FREE E-books and Kindle Books for Everyone!

[iLander]

Just a quick note for everyone that might not know;

Your public library probably has ebooks that can be downloaded for free!

Just go and get yourself a card, and then you can follow the instructions on your library's website. Most libraries have both Kindle and iPad copies available, some even have other versions.

It works like a regular book; there are only a certain number of copies and the book has a due date. On the due date, if you don't renew, the book will evaporate from your reader.

You don't even have to go to your local library (who has time for that?), it's all done electronically, with instant downloads.

Check it out! Let me know how you do!

 

[zoebartlett]

That's great to hear. I love the feel of real books so I've been holding off on getting a Kindle, but I hate the space books take up. I've been thinking about getting a Kindle more and more lately, and this might make me go out and finally buy one. Are there any downsides to getting e-books from the library? I know you don't own the book but since a) they're free and b) I don't tend to reread books anyway I can't see any negatives.

 

[maebelle]

I just got a kindle (thought I really felt like I couldn't give up "real" books) and love checking both ebooks and audiobooks out on it from my local library. Some books are always available, but others (newer ones mostly) the libraries only have 5 or so digital "copies" and you have to go on the waiting list on them(the only downside I can see). The waiting list goes fast though. I was 138th in line for Micro by Michael Crichton, but was able to download it in about two weeks (got an email saying it was available).

There aren't as many books available than in the real library yet, but they add more every month!

Add in that you can download many older books (whose copyrights have expired) from amazon for free, and you can get away with buying very few books depending on your taste.

 

[MsP]

My local library does not-- I was pretty shocked considering how progressive, the number of parks, the amenities, etc that the town has.

... but I asked my mom and aunt to get me library cards where THEY live so I can use their ebook services. haha

 

[Octavia]

I have already borrowed seven books this way since I got my Kindle for Christmas! It is so easy. I was even able to "pick up" a book from across the country when I got my notification email, can't beat that. There is a wait for most of the titles I want, but I have about 15 holds, so one comes available at least once a week. The line seems to go pretty fast, maybe because it's so easy to return the copy when you're done, people don't hang on to them for as long as if they needed to make a special trip to drop them off. Either way, I'm happy!

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks, Maebelle and Octavia! I hadn't thought of there being a waiting list for e-books. It's good to know the wait isn't too long, typically.

 

[soocool]

I have been borrowing books since I got my iPad last year. I use the site " overdrive.com " to link to my library (this is a library database I assume) and can borrow ePub, kindle, or even mp3 audio books. I am on waiting lists for a few books, but read available titles while I wait. I can check out up to 5 books (I usually don't check out that many at one time) and you can check books out for 14 days. I like borrowing the kindle books (you do need an Amazon account for this) because I can bookmark pages to reread or takes notes.

 

[diamondringlover]

I need to get a library card and check some books out My hubby gave me a gift card with my Kindle for Christmas so I have been using that...but I am about out to money on it....so I will have to check out the library

 

[soocool]

I need to get a library card and check some books out My hubby gave me a gift card with my Kindle for Christmas so I have been using that...but I am about out to money on it....so I will have to check out the library

Make sure you ask for a pin number when you get your library card so that you can borrow online.

 

[manderz]

The kindle store also offers tons of free downloads

 

[distracts]

My fiance and I went and got library cards the week after Christmas so we could do just that! The problem is that we mostly read the same books and the library rarely has multiple copies of them (sometimes on popular books they have about three copies, but mostly just one), so it's constantly, "Are you done yet? Have you returned it? OMG WHY HAVE YOU NOT RETURNED IT, I AM GOING TO GO PUT A HOLD REQUEST RIGHT NOW I HATE YOU SO MUCH RETURN THE BOOK NOW."

 

[Amys Bling]

I'll have to do this!!!

 

[iLander]

I downloaded my first one last night, and it works fine!

Here's more info, if anyone doesn't already know; You can read Kindle books with an iPad or iPhone. You just have to download the FREE Kindle app from the app store.

My library had the book I wanted in Kindle only, so I downloaded the app and it works fine. I can size the type, use a bookmark, adjust the contrast, look at the cover, and it has a little bookshelf thingy. I am not sure how this compares to an actual Kindle, since I don't have one, but I'm assuming it's pretty close.

I'm glad people are finding this helpful, I was afraid that everybody already thought of the public library and I would appear to be Captain Obvious.

 

[diamondringlover]

I need to get a library card and check some books out My hubby gave me a gift card with my Kindle for Christmas so I have been using that...but I am about out to money on it....so I will have to check out the library

Make sure you ask for a pin number when you get your library card so that you can borrow online.

Thanks for the tip, I didnt know this!!!! and Ilander thank you for starting this thread