Calling Kobo users!

[ellyo]

I'm intending to buy a Kobo solely for library books (already have a Kindle)

Our authority uses the Borrowbox app, which I understand can't download books over WiFi but uses and Adobe programme. Is this still the case or is there a Kobo that now downloads Borrowbox books over WiFi? And is there a Kobo you recommend?

Thanks!

I have the Kobo Clara 2e and I've been failing to get any library books in it for hours today. I think I hate it.

I have a Clara and have to use Adobe for BorrowBox. But … I’m a member of several different libraries, most
of which use Libby/Overdrive, which syncs directly to your Kobo. So you could do that?

My Kobo is a couple of years old, so yes need Adobe for books, whether that's Borrowbox, Faded Page or Project Gutenberg.

I’m a member of several different libraries, most
of which use Libby/Overdrive, which syncs directly to your Kobo.

I feel I'm missing a trick here, can you expand, @FortunataTagnips? My local library uses Borrowbox.

I've managed to get a library book on to the Kobo from Overdrive, but my library has very little choice on there and loads on BorrowBox, which I can't get to transfer to the Kobo.

How do you use Adobe to get books from BorroeBox on to the Kobo please?

This library website takes you through it step-by-step:

https://kildarelibrariesblog.wordpress.com/2021/04/06/guide-to-downloading-bolinda-borrowbox-ebooks-to-an-ereader-or-pc/

Thank you @FortunataTagnips

Why do you need Adobe for Project Gutenberg? I have an ancient Kobo, and iirc non DRM books could just be dragged and dropped.

(Must admit I mainly used Calibre though.)

I have an original Kobo Libra, it is the waterproof one and it is great. I use borrowbox to download from my library into Adobe, but as others have said I also use Calibre.

It was my first time using an e-reader and found it all easy with borrowbox. My library has its own link and I just login and download from there.

What I do is plug the Kobo into my laptop with a usb cable rather than direct over wifi.

@schloss what do you do with Calibre please?

I bought my kobo in the first lockdown to read library books. It's been amazing!

But my library just moved from Libby (Overdrive) to BorrowBox.

It's ok, I can still transfer books via Adobe digital editions on my laptop but it's a tiny bit of a faff.

One warning: when you borrow a book digitally, they are not always in epub format. I accidentally borrowed a pdf version a few weeks ago which was a formatting nightmare. I had to go back on and find the epic version, reserve it and wait for it to become available.

Resizing and moving the pdf pages absolutely rinsed the battery in my kobo too.

A PP mentioned joining several libraries - this is a good strategy. I'm a member of both local counties, they have different catalogues (but both on borrow box)

As others have said, it works it's just a bit of a faff

I've not used Libby, I wonder how easy it is to join a library for somewhere you don't live!

@PurpleWhirple It’s a question of trial and error. Some are open to everyone, others want proof of residency in the LA area.

I've just joined one for somewhere I don't live, work or study by using the postcode of the university