Kindle books are now available at some libraries!

[robfarren]

this is such an awesome thing! i have been borrowing books on my sony reader now for a while!

[A24]

Kindle versions of e-books are now available at my local library, but it seems the selection is very limited so far. The few I've tried to get aren't even out there. I have a few downloaded from Amazon that will keep me busy for a while. Not to mention, all the paper and hardback books on my TBR pile!

[Paulsoninvest]

wow. It's realy cool. kindle in libraries

[RHYW]

ReadHowYouWant an online bookstore provides ePub for iPad, Kindle and mobi pocket reader.

[DaveOl]

I have the aforementioned e-reader also. When I look at the books available at the internet store I use they usually give you an option to download a sample of the book. I have done it a number or times. It is usually the first 20 or so pages of the book. It's a great option and it's free.

[Elainegr9]

That is wonderful. Who knew technology would go so far. I love the kindle my friend bought the Kindle fire but I am still adjusting to the regular one. I am going to have to check out my library about this.

[KrystenRB]

i wonder if they do it at my public library how would i find out?

[Maud Fitch]

In Australia you can download free e-books from most public libraries and read them on most devices. If this is available in other countries, the quickest way to find out is to log on to a local library website and browse through
their catalogue.

[Kenile]

That sounds fantastic! I will have to check that out! Thanks for the post!

[jlynn810]

I have the Kindle Fire and just an Android Tablet with the Kindle App downloaded I was able to go to my local library get a card and they gave me a booklet on how to use the Kindle App online to rent from the library. LOVE IT!!! Free is GOOD!!

[TJsSweetHome]

That's great to know! Although I love visiting the library I have gotten away from going lately. I'm sure a lot has changed, lol! I will have to let my hubby know about that for his Kindle. Thanks for the heads up!~TJ

[MelStokes]

Does the library include only the free kindle books? Or are the kindle books normally for purchase available to check out as well?

[booklvr62]

Does the library include only the free kindle books? Or are the kindle books normally for purchase available to check out as well?

No they are not Kindle Freebies. The libray has regular and top seller-list books in Kindle Edition, and more and more are becoming available all the time. Don't forget to click on "I'd like to read this book on Kindle" when looking at a book for reviews at Amazon when you notice that it doesn't have that edition.
I've read several books on Kindle from my library and one I reserved just came in.Also cool is the site 'BookLending' where you can borrow and lend your Kindle books,check it out!

[9bit]

I'm struggling to understand the concept of "renting" eBooks. It baffles me really.

You have to rent physical books because there is a limited supply of them. But eBooks are essentially infinite in number. It's just data. It can be copied forever.

Is it because the library (or someone else) somehow makes money off this renting thing? That I can understand. Gotta make money. But it's just... renting data... it's crazy.

[Fran]

I'm struggling to understand the concept of "renting" eBooks. It baffles me really.

You have to rent physical books because there is a limited supply of them. But eBooks are essentially infinite in number. It's just data. It can be copied forever.

Is it because the library (or someone else) somehow makes money off this renting thing? That I can understand. Gotta make money. But it's just... renting data... it's crazy.

You have a point but there is still copyright law as it relates to original work .... authors do need to eat occasionally too! It hardly seems fair that someone spends, in some cases, years working on a book to have it copied ad infanitum with no benefit to them. I presume you would like to be paid for your work and so also with authors.
That said IMO publishers are creaming it off & electronic versions should be significantly cheaper given the miminal costs involved in their production and distribution. I also have issues with ownership of a electronic copy of a book. IMO if I have paid for the book (in whatever format), it should be mine to lend but I agree with restrictions on copying it. I also have issues with the length of copyright ... for example James Joyce died in 1941 and yet some of his works only came off copyright in 2011.