PORTLAND,OR and LAVERGNE, TN – (February 15, 2001) -  Powell’s Books, the nation’s largest independent bookstore and an established pioneer in the eBook marketplace, and Lightning SourceSM, a leading provider of a complete package of digital fulfillment services, today announced a partnership that will dramatically expand Powell’s online selection of eBook titles and broaden the range of services for Powell’s electronic book offerings. Under the agreement, Lightning Source will significantly increase Powells.com’s existing inventory of electronic books by offering an extensive library of titles from a number of publishers, including Hotlzbrinck, Penguin Putnam, and Simon & Schuster.  These titles will be available in AdobeÒ PDF MerchantTM, Glassbook Reader, and Microsoft Reader formats.  Powell’s, which specializes in new, used, rare and out-of-print books, began offering eBookTM (formerly Rocket eBookTM) titles last year.  The endeavor was so successful that the retailer decided to expand its electronic book capability to meet growing consumer demand. “Our customers sent a clear message, through the success of our early eBook efforts, that they want to read more electronic books,” said owner Michael Powell.  “Lightning’s proven track record in the industry for the quick, easy delivery of a broad selection of electronic titles made them the clear choice to help us expand this side of our business, respond to the demand of consumers, and maintain our industry leadership.”