question about ebook libraries, please tell me if its worth it

bcgirl · 03-24-2011, 01:16 AM

How does that work? I know with Sony or Kobo ebook reader devices you can borrow books, awesome! But...I tried first on my iPhone with Overdrive to see how it works. It looks like I need a membership/library card from my local library?
Anyone can tell me about this? Soon I will get a Sony (if I like the idea of borrowing books) or a Kindle (if it does not work for me or books are on an endless waiting list).

ATDrake · 03-24-2011, 01:21 AM

Your sidebar info says you're in BC, so all you need is a valid library card for any BC library, and just head over to our province-wide "Library Without Walls" e-book/audiobook lending site.

I think we have a pretty decent selection for many books and genres, though of course if you want stuff in certain categories like sf/fantasy, there really isn't much to choose from. It helps if you like romance and thriller/mysteries and political/history non-fiction, I think.

Why not install Adobe Digital Editions if you haven't already (don't forget to register an Adobe ID so you can transfer the books later) and try borrowing a book or two? I've heard that either the Bluefire or TXTR apps for iPhone can read ADE-DRM stuff. Oops, just noticed that you were planning to try stuff out on the Overdrive app.

Hope this helps, and happy browsing!

BoiseShan · 03-24-2011, 11:35 AM

I ADORE ebooks from my library!

I use Overdrive on my phone and a Kindle at home (shhh!). Overdrive isn't the best reader out there, but it's what we've got. When I add a book to my TBR list, the first thing I do is check my libraries to see if it's available electronically. It's saved my hundreds of dollars already this year.

SeaBookGuy · 03-24-2011, 12:55 PM

It doesn't hurt to use your library's "purchase suggestion" feature (if available). I put EBOOK (all caps) after the title, so they don't think I'm suggesting buying the paper copy they already own, use the ISBN of the ebook (Googling those is fairly easy), and put "Please consider adding an ebook as well to the holdings - thanks!" in the comments field.

Poppaea · 03-24-2011, 01:37 PM

Just check out the Singapore Library. It is for free and has more than 21,800 ebooks.

benham · 03-24-2011, 01:46 PM

There's an Overdrive app??

bcgirl · 03-24-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoiseShan

I ADORE ebooks from my library!

I use Overdrive on my phone and a Kindle at home (shhh!). Overdrive isn't the best reader out there, but it's what we've got. When I add a book to my TBR list, the first thing I do is check my libraries to see if it's available electronically. It's saved my hundreds of dollars already this year.

I thought you cannot borrow books on Kindle??
For me i would like to get a Kindle or Sony, but that depends if I like to borrow books from library. Thats why I posted this thread. I looked at a few books that are on a waiting list, am not sure if that works for me. Ebooks are about 10 bucks, but hey, if its for free, thats even better. How is your experience with the latest books (new released ones) and I do need to visit my local library in person to register for a library card, isn't it?

Sydney's Mom · 03-24-2011, 02:55 PM

Yes, you need to visit a library in person. I actually have a local library card, and a card from the Chicago Public library, and I have to visit both once a year. I told my family I wanted them to get library cards for my birthday. That allows me to put holds on more books.

You have to check your library's offerings of ebooks. Different libraries offer different collections. CPL offers bestseller fiction, a few bestseller nonfiction (wish they had more) and a lot of contemporary romance. My suburban library has a collection that includes back list series, gay romance, and faith-based books (republican and christian). If you happen to catch on to how and when your library adds ebooks, you will have pretty good luck in checking out the book or getting on pretty low on the waitlist.

If you are really interested in library books, you are better off with the Sony. Does Sony now have the Pearl screen? I have a kindle, and using library books on the kindle involves stripping the DRM. I pay taxes to the library and delete the books once I am done reading them, but you have to decide for yourself.

bcgirl · 03-24-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sydney's Mom

Yes, you need to visit a library in person. I actually have a local library card, and a card from the Chicago Public library, and I have to visit both once a year. I told my family I wanted them to get library cards for my birthday. That allows me to put holds on more books.

