Checking out a library book to an ereader or an iPad is tempting because the books are free, and you can download, read them, and return them without having to leave your house, Many libraries will let you borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and other digital media for several weeks. If your library does not support ebooks and digital audiobook lending, you can access the books at other libraries. Unless your state has a program for library e-cards, you may have to pay a fee to check out books as a non-resident.
Does My State Offer E-Cards?
The best way to find out if your state has a library card for residents is to actually call the state library department and ask if one is available for you. Some library systems, like the Boston Public Library, will offer free e-cards to teens and adults in the home state. Some states will offer free e-library cards for students, teachers, people in active military service, or senior citizens. You can find your state library system rules by calling your local library or searching for your state public library system.
Some library systems require all non-district residents to pay a fee, but even non-resident fees can vary. For example, the City of Austin has a $60 non-resident fee e-library card, but it less than half that cost for senior citizens. If you qualify for a group that tends to get discounts, such as senior citizens and students, be sure to ask about any reduced fee services when you are signing up for a non-resident card, even if the library does not mention the discount on their website.
Libraries with Non-Resident Cards
Hawaii has a great deal for non-residents people who want to check out library ebooks and audiobooks through the Hawaii library system. You can get non-resident library card for Hawaii Public Libraries for $25 for five years. If you are using the OverDrive Media Console app, you can quickly find which Hawaii Public libraries lend digital media downloads, and if you are checking out library ebooks for an ereader, you can start with the Hawaii State Public Library System for books.
One of the most popular libraries that offers ebooks and audiobooks to check out and download as well as a well-priced non-resident card is the Philadelphia Free Library. Non-residents can check out books through the OverDrive Media Console on the iPad or through the combined forces of Overdrive and Adobe Digital Media for $15 a year from the Philadelphia Free Library. You have to be 18 or older to apply for the Philadelphia Free Library card, but a parent can apply for a card on behalf of a child.
If you are not sure if your ereader will work for checking out library ebooks, use the OverDrive Ereader Compatibility chart. The OverDrive Media Console app will work with the Apple iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad, and you can download books directly to the app, as opposed to transferring them from Adobe Digital Editions to your Barnes and Noble Nook or Sony Reader.
Sources
Library card prices were confirmed on the Philadelphia Free Library website and the Hawaii Public Libraries website on January 17, 2011. The library participation in the Overdrive Library program was confirmed through the OverDrive Media Console for iPad on January 17, 2011.
Alex Sharp - Alex Sharp is a teacher who has been keeping Suite101 readers up to date with the latest in audio- and e-book gadgetry since 2008.
