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

[2022HereWeCome]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

• because I can
• because I keep the books I read
• I sometimes make notes in the books

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.

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

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

Because it doesn’t work on my kindle.

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.

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.

@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 .

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).

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.

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

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 fees 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!

Because you have to go to the library.