The free program offers thousands of digital e-books and audio books to patrons of public libraries belonging to the Tennessee Regional Library System. Digital titles can be downloaded to a personal computer or a variety of portable devices.

Books downloaded across the state in the past year was almost 702,000 -- up 77 percent from a year ago.

The program began in 2005, primarily with audio books. As e-readers and smartphones became cheaper and easier to use, the popularity of e-books grew rapidly.