You have to check your library's offerings of ebooks. Different libraries offer different collections. CPL offers bestseller fiction, a few bestseller nonfiction (wish they had more) and a lot of contemporary romance. My suburban library has a collection that includes back list series, gay romance, and faith-based books (republican and christian). If you happen to catch on to how and when your library adds ebooks, you will have pretty good luck in checking out the book or getting on pretty low on the waitlist.

If you are really interested in library books, you are better off with the Sony. Does Sony now have the Pearl screen? I have a kindle, and using library books on the kindle involves stripping the DRM. I pay taxes to the library and delete the books once I am done reading them, but you have to decide for yourself.

Thanks so much for your information! BTW how does that work with stripping DRM? I read more about people having Kindles and are able to borrow library books. Am sooooo new to this.....

I prefer Kindle because of much cheaper price than Sony. Although if Sony is really a better quality ebook reader?
I will go to my library today and check it out.

Barty · 03-24-2011, 06:43 PM

My sister has a nook and she's gotten dozens of books from her library and Singapore national library. You need to get a library card and check out what kind of selection your library has to decide if it's worthwhile.

The Singapore library has a big selection but I wonder how long they can let people outside their territory access it. That seems like the kind of thing the publishers want to clamp down.

You can strip the DRM from library books to read on your kindle, but personally I feel that isn't right because when you borrow something you should abide by the lender's condition; in addition, you don't get to violate the agreement between the library and the publisher. Other people see it differently.

icedtea · 03-24-2011, 07:22 PM

Library selection - visit the link ATDrake provided. Do a search of authors you are interested in and get a sense of the selection.

Waitlists are the norm now for many popular/new/bestselling titles. You'll have 3 days to 'pick up' your hold (they email you when it becomes available) or you lose your place in line. Since the default setting is for 3 week loans, you may have to wait a while for your waitlist books (although you can also choose a 7 or 14 day checkout time, and you can return a book earlier than its expiry date from Adobe Digital Editions).

A Sony reader will work with library ebooks as they are intended to be used.

You could still read library ebooks with a Kindle if you are willing to learn how to strip the DRM and convert them to a compatible format.

If you decide the library selection fits your interests, you'll need to get a library card (it sounds like you don't already have one). The VPL has many branches so you shouldn't have a problem finding a branch to visit in person to get your card.

bcgirl · 03-25-2011, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icedtea

Library selection - visit the link ATDrake provided. Do a search of authors you are interested in and get a sense of the selection.

Waitlists are the norm now for many popular/new/bestselling titles. You'll have 3 days to 'pick up' your hold (they email you when it becomes available) or you lose your place in line. Since the default setting is for 3 week loans, you may have to wait a while for your waitlist books (although you can also choose a 7 or 14 day checkout time, and you can return a book earlier than its expiry date from Adobe Digital Editions).

A Sony reader will work with library ebooks as they are intended to be used.

You could still read library ebooks with a Kindle if you are willing to learn how to strip the DRM and convert them to a compatible format.

If you decide the library selection fits your interests, you'll need to get a library card (it sounds like you don't already have one). The VPL has many branches so you shouldn't have a problem finding a branch to visit in person to get your card.

Guess what? Tonight I went to my local library and got myself a membership card! LET THE FUN BEGIN....! Just want to check out how it works on my iPhone. If I like the idea of borrowing books I will get a Sony (I have been on this forum a few times and did not want to have a Sony...might take that back). Definitely not a Kobo, just don't like it. Or a Kindle if the library is not for me because of whatever reason. The Sony was very nice, like the colour too, looks (and is) more expensive, and its probably worth it. The librarian told me, if you have lots of money you can buy a Kindle and buy books appr. 8 to 10 bucks. The Kindle is cheaper but in the end more money with purchasing all books. I didn't see it that way, so a bit more money for a Sony gives me free books to choose from.
Love this forum with everyone's input and ideas. Thanks! All help and advice still appreciated

carpetmojo · 03-25-2011, 06:15 AM

Another Sonyite !

