eBooks

[moneybags]

Can you get electronic books from the library? How does that work? I don't want to buy a Kindle because I never buy books, just use the library. Can I still do that if I have a Kindle or ipad?

[MonkeyMama]

I chose the nook because it is compatible with our own library system - the kindle isn't compatible with ours. Nook can read more formats that are useful, in my opinion.

That said, the library sytem does not have a huge selection of ebooks at the moment.

I am not sure about the iPad. I would presume you could download more formats and have more flexibility with an iPad over something like nook or kindle which seems more limited. I don't know for sure.

Before investing in any ereader, I would peruse the library system and see if there is anything in ebook form you would want to read. I don't think the library system is there at the moment. I bought one anyway because there are a ton of free ebooks out there, and the ebooks are low cost (like buying used books). I am hoping the library gets heavier in ebooks - I live in a high tech region so expect local libraries to feel more pressure to offer more ebooks. Crossing my fingers.

[MrPolarZero]

I am not pretty much sure if you can get any e-books from the library. Because I know that electronics books can be bought or downloaded through the web.

[mstrohm]

Our library DOES let you use electronic books for free. You have to download a simple program that "checks" them out. They have ebooks and audio books.

[couchrobt]

If you cannot get hold of it in the school library you are in, try the local ones. Otherwise, there are some websites online that can let you download them for academics use, free. I will post when I get hold of them. Goodluck.

[MonkeyMama]

You can definitely check ebooks from the library. I have one checked out right now, on my nook.

I actually checked libraries all across the state to see if other libraries had any better selection (I still have library cards from when I lived in another county). The California city, county libraries seemed to have identical offerings. They all use the same system.

I am sure there are some libraries out there that don't have an ebook system set up.

[tan fish]

At my library, they do have ebooks but not with the Kindle's proprietary format. You can borrow them if you have a Nook however.

I have a Kindle and absolutely love it. I no longer buy paper books, which I never liked because they would clutter my place and I'd have to end up selling them to a used book store, giving them away, or just throwing them in the trash.

There is a piece of freeware called Calibre that you can use to download a lot of free newspaper and magazine content onto your ereader. I would definitely recommend giving it a try to avoid having to pay Amazon for subscriptions.

[Frugal]

Generally, the answer is YES. I used to work at several libraries, and I can tell you they had electronic books and e-readers. They also "rented" out (at no cost) some sort of device to view electronic books with.

Most libraries like to keep their costs lower by posting books online on the library website, and calling them "e-Books". This way, they also save money on purchasing published books, which generally cost more than electronic books.

Whether your library district offers them depends upon how much funding they have, and demand. A rural country library with 50-100 patrons probably won't offer them, but a larger city like mine probably would.

Hope that helps...I personally have never liked e-Books, but then, guess I am stuck in the 19th-century! I prefer the old ways of reading...

[tan fish]

It was just announced earlier today that Amazon Kindle users will soon be able to borrow ebooks from 11,000 libraries across the country.

[MegaMagma39]

Our library has a nice online organization that offers both ebooks and audio books that you're able to download. I personally wouldn't buy a Kindle, you can get the app for free on the iPhone or Android phones. :-)

[Radiance]

You can definitely check ebooks from the library. I have one checked out right now, on my nook.

I had totally forgottten about this, thank you!
I had given up on library books because I am too messy and I almost always end up paying late fees for the books

[MonkeyMama]

I personally wouldn't buy a Kindle, you can get the app for free on the iPhone or Android phones. :-)

Ah, but the Kindle is MUCH easier on the eyes, and has a much longer battery life.

That said, Nook Color is going in that direction. I wouldn't waste my money on such a uni tasker when phones/iPads will have the same capability. Of course, I am not sold on reading all my books on a phone/computer screen. I'd rather read a paper book. Or a nook/kindle.

[MegaMagma39]

Ah, but the Kindle is MUCH easier on the eyes, and has a much longer battery life.

That said, Nook Color is going in that direction. I wouldn't waste my money on such a uni tasker when phones/iPads will have the same capability. Of course, I am not sold on reading all my books on a phone/computer screen. I'd rather read a paper book. Or a nook/kindle.

Good point about the battery life...I got a Motorola Xoom last month, which has the Nook app available on it. But, can't say anything about the cost of that vs an actual Nook, as I believe the Xoom costs more...

[Steel]

Sony Reader ebook reader range has the capability to handle eBooks that you’ve ‘borrowed’ from online libraries. It even keeps track of how many days the title has got remaining on the loan, displaying that along with the author and title information of the book on the index pages.

[ecellis26]

I love my Kindle. I debated a long time about buying it or not; then my mom got one and I was totally hooked. I'm also a University student and I can put PDFs on it which is really nice.

Our library at school offers a lot of digital copies of books, sometimes you just have to do a little reformatting. The Kindle is definitely a worthwhile investment however.