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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:
DebiNewberry1997 · 04/02/2022 23:36

BorrowBox works on a kindle

oviraptor21 · 04/02/2022 23:38

Physical books are more immersive.

JugglingJanuary · 05/02/2022 00:58

Ok. My daft question for the day...I don't see why you have to wait for E-books. Do libraries pay for x copies?

I hate real library books. I hate the smell of them. I hate that they're so filthy.

I will buy them from charity shops though., but only if they don't look minging.

@2022HereWeCome. Why do you care?

I buy books because I FAR prefer real books than reading on a screen. Why shouldn't I buy books?

cookiemonster2468 · 05/02/2022 01:25

@Thatsajokeright

I don't borrow ebooks because I want the author to be renumerated for their work; unless it's a top seller writing isn't very lucrative unfortunately.
Libraries pay more for ebooks than print books as they are buying a license rather than just a physical copy of a book. On average, authors receive more royalties from ebooks than physical books.
cookiemonster2468 · 05/02/2022 01:30

Ok. My daft question for the day...I don't see why you have to wait for E-books. Do libraries pay for x copies?

They buy a license for the ebook which includes a certain number of "copies" that can be lent out at any given time. This is to ensure fair renumeration for authors, publishers etc. and to try and make it more equivalent to a print book.

It's the only way it can work really, having a free for all would result in very unfair pay for those creating and publishing books.

DockOTheBay · 05/02/2022 01:36

Most people have a kindle, which doesn't support library apps (why would they let you gey the books for free when they could make money from you!)

Not all books are available.

Those that are available, may have a waiting list, especially new titles and people don't like to wait.

DockOTheBay · 05/02/2022 01:36

@DebiNewberry1997

BorrowBox works on a kindle
On a kindle tablet, or a kindle e-reader?
NoodleSlurper · 05/02/2022 01:46

I borrow audio books and the app isn't too bad (much improved from a few years ago), but I can only borrow five a month, there's often a wait, and by the time I get to read in the evening and find a book I want to check out, my library has usually reached its daily borrowing limit in the regional system.

DebiNewberry1997 · 05/02/2022 07:03

BorrowBox is on my kids' Kindle Fire and on my iPad.

Are kindle devices different from the app? I've never had one. I use the kindle app for reading usually.

QueenLagertha · 05/02/2022 07:35

@DebiNewberry1997 yes kindle E readers aren't tablets. They're much better for reading due to their screens and lack of blue backlight (don't know how to describe it). I only charge mine once a month.

jo55ie · 05/02/2022 08:55

I didn't know this was a thing. Thank you for sharing

Crowdfundingforcake · 05/02/2022 09:03

Borrowbox was brilliant during lockdown (still is.....) especially for audio books. We do buy too many books but borrow a lot via Borrowbox too - it takes the risk out of trying new authors. We're divesting subscription services having added up how much they were costing per month, so no more audible and I'm trying to persuafe DH to bin Prime - Borrowbox and BBC Sounds mean we can still access audio books and drama. Love it.

LittleDiaries · 05/02/2022 09:03

I borrow loads from the library - ebooks and audiobooks. I always check the library first to see if they have a copy before buying an ebook or audiobook.

However, if I want a physical book - either paperback or hardback- then I prefer to buy them. It wouldn't feel like my home if there weren't any books on the shelves. I read a lot, and I like to vary the way I read. Sometimes an ebook just doesn't do it for me, and I need to hold a "real" book. You can't beat the feel and smell of a book (and a bookshop).

languagelover96 · 05/02/2022 10:14

@LittleDiaries

I borrow loads from the library - ebooks and audiobooks. I always check the library first to see if they have a copy before buying an ebook or audiobook.

However, if I want a physical book - either paperback or hardback- then I prefer to buy them. It wouldn't feel like my home if there weren't any books on the shelves. I read a lot, and I like to vary the way I read. Sometimes an ebook just doesn't do it for me, and I need to hold a "real" book. You can't beat the feel and smell of a book (and a bookshop).

THIS, all of it.
FredBair · 05/02/2022 13:02

@DebiNewberry1997

BorrowBox is on my kids' Kindle Fire and on my iPad.

Are kindle devices different from the app? I've never had one. I use the kindle app for reading usually.

The kindle fire is basically a tablet and is nothing like reading on a proper e reader such as a kindle paperwhite, same goes for the apps. The screen on a kindle is much easier on the eyes than a phone or tablet screen.
TeaAndStrumpets · 05/02/2022 14:22

I read books from Openlibrary.org, but on a tablet. I tend to read the ones that are scanned physical copies, not ebooks, and I think it adds to the charm. You see the original cover, library stamps, coffee stains etc Shock As an example, I searched for all available copies of PG Wodehouse and there were loads of early Herbert Jenkins editions. They are wonderful for a book enthusiast like me, an ebook can't compare aesthetically.

Freebus · 05/02/2022 15:12

I got into Borrowbox over lockdown, but had to read on my phone as I don't have a working kindle and the ipad doesn't work that well either.
So while its okay , I prefer reading physical books.

Ironically the 1st book I read from Borrowbox was Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig, all about how sad it was that librarians had been replaced by robots and that we all need to stay off our phones more..

Original poster
2022HereWeCome · 05/02/2022 20:25

@JugglingJanuary - I don't really care other than most people I know who have an e-reader chose kindle and had no idea that you could borrow e-books from the library with other brands. I've been doing it for years and it's saved me an absolute fortune - I read a lot of books. I still buy some actual books and I still buy the occasional e-book but the digital choice at my city's library is very very good.

OP posts:
Viviennemary · 05/02/2022 21:18

I prefer a proper book not a kindle. I have given up on libraries because of the ridiculous fines for late return of books. I buy either from Amazon or charity shops.

user1471464218 · 05/02/2022 21:26

Because I can't borrow from my local library to read on Kindle e-reader (and don't want to read on Kindle fire or tablet or phone.)

I didn't know that some e-readers allow it though so will be looking into that.

Madcats · 06/02/2022 15:34

My library uses Borrowbox and Libby (but has worked its way through other options over the years).

It sounds as if some of you have one, so I'll ask here. Is there a non-glossy reader that I can buy that can handle these apps.

I read Borrowbox on my Fire, do do prefer my Paperwhite.

FredBair · 06/02/2022 15:45

@Madcats I bought a Kobo when my paperwhite died so I could read library books. I don't like it as much as the kindle.

Original poster
2022HereWeCome · 06/02/2022 16:05

@Madcats
My library's info says:

Use Libby on:

• the Apple, Android or Windows Libby app on your smartphone or tablet

• the Kindle Fire OverDrive app

• a PC or Mac

• a Nook, Kobo or Sony eReader for ebooks (incompatible with Kindles except the Kindle Fire)

OP posts:
Taytotots · 06/02/2022 16:26

Those of you with kindle e-readers can covert library books on calibre - look up apprentice Alf plugin. Bit of a faff though.

elkiedee · 09/02/2022 14:29

I buy in charity shops and I buy a lot of Kindle books. I was put off for a long time from using library ebooks by not being able to read them on Kindle - you need an android device, but finally tried one on my phone last year when it seemed like the only way to read a specific book - other than paying about £8 for the Kindle edition.

I've also bought a few books when they were on special offer at 99[ which I had previously borrowed from the library as print or ebooks, because I like to have access to a copy.

So I don't do one or the other.

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