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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:
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:
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 17:45

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:
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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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).

Aposterhasnoname · 03/02/2022 18:04

Because my library has rock all available in digital form.

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.

Ragwort · 03/02/2022 18:06

If you are not IT literate it's just a huge faff ... please don't tell me it's 'instinctive'. I spend too much time at work grappling with IT and don't want to do it in my spare time. I use the library to borrow books in the old fashioned way and buy from charity shops.

TheGoldenWolfFleece · 03/02/2022 18:07

I bought a Kindle because thats what fit my needs. There's a reason why they're the most popular ereader.I borrowed a couple of ebooks on my phone from the library but didn't like having a time limit to read them. I've got Kindle unlimited now. If i buy a Kindle book and don't like it i can return it. Plus with my library, if someone else has borrowed it you have to wait. So I'll just download it on Kindle instantly. It just doesn't make any sense to use a service that's less good than the one amazon provides.

Wafflesnsniffles · 03/02/2022 18:08

I did look into what e books are available via our local library (because my mother is always talking about how great they are) but our local library service is pretty dreadful anyway and isnt any better for e books. The selection is very poor plus you have to reserve and wait in a 1-3 week queue for almost all that is available. Meh. Easier to just pick up a book and read it.

HopefulProcrastinator · 03/02/2022 18:15

@2022HereWeCome

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

Because I fell in love with the Kindle Oasis when my 1st gen kindle died. Nothing that Kobo had to offer was comparable from reading reviews.

As I've been ardently collecting the kindle first free stuff since they started it, been canny with the 99p sales and often borrow from the kindle library (that comes with Prime membership) I don't feel like I'm missing out.

I probably still have at least 300 unread free books in my kindle waiting for a moment to be read.

However as a self confessed book worm I do also make sure my local library is kept on it's toes for physical books so they can justify their existence.

Svalberg · 03/02/2022 18:28

@Oblomov22

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.
??? What app does your library use? With mine, if they have the book you either borrow it there & then or reserve it, join the queue and are notified on your device when it's available & can instantly borrow it. I have a kindle but borrow from the library using the Libby app on my phone & tablet. HOWEVER I've noticed that for the last year, they've not been getting the latest in a series in, and for one series that I'm reading, they have books 1, 5 , 6 so I've had to buy 2, 3 & 4 which is annoying
BonnesVacances · 03/02/2022 19:31

I use BorrowBox and they very rarely have the books I want to read. But when they do, I'll borrow them. Usually requesting them and waiting for a couple of months.

Rabblesthecat · 03/02/2022 19:34

Because I’d rather buy it because I can afford it and if I want to keep it indefinitely I can

Dreamstate · 03/02/2022 19:37

I like holding books and physically turning pages so ill continue to buy books

BasiliskFace · 03/02/2022 19:47
  1. I don’t really like ebooks, prefer actual books - you can’t read an ebook in the bath, the battery doesn’t run out on an actual book etc etc
  2. I do have the Borrowbox app but it is hard to browse and very rarely has any specific book on it I’m looking for, and when it does the book is on loan
  3. I do borrow e-books but they almost never get read
  4. The physical library is 15 minutes walk from my house, much easier and more pleasant to browse
  5. I can order almost any book from the physical library for free and it almost always arrives within a week. I have about 10 holds at any one time and there is almost always a book waiting for me (it’s a Georgette Heyer at the moment).
fictionreader · 03/02/2022 21:25

I love the library apps, I have Libby, BorrowBox and CloudLibrary! Using holds I can mostly get the books I want and occasionally I buy a kindle one or a second hand paperback for those not in the library. How ds2 is severely dyslexic with a reading age years behind his actual age, so it's really important to get audiobooks for him but they are often a long wait on the library apps. Therefore we have an audible account (free for a year with an O2 phone offer) and I use all the credits exclusively for his books as I don't mind waiting for library reserves.

Happy36 · 03/02/2022 21:26

I hate reading on a screen. I am rarely found without a paperback in my bag, from the library.

Porfre · 03/02/2022 21:28

I simply like paper books better

snaxinyourslacks · 04/02/2022 06:18

I have had both a Kobo and a Sony e-reader. Both were clunky and not easy to use, along with trying to navigate the library app. My kindle is so much easier to use, I'd much rather just spend 99p on a book than struggle with the library app.

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