[Quoth]

And in Ireland there is no long tail on the ebooks (publisher rules) So when you learn about a series maybe the books #1 to #3 are gone. Also doesn't work on any non-Android eink, and probably not easily on Android eink. You need an Android app. Or a working ADE client and gadget registered to it (which doesn't work on all content and mostly won't work on Linux or older Window) and only some eink ereaders in some countries.

The physical library might have some classic fiction, but otherwise only latest popular fiction. Too few non-fiction and often poor. Due to budget constraints only open office hours Mon-Fri and no unaccompanied kids if there is only one librarian (safegarding kids). But hey, it's free to anyone with a local address (proof of address needed and only application in person), inc online audio books, magazines and newspapers as well as ebooks.

So not kid friendly, no good for research and only really current titles. But Authors get a per loan royalty! Also they can't buy retail books, S/H books or accept donated books. You can request a physical book and they might even buy it if no other branch in Ireland has it, and it's deemed suitable.

But better value than KU. or Kobo plus.

So mostly I buy books / ebooks or do without. I gave up on the Library ebooks when their app stopped working on the Android eink (still works on an ancient phone with same Android version). Most people read on phones or tablets. The librarians I met had never seen a Kindle, Kobo or eink Android. I showed them all three.
The Library WiFi only works with a Laptop (even Linux) or a regular tablet because it uses a browser based login and your library card details etc. The regular browsers on the Androidf eink don't work on it and the Kindle & Kobo can't use WiFi via Browser authentication.


Gutenberg is good for free ebooks and the ebook retailers do have freebies. I've one Kindle where the account has no payment method (setup with a gift card!) and it does work for free Kindle ebooks, even though DL & T has gone.