Yes, the library thing is great, but do join the Singapore, it's brilliant. (Details are elsewhere on Forum, but I'm not tech-savvy enough to show links ! )

And - also on Forum - lots of free "buys", promotion offers, etc...
See also Author's section, Recommendations, and Freebies & Sources.

Have fun

benham · 03-25-2011, 10:34 AM

bcgirl,be sure and let us know! I love my Sony and like the one I got for my wife even better, but she won't trade.

carpetmojo · 03-25-2011, 10:58 AM

Divorce, and get custody of the reader.

Although noting your user name, this simple solution may seem just a little extreme................

.........but, on the other hand..........

03-24-2011, 01:16 AM	#1
bcgirl Groupie Posts: 197 Karma: 996872 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Vancouver, BC,Canada Device: iPad2-64gb, Sony PRS-T1, KOBO mini	question about ebook libraries, please tell me if its worth it How does that work? I know with Sony or Kobo ebook reader devices you can borrow books, awesome! But...I tried first on my iPhone with Overdrive to see how it works. It looks like I need a membership/library card from my local library? Anyone can tell me about this? Soon I will get a Sony (if I like the idea of borrowing books) or a Kindle (if it does not work for me or books are on an endless waiting list).

03-25-2011, 06:15 AM	#13
carpetmojo Wizard Posts: 3,117 Karma: 9269999 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Device: Sony- T3, PRS650, 350, T1/2/3, Paperwhite, Fire 8.9,Samsung Tab S 10.5	Well done................ Another Sonyite ! Yes, the library thing is great, but do join the Singapore, it's brilliant. (Details are elsewhere on Forum, but I'm not tech-savvy enough to show links ! ) And - also on Forum - lots of free "buys", promotion offers, etc... See also Author's section, Recommendations, and Freebies & Sources. Have fun

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03-24-2011, 01:21 AM	#2
ATDrake Wizzard Posts: 11,517 Karma: 33048258 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Roundworld Device: Kindle 2 International, Sony PRS-T1, BlackBerry PlayBook, Acer Iconia	Your sidebar info says you're in BC, so all you need is a valid library card for any BC library, and just head over to our province-wide "Library Without Walls" e-book/audiobook lending site. I think we have a pretty decent selection for many books and genres, though of course if you want stuff in certain categories like sf/fantasy, there really isn't much to choose from. It helps if you like romance and thriller/mysteries and political/history non-fiction, I think. Why not install Adobe Digital Editions if you haven't already (don't forget to register an Adobe ID so you can transfer the books later) and try borrowing a book or two? I've heard that either the Bluefire or TXTR apps for iPhone can read ADE-DRM stuff. Oops, just noticed that you were planning to try stuff out on the Overdrive app. Hope this helps, and happy browsing!

03-24-2011, 11:35 AM	#3
BoiseShan Connoisseur Posts: 89 Karma: 14598 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: Kindle	I ADORE ebooks from my library! I use Overdrive on my phone and a Kindle at home (shhh!). Overdrive isn't the best reader out there, but it's what we've got. When I add a book to my TBR list, the first thing I do is check my libraries to see if it's available electronically. It's saved my hundreds of dollars already this year.

03-24-2011, 12:55 PM	#4
SeaBookGuy Can one read too much? Posts: 2,015 Karma: 2487799 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Naples, FL Device: Kindle PW 3, Sony 350 and 650	It doesn't hurt to use your library's "purchase suggestion" feature (if available). I put EBOOK (all caps) after the title, so they don't think I'm suggesting buying the paper copy they already own, use the ISBN of the ebook (Googling those is fairly easy), and put "Please consider adding an ebook as well to the holdings - thanks!" in the comments field.

