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Original poster

Why don't more people borrow e-books from the library instead of buying?

137 replies

2022HereWeCome · 03/02/2022 16:03

Just that really. I have a KOBO e-reader and chose a KOBO over a kindle simply because I would have the opportunity to borrow books from the library's digital collection. I don't understand why more people don't borrow e-books? My library has a fantastic selection of resources and often get new books digitally as soon as they're realised.

I save an absolute fortune not buying books unless it is something I really really want. Is it just because people can't see beyond buying a Kindle or think that other e-readers are rubbish? Or is it that I'm extremely lucky with my library's system / investment.

OP posts:
Wafflesnsniffles · 03/02/2022 18:04

Because e books in any form are never something I would choose to read - borrowed or paid for. My mother loves them but I want the joy that only a real book with paper pages can give - new, charity shop or from the library - not fussed as long as its made of paper with pages I can flip through.

Aposterhasnoname · 03/02/2022 18:04

Because my library has rock all available in digital form.

Madcats · 03/02/2022 18:01

It's not especially straightforward, but you can put most of the library apps onto a Kindle Fire. I probably need new reading glasses so I like being able to change the font size on eBooks.

For cookery books and travel guides I tend to double up with both formats.

Our library has a great selection of audiobooks (but I am rather jealous of the neighbouring County with their Naxos Music subscription).

starfishmummy · 03/02/2022 18:00

I read a mixture. Kindle, library app, new books, second hand books (from swapping or charity shops), library books. Whatever really.

Happygirl79 · 03/02/2022 17:56

I use the app pressreader.com which links to a hot spot to my local library to read my favourite newspapers and magazines for free. I use my mobile phone to read them. I didn't know that libraries offered ebooks. Can I get these using my kindle?

FredBair · 03/02/2022 17:56

Interesting thread.
My old kindle is on it's last legs and I no longer ever want to read paper books.

So I bought a kobo so I could read library books.
I am doubly disappointed.
The kobo nia(?) isn't a patch on the kindle paperwhite, slow to boot up and generally clunky. It's tedious having to faff about with cables transferring books. You can only use overdrive if your library subscribes to it.

Worst of all is the very limited selection of books. Every single author or book I search for isn't there.

3beesinmybonnet · 03/02/2022 17:49

I was all set to get a kobo for Christmas and start devouring library books again. Then I checked a bit more thoroughly what was actually available and found my librarys selection of ebooks was quite poor. I'll have another look maybe but I was disappointed.

Feenie · 03/02/2022 17:48

Because when I've read them, I recommend the ones I like to my parents who share my family library.

Oblomov22 · 03/02/2022 17:45

Because it's such a hassle. They have to order it, I have no control when it arrives, I then have limited time to collect and then I have to return it too quickly. And a fee for all that.

Original poster
2022HereWeCome · 03/02/2022 17:45

Sorry I wasn't talking about borrowing physical books - or people who only read physical books.

I was wondering why more people don't buy e-readers that allow them to borrow books and why this isn't more of a thing. I download using Overdrive and its way better than the Libby app

OP posts:
jusdevache · 03/02/2022 17:38

@Guacamoleontoast

Because you have to go to the library.
If you have a library card you don't have to physically go into library. You just need to know which app your library uses (go to your libraries website and it should take you through the steps to set up the app)
Original poster
2022HereWeCome · 03/02/2022 17:37

I buy physical books if I want something special. Based on these replies I think I am lucky with my library - Overdrive software though so doesn't work with Kindle. I've just got Daughter of the Moon Goddess on hold

OP posts:
Guacamoleontoast · 03/02/2022 17:35

Because you have to go to the library.

jusdevache · 03/02/2022 17:35

@SouthOfFrance

Last time I signed up, possibly on the lobby app, there wasn't the book I wanted to read. I also don't like the stress of worrying if I have to 'return' it.
You don't need to worry about returning it south it automatically gets removed when it's due back, so no late feesSmile but I don't find Libby a very intuitive app. I prefer BorrowBox, although it seems to hold a smaller selection. I do like listening to audiobooks though, and both apps are great for this!
jusdevache · 03/02/2022 17:31

Well first off you can down load library apps on kindle, ipad and from the google store. Libby and BorrowBox are the two apps I have. However new books go out on loan very quickly, and I don't necessarily want to wait for weeks before I can read a book.
Agree with others about lack of choice. Don't get me wrong I love the fact that so many of these books are available and I do down load them, but I still like to buy an ebook from time to time.
I also like a physical book and one of my wee pleasures in life is browsing a bookshop when I have a rare couple of hours to myself!

SouthOfFrance · 03/02/2022 17:19

Last time I signed up, possibly on the lobby app, there wasn't the book I wanted to read.
I also don't like the stress of worrying if I have to 'return' it.

livingonpurpose · 03/02/2022 17:18

I will borrow the ebook via my library app if they have a book I want to read, rather than buying it. But there are also many books I want to read that aren't available via my library app, so if they come up for 99p on Kindle deals then I'll obviously buy them. I will only buy paperbacks now if I want to read them urgently and they are cheaper than the Kindle price (or if I receive them as a gift).

BigWoollyJumpers · 03/02/2022 16:55

@DSGR

Because nothing beats a mooch in a bookshop and then curling up with a paperback. One of life’s joys
This. So much, this. A new books smell so lovely too.... or is this some strange fetish I have Grin.
Kopenbergglass · 03/02/2022 16:55

Because its less hassle than trying to
A) work out where your local library is
B) work out if you're allowed to join the one physically closer to you because it's in England and I live in Wales.
C) work out if you can sign up online.

For the sake of 99p, I'll buy it off Amazon.

I am also not advocating such a thing, but e readers make piracy easier too.

mrstea301 · 03/02/2022 16:51

I have a kindle and the Libby app doesn't sync with it - I've followed the instructions a number of times but it just doesn't quite get there. The selection can be quite limited too.

FlyingFlamingo · 03/02/2022 16:46

Because it doesn’t work on my kindle.

MsNorth · 03/02/2022 16:46

Because I don’t much like reading on a screen. I do use the library for actual books and sometimes audiobooks though.

ThreeFeetTall · 03/02/2022 16:43

I didn't think I could if I have a Kindle?

ExtremelyDelighted · 03/02/2022 16:39

Because the catalogue is quite limited, sometimes you have to reserve and wait, then you have to renew if you go over two weeks. The app is clunky. I do use the library sometimes but mainly buy books from charity shops or kindle 99p deals.

purplesequins · 03/02/2022 16:28
  • because I can
  • because I keep the books I read
  • I sometimes make notes in the books