It's a mostly serviceable ereader, though it limits you to just three font sizes. Hoopla works similarly, except there's no option for reading on Kindle. (Take note, however, that you might end up at the bottom of the waiting list again.) At that point, the digital copy expires, meaning you can no longer access it - unless you check it out again. Once a book is checked out, you usually have two to three weeks before it must be "returned," which happens automatically once the return date hits. Read more: This browser extension shows you which Amazon books are available free at your local library
(We've been seeing diminished Kindle compatibility with OverDrive recently, possibly due to the fact that it and Kobo are now owned by rival Rakuten.) It's available for Android and iOS, and you can use it to find, reserve and check out books.
Thankfully, OverDrive will alert you when a title on your Holds list becomes available, and you can even set it to automatically check out the book once that happens.įrom there, you can read the e-book using a Kindle (or Kindle app), a Kobo reader or OverDrive's ereader app, Libby. That's because, at my library, only 11 digital copies are available, and 17 people are currently interested in borrowing it. With Hamilton, for example, I had to get on a waiting list with OverDrive (the book isn't currently available from Hoopla). Hopefully the waiting list won't be too long for the e-book(s) you want to borrow from your library.
Read more: 10 ways to read books online for free
That's because, just like at the actual library, there are limited numbers of each title available for checkout. What kinds of books can you expect to find? Here's the rub: Just like at the actual library, the selection may be somewhat limited, and you may have to wait to check out the book(s) you want. OverDrive provides access to e-books and audiobooks, while Hoopla adds music, comics, movies and TV shows to the mix. You'll use your library card to sign in or create an account. It might be called "eLibrary" or "Downloads" or something else entirely, but it should lead you to at least one of the two major lending services: Hoopla Digital and OverDrive (which also goes by its newer app name, Libby). Next you'll want to visit your library's web site and look for something pertaining to e-books.
(In the market for a reader? Woot currently has the 2016 Kindle for $50.)
Read more: How to get free digital magazines from your library Most libraries have partnerships with one or more digital-lending services, meaning you can borrow, well, a library's worth of reading material, all from the comfort of your PC, phone or tablet. To be clear, I'm talking about the e-book - the same exact one that would cost me $15 on Amazon. Price to borrow it from my public library: $0. Price for the Kindle edition of Ron Chernow's superb book: $15. For example, last year I fell in love with Hamilton, the musical, and so decided to read Hamilton, the biography. Is your public library closed due to coronavirus concerns? Good news: You may be able to check out reading material electronically. Hoopla Digital offers a wide assortment of ebooks you can borrow free of charge - provided your library is connected to the service.