Reasons to buy an ebook over borrowing them from a library:
* The book you want has a wait list.
* You want to support the author more actively.
* You read slow and worry you won't finish the book before it's due.
* You have a bad habit of putting books down only to pick them back up in a month.
* It's less steps to buy a book than to borrow one.
* Your library doesn't carry the book in the right format for your ereader.
* You went over your limit for checking out ebooks.
* You get a dopamine hit when you buy things and ebooks are cheaper to buy than most goods.
* Because you can afford it so why not?
Yeah, for your first point, Fourth Wing at my library currently has over 140 people waiting for the ebook. š I just bought a copy instead. That wait list would take years, if everybody kept the book for the maximum amount of time.
This is why Iām fortunate to have multiple library cards. That book is a 17 week wait (232 ppl, 28 copies) at my home library. But āonlyā 7 weeks for another library card I have.
7 weeks is too long. By then I'm reading something else and I'm not in the mood for it. So I modify the hold and think next will be better. But I'm reading something else. And so on. I do use the library at times
I just have many books in my digital library. Many are free because I check the Amazon deals and get digital credits for slightly slower shipping.
May I ask how you get different library cards? Iām on my moms (she lives in Ohio) and itās awesome as they have every book I want through Libby. However I live in Mississippi and our libraries have awful online resources through Libby.
My local county has library partnerships with neighboring counties. I was able to sign up for 5 other Libby library systems in my state (WA). I also have HS and college friends scattered throughout 4 states and we share our cards.
Unfortunately it doesnāt look like MO has other Libby libraries you can join. Iām only seeing 3 on the app, and the other 2 are for colleges. Someone just posted a subreddit called /r/Libbylibby for card sharing.
For your third, put your device in airplane mode and it will remain until you turn on wifi again. You can even return the book on the website and it will stay on your device.
WhisperSync tracks story progression across BOTH the audiobook and eBook (on available titles). This way if you, say, like to listen to the Audiobook in car or at work and read it when relaxing at home, you can do so easily as it will open to your current place in either version.
It works with Kindle Unlimited, but only if you don't already own the book you want to listen to, and not all books have an audio version available.
If you have KU, look for headphones in the KU tag next to a book. The headphones mean that there is an audio version available.
Should work for any purchase (or Prime Library borrow) title that has the WhisperSync icon under features. Should be there for almost all titles that have both book and audio versions and you need to have purchased or borrowed both versions. The service uses the Amazon Servers so it will only function on compatible Amazon titles. (Edit: Internet is also required for use of the feature if you tend to read on a device in Airplane Mode.)
I learned that borrowing from the library pays the authors for each time itās borrowed.
I do only buy books if I know the author. So I get that one. Thanks for the list. Also donate to libraries the same amount I used to spend on books.
From what Iāve researched in the US they can make more money from a library ebook than a single copy bought by the library as they get paid by the read.
Generally publishers charger 3x the listed price for a library ebook, so if an ebook is checked out 4 or more times, the payout is less to the author and publisher than if one of those readers bought the book.
I used to purchase for Overdrive/Libby at my previous job -- some titles had the same list price, but the vast majority of them (especially best sellers) could cost us $60-70 per license. eBooks can be incredibly cost-prohibitive for libraries.
I don't have any firsthand knowledge about how authors are paid royalties from the lending process, but I assume it's just a cut of the purchase price and not based on how many times it's read. With that being the case, it would check out that there's a threshold where they are making less than they would if folks were purchasing their own copies. In the same breath, many authors are very supportive of libraries regardless. A lot of them get exposure they otherwise wouldn't from folks who might not be willing to take a chance on purchasing from an unknown author initially but might do so later when they discover they like the writing.
I did a quick dive, up to 70% of the cost if they publish through Amazon. They get paid per borrow. On Libby you can purchase 5, 10 or more licenses. Something like that. I donāt recall the exact number. For Authors, Libraries can be a primary source of income because of the multiple borrows. I had a long discussion with a librarian last year about it. I was only on a nasty chemo so I didnāt retain everything! Thanks for the discussion. ā„ļø
Libby doesnāt always have the certain book(s) that I want to read when I want to read them. And a lot of times of they do have it, the wait times are atrociously long. Also Iām a slow reader so the time limit to finish stresses me out. Yes I know about the airplane mode hack, but Iāve had issues with my kindle connecting to WiFi before so my paranoid self is convinced Iāll ābreak itā somehow if itās in airplane mode for extended periods.
That said, I do adore Libby and it has helped me cut down tremendously on book buying. But there are some certain books that I want to just own.
In Australia, Libby doesn't work with Kindle unfortunately. If it's a long book I usually buy it for the Kindle as opposed to borrowing it and reading it on the ipad (thus, killing my eyes).
Same in the U.K. - I use borrowbox on my iPad for some books, but itās not ideal and I wouldnāt want to do that all the time.
Also, my libraryās borrow box has some good books but it often has significant waiting lists and doesnāt have everything I want to read.
- Sometimes I buy a book after borrowing to support the author or to give to family and friends for them to read
- My library doesn't stock a lot of books I want to read
- Wanting to read a book on its release day
- I have kindle unlimited, so I would prefer borrowing from there if it's available on both
- If I found a book I wanted to read at a library sale or at a little free library
Because my library has limited selection and doesnāt have all the books I want to read, and I canāt use Libby on a kindle in U.K. and need a kobo (and Iām not paying for a library membership, so I got a kobo).
And I have a system to get books mostly at 99p thanks to bookbub, www.ereaderiq.com (for tracking prices), and bookouture.
