I have membership access to two library consortiums and a third individual neighboring local library. Between these three library options and the free books offered by Sony Reader Store and Amazon for Kindle (not to mention mobileread, Project Gutenberg, ManyBooks.net, etc.), I really have little need to buy any books (though I still do occasionally). I may be looked down upon because I’m not directly supporting authors through purchasing regularly, but when so many other good legal options are available, the choice is a no-brainer. I have never downloaded a pirated book or had any interest in ever doing so. I just don’t see the point.
My local library allows you to borrow up to 10 books at a time for up to 21 days, have 10 books on hold, and a countless number on a wish list.
The library consortiums each allow up to 5 books to be borrowed at a time for 7 or 14 days, 5 books on hold, and 5 books on a wish list (I don’t understand having a limit on the wish list).
At all the libraries the e-books can be returned early while audiobooks cannot.
I have always frequented libraries, but now I don’t have to drive there. I’m in book heaven. What’s not to love.
