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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:
pitterpatterrain · 03/02/2022 16:26

I use the library a lot but have never got on with e-readers. I know their offering is good it just doesn’t feel as good for me to reading a real book

InisnaBro · 03/02/2022 16:22

Because reading on an e-reader is simply not the same or anywhere near as enjoyable for me. I do use a Kindle, and download Project Gutenberg or Faded Page books to read on my iPad, and I use the archive.org digital library, but these don't replace physical copies for me.

SummerHouse · 03/02/2022 16:22

I think the majority of people won't know this. And if they do, they may well have a Kindle and not want to buy another gadget.

DSGR · 03/02/2022 16:20

Because nothing beats a mooch in a bookshop and then curling up with a paperback. One of life’s joys

DaisyDozyDee · 03/02/2022 16:18

I do both, partly because the library doesn’t always have what I want to read, but also because I usually donate the books I buy to school after I’ve read them, which I obviously can’t do with a library copy.

Tanaqui · 03/02/2022 16:17

I use Overdrive on the kindle fire, and it is fab- but the library I belong to doesn't have every book I want to read!

Abra1d1 · 03/02/2022 16:15

While ebooks are available at 99p people probably don't see it as a huge saving--you can apparently set up alerts to tell you when books are going onto discount and wait to buy them at 99p. Sometimes they're free on Amazon Prime, too, for a limited period. I suppose we've all got a bit idle. I used to use the Libby app more.

MedusasBadHairDay · 03/02/2022 16:15

I used to through the library where I used to live, but their selection of books was disappointing and the app they used was buggy (and you had to use the app)

Adatwistscientist · 03/02/2022 16:15

My library has been awful with online copies, their catalogue was tiny . They also needed you to download an app which never worked and didn't seem to sync with Kindle. I don't know if it has got any better.

Allthegoodnamesweretakenalread · 03/02/2022 16:14

I have a Kobo too and I borrow from the library when I can. Mine uses Libby but there are a lot of books I want which aren't on it.

EllieQ · 03/02/2022 16:12

Because the library doesn’t always have copies of books I want to read, whether ebooks through the Libby app or physical books! They don’t buy copies of all the new releases. So if I want to read something they don’t have, I’ll buy it.

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 03/02/2022 16:08

I suspect most people aren't aware. My library uses the libby app and it's full of audio books, ebboks, emagazines etc it's a brilliant resource.