Does your library loan e-books?

[demmiblue]

I knew my library did, but I only checked it out recently.

There is not a huge selection, but there are a few pearls that I have put on hold due to waiting lists.

I have absolutely no idea how it works, though! The first book I will be able to check-out will be available months from now (you cannot 'return' your book earlier than your specified loan period). I guess I will figure out the logistics when the time comes!

In the meantime, I would like to hear other DUer's experiences with loaning e-books.

:hi:

[DUgosh]

1. Mine does

I have found that using the library software called "overdrive" is very helpful.

[Staph]

6. My library uses the Overdrive software as well.

I've downloaded it to my smartphone, so that I can carry a bunch of books with me while I'm traveling on business. My library also ports to Project Gutenberg, so I have downloaded out-of-copyright books that I have always meant to read, like the Tarzan books and John Carter of Mars books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Prisoner of Zenda. Fun stuff!

I still prefer real books. The feel, the smell, the heft in your hand. But I just can't carry a second suitcase, just for books!

[pscot]

12. That sounds very cool.

And you have excellent taste in literature.

[prairierose]

2. My library subscribes to overdrive....

There are several thousand ebooks there. The newest and most popular require a hold. I can check out a book for 7,14 or 21 days. I usually check them out for 21 days and then return them if I finish before that.

I have borrowed about 50 different books probably in the last few months. I have about 5 on hold right now.

One thing I have noticed is that most non-fiction is available right away. They also have a growing selection of children's books, although I have yet to find any Dr. Suess books.

I love my library.

They also have audio books and movies available for download.

Did I mention that I love my library?

[housewolf]

3. Mine does

I've never used it since their ebooks aren't readable on my Kindle, but my brother did. He borrowed a number of them. He had quite a problem getting his Pandigital set up to read them but once he did, it worked great. His only complaint was that there's such long waiting lists for books he wanted to read, and the library can only lend one copy at a time. So his options narrowed in terms of what was available to him NOW when he wanted something new to read.

[SheilaT]

4. Would he even consider

getting some of those as "real" books?

I'm fairly certain that most of those books are also available in the usual format, and that might be better than waiting for a very long time, especially if his library can only lend one copy at a time.

I do do e-books, but I do manage my library books by reserving on-line, renewing on-line and so on. About the only down side is that I have so many books currently checked out, and so many on reserve, that I rarely browse the shelves any more. So many books, so little time.

[hamerfan]

5. Yes. n/t

[Luciferous]

7. Yes, but I don't use the e-books from the library since they aren't available for Kindle yet...

[demmiblue]

8. Thanks for the responses! And, ugh...

I didn't check my e-mail and lost out on my first book on hold.

I am not fretting over it too much, though.

It was one of Nikki Heat books by Richard Castle (I have never read any of his books)...
the only reason why I placed the book on hold was because I like the TV show "Castle".

I am a still a wee bit curious, though! :rofl:

[demoblemocratic]

9. yup

[SheilaT]

10. I have no idea, because I don't do e-books.

I can reserve and renew books on-line, which is quite nice. My library also does not charge overdue fines. If you have a book more than 14 days past due, you cannot check out new books.

[ellie]

11. Yes

but not for Kindle yet.