03-24-2011, 01:37 PM	#5
Poppaea Lucifer's Bat Posts: 2,536 Karma: 19491715 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Earth/Berlin Device: Kobo Libra 2	Just check out the Singapore Library. It is for free and has more than 21,800 ebooks.

03-24-2011, 01:46 PM	#6
benham Guru Posts: 882 Karma: 5565888 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Townsend, WI Device: Palm TX, PRS-505 (BLUE)	There's an Overdrive app??

03-24-2011, 02:55 PM	#8
Sydney's Mom Wizard Posts: 2,895 Karma: 6995721 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Idaho, on the side of a mountain Device: Kindle Oasis, Fire 3d Gen and 5th Gen and Samsung Tab S	Yes, you need to visit a library in person. I actually have a local library card, and a card from the Chicago Public library, and I have to visit both once a year. I told my family I wanted them to get library cards for my birthday. That allows me to put holds on more books. You have to check your library's offerings of ebooks. Different libraries offer different collections. CPL offers bestseller fiction, a few bestseller nonfiction (wish they had more) and a lot of contemporary romance. My suburban library has a collection that includes back list series, gay romance, and faith-based books (republican and christian). If you happen to catch on to how and when your library adds ebooks, you will have pretty good luck in checking out the book or getting on pretty low on the waitlist. If you are really interested in library books, you are better off with the Sony. Does Sony now have the Pearl screen? I have a kindle, and using library books on the kindle involves stripping the DRM. I pay taxes to the library and delete the books once I am done reading them, but you have to decide for yourself.

03-24-2011, 06:43 PM	#10
Barty doofus Posts: 2,529 Karma: 13088847 Join Date: Sep 2010 Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kindle Voyage	My sister has a nook and she's gotten dozens of books from her library and Singapore national library. You need to get a library card and check out what kind of selection your library has to decide if it's worthwhile. The Singapore library has a big selection but I wonder how long they can let people outside their territory access it. That seems like the kind of thing the publishers want to clamp down. You can strip the DRM from library books to read on your kindle, but personally I feel that isn't right because when you borrow something you should abide by the lender's condition; in addition, you don't get to violate the agreement between the library and the publisher. Other people see it differently.

03-24-2011, 07:22 PM	#11
icedtea elibrary love Posts: 162 Karma: 375558 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: Kindle3, RIP Mini	Library selection - visit the link ATDrake provided. Do a search of authors you are interested in and get a sense of the selection. Waitlists are the norm now for many popular/new/bestselling titles. You'll have 3 days to 'pick up' your hold (they email you when it becomes available) or you lose your place in line. Since the default setting is for 3 week loans, you may have to wait a while for your waitlist books (although you can also choose a 7 or 14 day checkout time, and you can return a book earlier than its expiry date from Adobe Digital Editions). A Sony reader will work with library ebooks as they are intended to be used. You could still read library ebooks with a Kindle if you are willing to learn how to strip the DRM and convert them to a compatible format. If you decide the library selection fits your interests, you'll need to get a library card (it sounds like you don't already have one). The VPL has many branches so you shouldn't have a problem finding a branch to visit in person to get your card.

03-25-2011, 10:34 AM	#14
benham Guru Posts: 882 Karma: 5565888 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Townsend, WI Device: Palm TX, PRS-505 (BLUE)	bcgirl,be sure and let us know! I love my Sony and like the one I got for my wife even better, but she won't trade.

03-25-2011, 10:58 AM	#15
carpetmojo Wizard Posts: 3,117 Karma: 9269999 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Device: Sony- T3, PRS650, 350, T1/2/3, Paperwhite, Fire 8.9,Samsung Tab S 10.5	Divorce, and get custody of the reader. Although noting your user name, this simple solution may seem just a little extreme................ .........but, on the other hand..........

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