Checking out public library ebooks can be done from home with a computer and a cable, or in some cases, on the go. Let your needs determine which technology you choose to use when downloading library ebooks. If you don't mind reading on the backlit screen of a tablet or smartphone, you can download library books directly to your device. Most ebook readers do not have that luxury, but Kindle with wifi does.
How to Check Out Library Books with an Amazon Kindle
If you have an Amazon Kindle with wifi, you will have the easiest virtual road to the library of all of the Kindle ereader family members. When you buy a book from Amazon, you can buy it from the store and have it wirelessly delivered or you can buy it from your Kindle. Checking out library ebooks requires at least one additional step.
- Log into your library account and check out a digital book. Be sure to check out your ebook in Kindle book format.
- Your your library doesn't automatically direct your browser to Amazon, where you will need to log into on a computer.
- If you have a wifi Kindle, you can have your ebook sent to you directly, just like buying it from Amazon.
- If you have a 3G Kindle that does not have wifi (Kindle 1 and 2 and Kindle DX), you will need to dust off the USB cable that came with your Kindle and download it from Amazon to your computer, and then transfer it to your ereader.
You will be able to make notes and highlights with in your electronic book from the library, but they will not stay with you (unless you download them to your computer as a txt file) after the ebook expires. If you decide to buy the book from the Kindle store, your highlights and notes should reappear.
How to Check Out Library Books with an Amazon Kindle Fire
Since a Kindle Fire is a wifi Kindle, you can follow the library steps to check out Kindle library books. However, you can also access audiobook files and ePub files on the Kindle fire. Checking out the ePub library books and mp3 library audiobooks on the Kindle FIre can be done directly through the use of the Android OverDrive Media app. Installing the OverDrive App takes a few initial steps to set up, which Kathy Schrock aptly explains in her article, "Using ePub books on the Kindle Fire."
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can often skip the library altogether and use the Amazon Prime lending library, which allows you to borrow books from Amazon and download them to your Kindle.
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.
