One of my blog followers commented on a recent post about his local library not having a copy of the first book in a series, to which I suggested checking to see if the library had any type of digital lending for ereader devices. So that prompted me to write this post.
Recently, I got an email from my library that said…(hold on while I find the email)… Okay, so I guess it wasn’t sent that recently after all, I already deleted it. In any case, they sent out an email to alert members that digital books can be borrowed on the Kindle. Now, I knew my library offered books in the EPUB and PDF file formats, but — WAIT! I think I forwarded the email to my mom, let me check my sent folder…
Nope, guess not.
ANYWAY, books can now be borrowed on the Kindle (in the Kindle format, not just the EPUB or PDF format) through my library through this thing called Overdrive. According to the Overdrive site, there may be some restrictions for certain devices (for example, the 1st and 2nd generation Kindles are only compatible with American libraries).
For any of you who are members of the Boston Public Library, you can check out their digital
lending library here.
Amazon has a policy about getting books from libraries as well. (Click here to be taken to the Amazon page about library books). You can share with other Kindle users (though once again, certain restrictions may apply…I think it depends on the publisher, etc. to determine whether a book is allowed to be shared.) I also remember reading that there is a 14 day sharing limit for a book, so if it’s a long book and you’re a slow reader, you may want to consider other alternatives.
I have borrowed my first e-book through the library site. On the library site, it said I have 14 days to borrow the book. Then, when I clicked on “Get it for Kindle” I was redirected to Amazon, where I was able to send the book via Wi-Fi (in fact, there was a note saying that the Kindle had to be connected to a Wi-Fi network because the book would not be sent via 3G) like any other book purchased for the Kindle. When I look in my Kindle library, it says “public library” next to the title. I am able to view it on my Kindle, so it looks like I have had success! I know it will take me less than 14 days to read this, but I almost want to leave it until the end of the time period to see what happens. I wonder if I won’t be able to open the file on my Kindle or something?
Have you borrowed an e-book through your library before? What was your experience when the due date arrived?
