NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble says its third-quarter loss narrowed as lower costs offset a decline in sales of traditional physical books.

The bookseller is investing heavily in its Nook e-readers and e-book library.

It says its net loss for the quarter ended Oct. 29 was $6.6 million, or 17 cents per share. That compares with a loss of $12.6 million, or 22 cents per share, a year ago.

Analysts expected earnings of 3 cents per share.