Ebook reader for library books

[hoover67]

I am at a loss on what to purchase for my mother! I was thinking she may enjoy an eReader. I know she will not pay for eBooks so I was wondering if there were eBooks that can be downloaded from the libraries. Okay, I admit I do not use the library often. With 7 kids, I just buy the book and I get my money's worth out of it.

 

So, here are my questions:

1. Can you download eBooks from libraries? (She downloads audiobooks with Overdrive already from her library.)

2. If you can download eBooks from the libraries, are there any newer books or is it just the classics?

3. What type of reader works best for this use? It looks like the Kindle is linked to only Amazon books. ... not sure about the nook .... any other suggestions? I know she does not need 3G .. only wiFi.

 

Thanks for the help. I tried searching but cannot seem to find the info I need! I am down to the wire. We have an extra week as we will not be going home until around New Years Day.

 

Thanks!

[SuggaD]

The Nook or the Sony....she can use Overdrive to download ebooks from her local library. She'd need to check their catalog to see what they offer. I've noticed so far that it is a mix of new and old...decent selection. The bigger the library the system, the better the offerings will generally be.

[amyers12345]

You can also apply for a non-resident library card from the Free Library of Philadelphia for only $15 per year and they have tons of books to download.

[rocky41102]

I just decided on a Nook for my christmas present. I will mainly use library books so it works perfect for me. Overdrive has a good selection of books. My small town local library is part of a regional set up for the Nashville area so the selection is surprisingly good on new releases. I looked at some of my favorite authors which are more of the mystery/crime fiction like John Sandford, james Patterson, and others like Janet Evanovich, Robert Parker, and Stephen King. There are wait lists for the popular fiction new releases but it didn't seem much more than if I put a hold on a book at the library itself. I just ordered the refurbished nook from ebay-sold by barnes and noble. If you go to Overdrive's website, it will tell you what ereaders can be used with their books. Sony and Nook are probably the best options. Good Luck!!

[racerfan]

I have the Nook and also have a Library Card thru the Free Library of Philiadelphia. I am a PA resident so for me it was free, non residents pay an annual fee of $15. The selection with Overdrive is not bad. I also went thru it to check out what books they have and they have a very good selection.

[mommyx3]

I am a librarian. From the discussions I have been in on, you will have to go either Nook or Sony E-reader. The Kindle will NOT work with Overdrive. (They are or have just released a Mac version for the Ipad). Overdrive basically has the market for library e-books. Our system is way too small to do e-books, but if your mom is in an area with a population above 15000, odds are very good, she will be able to get books from Overdrive through her library.

 

On a side note, I would highly recommend that for Christmas you consider giving your kids a library card. It is a great way to teach them extra responsibility and the cost savings are AMAZING. Today's libraries have so much to offer, from great programs to DVDs, video games, and of course books. OK off my soap box! Just thought since I had a moment, I would try a shameless plug for the libraries! :-)

[SuggaD]

I have the Nook and also have a Library Card thru the Free Library of Philiadelphia. I am a PA resident so for me it was free, non residents pay an annual fee of $15. The selection with Overdrive is not bad. I also went thru it to check out what books they have and they have a very good selection.

Just ordered my library card. Your post served as a reminder. :)

[hoover67]

I am a librarian. From the discussions I have been in on, you will have to go either Nook or Sony E-reader. The Kindle will NOT work with Overdrive. (They are or have just released a Mac version for the Ipad). Overdrive basically has the market for library e-books. Our system is way too small to do e-books, but if your mom is in an area with a population above 15000, odds are very good, she will be able to get books from Overdrive through her library.

 

On a side note, I would highly recommend that for Christmas you consider giving your kids a library card. It is a great way to teach them extra responsibility and the cost savings are AMAZING. Today's libraries have so much to offer, from great programs to DVDs, video games, and of course books. OK off my soap box! Just thought since I had a moment, I would try a shameless plug for the libraries! :-)

Thank you so much for your input! I do know she has access to Overdrive ... so do we. I think I would be more apt to use overdrive also. I have to agree that librarians have\o much to offer. We do have library cards and do use them occasionally. At present, I have over 4,000 children's books catalogued here at home. Yes, catalogued! I must agree that the public library system is such an awesome service! Thank you for all that you do at the library!

 

Michele

[peifgirl]

Just got a Nook yesterday from Dh...thanks for this thread!