Here’s something fascinating: Google is building a platform that will let users download entire books in a format you can read on mobile devices. It’s part of the Google Books Library Project, and in many ways, it mirrors what Apple did for music with the iPod. Google wants to do for books what Apple did for songs.

As a consumer, I think it’s brilliant. I’ve never been much of a music collector, despite loving music (I can play a pretty mean guitar, or at least in my own book!). But the bookworm in me? I’d love nothing more than to carry multiple e-books in a single pocket-sized device, instead of lugging around heavy tomes.

Picture this:

– You’re stranded at an airport during a storm, flights grounded. Instead of staring at the departure board for hours, you whip out your Google Reader “thingy” and dive into your favorite book. Problem solved.

– Or you’re a tourist exploring a new country. That same device could hold almanacs, travel guides, translation dictionaries, even local phone directories and maps. Suddenly, your pocket library doubles as a survival kit.

From a consumer’s perspective, the possibilities are endless. But what about publishers and authors? Their buy-in will be crucial. Just as Apple worked with record labels and artists to make the iPod a success, Google will need partnerships with publishers to make this “virtual library” truly work. And if Apple managed to pull it off, there’s no reason Google can’t either.