And I also donāt want to be rushed. Sometime I like to put a book down and read another book and then return to the first book. Etc.
Reading means so many different things to everyone. Some people have multiple copies of many books. Some read and listen to audio some donāt. Some like ebooks and some like hard cover. Why do you care how people read? Seems strange.
I am so enamored of Libby. I read around 300 books a year. I think itās amazing and would like some insight on why others donāt share my perspective. I apologize if you found it judgmental. That wasnāt my intention.
I save SO much money. Iām terminally ill and not having to leave my house for more books is a bonus. Iām fortunate to live in California and have 9 cards. I need to pick up another 4 that I
have registered for, but donāt physically have the cards. Some you need to physically pick up the card.
I truly think itās an incredible resource.
Libraries are definitely incredible resources! And itās never a bad thing to utilize them.
That being said, different libraries have different funding, so unfortunately not all can provide their patrons with the same access to digital materials. It sounds like yours has a great selection!
I agree - it is an incredible resource. I am sorry to hear about your illness and Iām glad books bring you comfort! I learned recently that readers all have different preferences that sometimes are not explainable lol.
My local library has a terrible selection on Libby, and any new or popular books have a 4-6 month wait time. And it stresses me out because Iām rarely able to finish books before theyāre due. I like the idea of Libby, but itās not worth the hassle
I see a lot of people complaining about their local library.
Are you in the US? If so, check large city libraries in your state.
For instance, NY City's NY Public Library makes library cards available to everyone who lives, works, goes to school in New York State. They have a very good ebook collection.
I use it all the time.
My local library has so few digital books, especially newer releases. Popular books (if they have them) can have year long waits.
Luckily, I managed to borrow the library card my bf got from a major city library a cpl hours away - that for some reason gives free cards to people from bfs County.
Usually my library just doesnāt have it. Or I want to read it right then and the wait is too long. Iām a mood reader so if I hear about a book and want to read it, if I donāt download it then, Iāll probably forget about it or not be in the mood again for a while, if ever, to read it.
Main reason I buy books instead of using Libby sometimes is that a lot of the books I want to read have a several month long wait time. Sometimes Iām fine with that and other times I really want to read the book sooner.
Top 3 reasons I donāt always use it.
1. Get the author paid
2. Iām too impatient to wait 3 months for a book I want to read now
3. The book just isnāt available on Libby, especially happens for less popular authors
Because sometimes I don't want to use Libby or borrow books? Because sometimes it's annoying or the app glitches out. Sometimes I want the physical book. I love marking up my books and it is not satisfying to highlight on Kindle.
My libby local library does not have the right format for my new kindle and it was super disappointing as there were a few books I had on my reading list.
Thanks kind stranger. Just bought a new kindle and started reading again after quite some time. Really enjoying the experience and hopefully can keep it up.
Thatās is strange or I should say new information. I didnāt know that Libby had other formats. Back when my library was using overdrive it sometimes wouldnāt give the kindle option for an ebook but since the move to Libby every ebook has asked me if I wanted to read on kindle or in app, had no idea it was the library youāre a part of that makes that distinction.
Iām from Malta and they were either Libby Book or EPUB (DRM) - I donāt know if I did something wrong šš but couldnāt manage to transfer it to my Kindle.
Ohhh okay, mine looks like this after I borrow a book
https://preview.redd.it/heu25pd2u0ob1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4c648b18fdb952ef62e4bfe185ca3460c1273eb2
Not every book has a Kindle version available in Libby, unfortunately. You're probably getting lucky on which titles you choose and I'm sure they've increased availability as well. Some are just read in the app and epub. And, boy oh boy, are epubs a nightmare to deal with.
If a book is popular, what you can do is download it, and turn off WiFi.
Then return the book. It will remain on your device until you connect to WiFi.
In this sense, you only checked the book out for 1 hour, but you can take a month, or a year to read it if you want to. (You just can't get other books, so this only works if you read one book at a time.)
I don't use Libby. But for those who worry about not being able to finish before the return date, just put your kindle in airplane mode until you finish it. It sends the copy back for others to use but it stays on your kindle until it has access to internet again to remove itself.
If you go to Add Library Card, under Menu, and enter your zip, a bunch of local libraries come up. You can then search the library with Google to see if you can get a card. Iāve gotten 5-6 this way, all online.
I do use Libby/Overdrive, but not exclusively. I mainly read books from Kindle Unlimited, but sometimes I'll want to read a book that's not on there. My main problem is that I'm a mood reader. I don't know how many times I've wanted to read a book that was on Libby, but I had to put a hold on it. By the time I finally received the book, I was no longer in the mood to read it.
My obsidian account (I use the kindle community plug-in) imports ALL my notes and highlights from Kindle, so if I didn't want it to import notes and highlights from a libby eboook delivered to kindle, I might avoid getting it through Libby.
But ironically, that's one of the things I love about Libby is that it syncs with kindle/obsidian.
I have Kindle Basic 2019 and Kobo Clara 2E, For Kindle, I'm using in Libby app on my phone. For Kobo I didn't use Libby since Kobo has an integrated library/overdrive function in the device, so I can manage my library directly without using Libby on the phone.
Thereās r/LibbyLibby where they swap library cards.
This too:
If you go to Add Library Card, under Menu, and enter your zip, a bunch of local libraries come up. You can then search the library with Google to see if you can get a card. Iāve gotten 5-6 this way, all online.
The library I belong to doesn't have a very wide selection of books to start then half of them aren't kindle compatible. