A new kind of petting zoo — the kind that doesn’t involve using hand sanitizer afterward — is coming to Suffolk’s public libraries.

The Tech Petting Zoo, as it’s been dubbed by library leadership, will allow library patrons to try out the latest tablet gadgets. Whether the patron is looking to buy one, trying to learn how to use their own or just looking for help downloading e-books, the petting zoo will help folks move into the 21st century.

“We can help with the basics,” said Kristen Marshall, support services manager at the Morgan Memorial Library on West Washington Street. She added that in addition to the tablets, library staff also are able to help with the desktop computers at the library and also with searching the library’s online catalog.

The three tablet devices available are an Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 and a Kindle Fire HDX.

The technological help available will include downloading and installing apps and using library resources on the tablets.

“You just need to have a library card with no outstanding charges on it,” Marshall said.

Library resources available include digital services like Hoopla, Axis 360, OneClick Digital and Zinio. Together, they provide access to audiobooks, e-books, movies, television shows, music albums and magazines.

“It’s pretty new, and it’s all free for our patrons,” Marshall said.

She added that once folks are in the library, they will learn about other offerings.

“Come in for help with some of your tech stuff, and stay for some of our other programs,” she said.

Walk-in visits to the petting zoo are welcome, but patrons will receive more targeted assistance by calling and scheduling an appointment with a staff member.

Visit the library online at www.suffolk.lib.va.us or call any of the three locations for more information.

• Morgan Memorial Library, 443 W. Washington St., 514-7323
• North Suffolk Library, 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Road, 514-7150
• Chuckatuck Branch Library, 5881 Godwin Blvd., 514-7310