One year ago if anyone were to say if I tried reading books using a Kindle, I wouldn't care if I ever read a print book again, I would have said, "NO WAY". But guess what happened, just (1) year later. I LOVE my Kindle, and if I could afford to exchange all 600 of my paper books for eBooks, I'd do it in a heartbeat, to carry my whole library with me 24/7.
To me it's easier on the eyes, easier on my hands which sometime get numb holding hardcover books, and I can highlight quotes, make notes with relative ease, and I only have to charge it about every 4 weeks. Right now I have about 200 books on my Kindle, but I can have as many as 3,500 - an attainable dream - knowing me! Seriously, I'm pretty selective with what I download. I don't download books just because they are free. It has to sound like something I'd really want to read. Recently, I joined NetGalley and love the ability to preview some soon to be released titles, even though the format can often be a bit funky at times.
But, a new amazing discovery now has me hooked. In Massachusetts, if you have a public library card for any library in the state, you can get a Boston Public Library Digital Library Card number. The selection of Kindle-ready eBooks is amazing and the process couldn't be more simple. I can create a wish list, place holds, and when the item is available, I have (5) days to check it out and the (14) days to read the book. They even send you an email (3) days before the download is due to expire so that you can speed up your reading for that download. Popular new books often have multiple copies, and although there might be a wait list, it goes pretty quickly, and there are so many other great books to choose from that you'll always be able to find something good to download.
Have you tried Kindle eBooks from your library? What did you think? If you haven't tried free Kindle Library books available in your state, maybe it's time to check it out, and save yourself a lot of money in the process.
FREE KINDLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOKS
(Info from Amazon Website)
Check Out a Public Library Book for Kindle
You can borrow Kindle books from your local library's website, and, with the click of a button, have them delivered to your Kindle device or free reading app.Instructions:
- Visit the website of a U.S. library that offers digital services from OverDrive.
- Check out a Kindle book (library card required).
- Click on "Get for Kindle." You will then be directed to Amazon.com to redeem your public library loan. You may be required to login to your Amazon.com account -- or create a new account -- if you're not already logged in.
- Choose to read the book on your Kindle device, free reading app, or Kindle Cloud Reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this book not available for Kindle from my local library?
Availability of books and length of loan will vary by library. We recommend you check with your local library for more information regarding the availability of public library books for Kindle.Will I be notified before my public library book loan expires?
Yes. Three days before the end of the loan period, we will send a courtesy reminder e-mail about the loan expiration. Once the loan period has ended, an additional e-mail notification will be sent. Availability of books and length of loan are determined by your local library.How do I view the status of my loan?
You can view the status of a public library book for Kindle from the Manage Your Kindle page. Click on the "+" symbol next to any title to view more details about any book that you've borrowed including the expiration date.You can also access all of the materials that you currently have checked out on your library's OverDrive-powered website. Within your library's digital site, look for links to My Account, My Bookshelf, or something similar.
What happens to my notes and highlights after a loan expires?
You can always access their notes and highlights through kindle.amazon.com, even after a book expires. And if you check a book out again, or purchase it from Amazon.com all of your notes and highlights will appear in the book as before the loan expired.Are public library books for Kindle available internationally?
At this time, public library books for Kindle are only available at U.S. libraries.What Kindle devices can I read public library books on?
You can read borrowed Kindle books on any generation Kindle device or all free Kindle apps, as well as in your web browser with Kindle Cloud Reader. Public library books require an active Wi-Fi connection for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. Library books will not be delivered via your Kindle's 3G connection. If you are trying to send a library book to a Kindle device and you do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, you can load your library book via USB instead.How do I send library books to my Kindle device or reading app?
Once a public library book has been redeemed, you can send it to any registered Kindle device or reading app from the Manage Your Kindle page. Public library books require an active Wi-Fi connection for wireless delivery to a Kindle device.
Library books will not be delivered via your Kindle's 3G connection. If trying to send to a Kindle device and do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, you may instead choose to load your library book via USB.
Both my libraries (my new one and the one where I used to work) have this option now. Not a huge selection or number of copies, but I suspect that will change over time. I haven't tried it yet, but I think it is a great thing. Glad this has worked so well for you, Diane. I totally understand your delight in your Kindle. Me too!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed that you are so hooked. I'd like to try. I can download books on my iPhone but haven't tried actually reading them on it yet. The size of the screen probably makes it not as much fun. I'll be a convert eventualy. Our library has free downloads too.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound enticing, but . . . I don't think I'm there yet. Plus, I'm afraid with all those titles just a click away, I'll be skimming through multiple books rather than just settling down with one.
ReplyDeleteWhat will probably sway me eventually, though, is the portability when traveling - that's pretty cool.
I had no idea I could check out books at the library on the kindle... another reason to get one. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDiane, my husband and oldest daughter have a Kindle and they love it. I have a color Nook and I love that. I was wondering whether I would like reading books on the Nook and I am amazed too how much I love it!! We are going to get our youngest daughter a Kindle for Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI love my Kindle as well though I am not ready to do away with my print books. My library starting ledning Kindle books a couple weeks ago but all the books I wanted to read at the time wer already checked out and I wasn't in the mood to wait for them so requested the print books instead. ebooks make me impatient, I want instant gratification :) Do you make your Kindle notes public so I can follow you? Here's me in case you are interested.
