Free Digital Magazines from the Public Library

[tubemonkey]

This is a spinoff from another thread meant to inform more people about borrowing magazines via Zinio from public libraries.

Recorded Books Partners with Zinio to offer Digital Magazines at Public Libraries

June 22, 2011 -- Recorded Books, the world’s largest independent producer of audiobooks, has announced that it will begin distribution of the popular Zinio digital newsstand to public libraries in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. “Zinio for Libraries” will allow public library patrons to read, interact with and explore the largest selection of magazines by just using their library card.

Think of this as the OverDrive for magazines. According to this article, there are over 1,400 libraries offering this service; so there's a strong chance a library near you may have it. At least five of my libraries do. Just like the number of ebooks varies from library to library, so do the number of magazines. If one your libraries doesn't have a particular magazine, then another might. It pays to belong to as many libraries as you can.

So, how do you download them? First, check to see if your library offers Zinio. Look for it in the digital download section. Next step is to set up your accounts. You'll need a library account and two Zinio accounts. It's quite easy. See the following for help:

Tutorials / Help

• Zinio How To
• Zinio Borrower Overview (18 min video)
• Zinio User Guide
• Zinio Help

Borrowing Facts

• no due dates - magazines can be kept forever
• no check out limits - you can check out as many magazines as you want
• no automatic renewals - you must check out every magazine you want
• no back issues - except those you've previously checked out
• can be read offline - just download to your device
• no device limits (that I'm aware of yet)

These magazines can be read on multiple devices via the Zinio app. They're stored in Zinio's cloud and can be downloaded and removed as often as you want.

Just remember to borrow magazines from your library's Zinio portal and not directly from Zinio. The two are not the same. Your library will only have around 200 magazines in its collection compared to over 5,500 in Zinio's. If you've previously purchased magazines from Zinio, the magazines you borrow will show up alongside them. Essentially, you're getting free magazine subscriptions; as long as you check out the latest issue. There's no ability to borrow issues you've missed; you'll need to purchase them.
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[PeterT]

So far I will admit not being that impressed by the Zinio appliction on my Nexus 7

[SteveEisenberg]

For eInk, libraries often have a text-based service like EBSCO MasterFILE or Academic Search Premier. I bring up the articles I want on a PC, and then transfer them to the eReader with a service such as Readability.com, Instapaper.com, klip.me, or -- the one I use lately -- Amazon's Send to Kindle.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by PeterT

So far I will admit not being that impressed by the Zinio appliction on my Nexus 7

I don't like it on my my Nexus 7 either; but it's great on my Fire HD 8.9 and Nook HD+. You really need at least a 9" tablet for magazines.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by SteveEisenberg

For eInk, libraries often have a text-based service like EBSCO MasterFILE or Academic Search Premier. I bring up the articles I want on a PC, and then transfer them to the eReader with a service such as Readability.com, Instapaper.com, klip.me, or -- the one I use lately -- Amazon's Send to Kindle.

I want the pretty pictures

[sadievan]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

This is a spinoff from another thread meant to inform more people about borrowing magazines via Zinio from public libraries.

Recorded Books Partners with Zinio to offer Digital Magazines at Public Libraries

Think of this as the OverDrive for magazines. According to this article, there are over 1,400 libraries offering this service; so there's a strong chance a library near you may have it. At least five of my libraries do. Just like the number of ebooks varies from library to library, so do the number of magazines. If one your libraries doesn't have a particular magazine, then another might. It pays to belong to as many libraries as you can.

.

Thanks TM. Just recently found out about this.

Carol

[tubemonkey]

Here's a new article from CNET about this feature; along with their typical iDevice bias.

How to check out free Zinio digital magazines from your library

If your library allows it, you can enjoy endless magazines on your phone, tablet, or PC -- all at no charge.

Public libraries are so awesome. (Thanks, Ben Franklin!) They let you borrow not only physical books, DVDs, and the like, but also digital content like e-books and audiobooks.

And, now, digital magazines, too. Many libraries have partnered with Zinio to offer e-zines you can check out and read on a variety of devices. As a big fan of doing exactly that on my iPad, I was excited to discover that my local library (here in metro Detroit) is now offering this awesome option.

[hwlester]

Unfortunately, none of my libraries is doing it.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by hwlester

Unfortunately, none of my libraries is doing it.

Sorry to hear that. Are they receptive to requests? Drop them a line and request it.

[hwlester]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Sorry to hear that. Are they receptive to requests? Drop them a line and request it.

Two are local. I know one is broke and the other is small. :P The only other one I have access to is FLP. They'd be the most likely to do it, IMO, but I might check with the others.

[IcecreamLtDan]

When last I checked, FLP was not going to join the program.

[FizzyWater]

I discovered this on one of my local library sites not too long ago, but I didn't realize they could be downloaded. I need to figure out how to do it.

Do they download as PDFs, or are they only readable in the Zinio application? (I know, RTFM...I'm at work and just checking in quick! )

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by FizzyWater

I discovered this on one of my local library sites not too long ago, but I didn't realize they could be downloaded. I need to figure out how to do it.

Just follow the steps I outlined in the OP. It's really easy.

Do they download as PDFs, or are they only readable in the Zinio application? (I know, RTFM...I'm at work and just checking in quick! )

I have no idea what format they're in. I just download and read them inside the Zinio app on my tablets and PC. Never attempted to do so outside of the app, because I'm happy with the way it works now.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by hwlester

Two are local. I know one is broke and the other is small. :P The only other one I have access to is FLP. They'd be the most likely to do it, IMO, but I might check with the others.

I wish you luck. Zinio is a fantastic feature and adds great value to public libraries.

[j.p.s]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

I have no idea what format they're in. I just download and read them inside the Zinio app on my tablets and PC. Never attempted to do so outside of the app, because I'm happy with the way it works now.

When I looked at the listing in the google play store yesterday, all the recent reviews were complaints that a recent update turned the app from great to terrible.

I also got spooked out of installing it when one of the requested permissions was access to all information in all accounts.