Technology

Which E-Readers Are Library E-Book Friendly?

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Getting books from the library has become easier than ever. Today, many libraries partner with digital publishers to give their members access to e-books. Before you can borrow an e-book from your local library, though, you will need an e-reader with the right features.

E-Readers That Work With Most Libraries

Most of the popular e-readers and tablets are compatible with the services that public libraries use to let patrons borrow e-books. Some of the most popular models include:

Software Required for Borrowing E-Books

Even if you have a compatible device, you may need to install software to borrow books from your public library. Most software helps your library system track its e-books and even lets you put your name on a waitlist when the title you want isn’t available.

OverDrive is one of the most popular software options for public libraries. Your library may also have some titles that require Adobe Digital Editions, OverDrive Read or similar applications. These apps are lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about them taking up a lot of space on your mobile device.

Talk to a Librarian Before You Buy a New E-Reader

If you already own an e-reader, then you should try to borrow books with it. You’ll save money and gain access to thousands of books. If you don’t own an e-reader or tablet, then it’s a good idea to talk to a local librarian before you invest money in a new device.

Any librarian working at your library system’s main branch should have the information that you need to choose an e-reader. If not, then they can give you the contact information of someone who can help.

Requirements vary between library systems, so it never hurts to get reliable information directly from someone at your main branch.

Once you find the right model, you can start downloading e-books to your mobile device. Suddenly, you don’t even have to spend time and energy going to the library to check out books. Instead, you can do it from the comfort of your home.

About the Author

Mary Beth Eastman

Mary Beth Eastman serves as the content manager for Versus Reviews, where she is dedicated to helping readers compare popular products. Mary Beth has a degree in Journalism from Bowling Green State University and has focused her 20-year journalism career on putting readers front and center, carefully considering their concerns and presenting information that will help them in their everyday lives. She has won numerous statewide journalism awards. Her writing has been featured on numerous websites in addition to Versus Reviews, including the Huffington Post and the Lexington Law blog. Mary Beth resides in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her family and two rescue dogs.

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Comments 1 Comments

  • […] This is a borrowing system that is paired with local schools and libraries. OverDrive users only need to have a library card, then they have access to a number of ebooks and other formats that are available through the app. This is convenient because users do not have to physically go anywhere to borrow or return materials. The app essentially condenses all of the resources of your local brick and mortar library into your phone. Check out this list of ebooks that are library-friendly. […]

  • I would like to know which E-readers are the most compatible for borrowing E-books from the NY public library.

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