ReplyDeleteI've had my Kindle for a couple months now. I've downloaded the book I bought it for and read that. Since then it's been sitting in my desk drawer. I may look at free books but I don't even know if our rural library offers ebooks yet. In short, I'm not hooked.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this yet, and I think the fact that I have so many of my own books to read keeps me from fully exploring what the library has to offer. I tend to just buy the books that I want to read, although it does get expensive! I might have to try this out when I can and see what I think! Thanks for all the detailed information!
ReplyDeletesadly, the selection of e-book in my library system is not too exciting.
ReplyDeleteMe too re: loving my Kindle. I'm not ready to give up my proper books yet but am not counting it out. LOL. I have about 50 books on mine and a lot of it is unusual stuff I probably wouldn't buy. As far as I know, library books are not available as ebooks here in the UK yet. But I'd bet my firstborn that it's only a matter of time.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Diane. I've had my Kindle 2 since Feb. 2009 and really like it. My library has books available for Kindle - a good number, actually. I haven't had a chance to try one yet but I looked at the site and saw several I'll be requesting (when that review list is much lower, haha). I also get review books from NetGalley. Love that option.
ReplyDeleteI just ordered the new Touch Kindle but have to wait until the end of November to receive it. Can't wait!
I love my Kindle as well although I can't use mine for pdf's or library books as I'm in Canada. I have a Kobo for that. I would do the same as you if I could afford it - all my books would be eBooks. They are definitely easier on the eyes and hands and I love that.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter gave me a Kindle for Christmas last year (I named it Sparky!); I'm enjoying it, but I still love having print books around me. Something to see, feel, and smell, even.
ReplyDeleteBut I do like downloading books onto the Kindle and having them immediately.
I haven't checked out the library, yet; something to do soon.
Thanks for sharing....
I loved my kindle, but lost it during hurricane Irene. I do have the new touch kindle on order, but won't get it until December.
ReplyDeleteMy library doesn't have the ebook option yet for kindle, but will by New Years - just in time for my new kindle :)
I have downloaded tons of audio books through our state library - both in Kansas and Nebraska. Glad to see that e-books are becoming as readily available.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't decided whether or not I want a e-reader, but I'm thinking of buying my mother a color Nook for Christimas! My cousin loves her Kindle!
ReplyDeletei love real books too much to get a kindle, but you bring up some good points. are kindles really better for the eyes? my optometrist isn't very happy with me and he told me i need to cut back on the reading. =[
ReplyDeleteGreat informative post! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am not an anti-ebook person, but I'm also not wild for ebooks. I think I've already said that I just use my K. at bedtime for ease of holding it. Period. That's it. I never bring it downstairs, and I could never, ever just have it as my book source. I love too dearly my shelves of books I can pick up and peruse. Book geek that I am, I sometimes sit and just look at my shelves. :<)
I sometimes feel scared that the print book will disappear when I hear such reading enthusiasts as you praising Kindles so highly.
My K. isn't that easy on the eyes. I like real print better. It feels weird to me to see the print on a device. But, I use it. I'm reading more on it than print but only because I tend to read more at night.
I hope this comes to the UK soon. I have a kindle now but I had a sony reader before that and could have free library books on it. I do miss that now.
ReplyDeleteI have a Nook and I'm still not "in love" with it but I'm starting to use it more than I did. So glad to hear you love yours. I don't think I could give my ARDs (Antique Reading Devices) but who knows as I bring my Nook out and about more often. I'm so happy to be back online and blog reading I've missed your thoughts and reviews.
ReplyDeleteMy library has something similar to this for downloading either audiobooks or ebooks. I haven't used it as much for my nook, but I do like the ease of checking out both. I've mostly been using it this year and I'm watching the selection steadily grow.
ReplyDeleteI love my Kindle too … and I definitely need to see if they are doing this Kindle thing!
ReplyDeleteI love my Nook! I never thought I would, but I do. So many freebies, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm seriously considering buying a kindle next year - I love real books, but I have no space left on my bookshelves without recycling books, and no space for more shelves.
ReplyDeleteAnd I really like the idea that you can highlight quotes as you are reading and make notes. Diane, you've almost convinced me! (Not sure my library does downloads though, have to check)
I love my e-reader, but I think I would have been happier with a bit more technological one... There are a lot of things that other models will do that mine won't. One day I will probably upgrade!
ReplyDeleteI am in live with my Kindle too! I haven't checked to see if my library is doing this or not. I'm going to have to look into it! Excellent post with great info....THANKS!
ReplyDeleteI love my Sony, but sadly ebook lending hasn't been accepted by my local library. I love that I can take elibrary travelling!
ReplyDeleteI like my Kindle too. I'm reading more ebooks from the library as a result. The wait list isn't terribly long for most of the books on my list. I still enjoy going to the library and reading print editions, however lately I have found myself leaning more towards ebooks. Which is surprising... I didn't think I would enjoy reading an ebook!
ReplyDeleteI was so glad to see that Kindle finally works with library books. I just bought a new nook, but ordered a kindle fire too now that they work with the library too.
ReplyDeleteI love my Kindle app on my iPad. UK libraries are just starting to do this - hopefully with all the libraries that are being closed down this will breath a bit of new life into them.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'm disciplined enough to read a borrowed book within 14 days though, that's why I've never been a big library user. Might try it though, mainly to support the libraries.
My major complaint about my Kindle was the fact that I couldn't get e-books. Now that I can I'm so excited! I'm in the middle of my first kindle library book right now and I'm so happy.
ReplyDelete