Amazon Launches Library Lending for Kindle

Months after announcing it was coming, Amazon has quietly launched library lending for its popular Kindle e-reader.  The move eliminates the Kindle's primary weakness and puts it on par with Barnes and Noble's Nook and other e-reader devices, which have supported public library checkouts for some time.

I just tried it with the Virginia Beach Public Library and it works great.  I visited the library's "Overdrive" site, which powers the city's e-lending.  Since our Kindle belongs to my wife, I looked for a book that was both available and trashy-looking enough to suit Mary's tastes.  I then clicked "add to cart" and then proceeded to check out. The check out process will actually take you to the book's Amazon page, which will copy the book to your Kindle.

The checkout period for Kindle e-books is 21 days.  The library has only so many e-copies of each book so some titles may not be available right away.  But you can put e-books on hold, just like with regular hard copy books.

Contact your local library if you have questions about library lending for the Kindle.

Link:
Virginia Beach Public Library E-Lending Page
Virginia Beach press release announcing Kindle e-lending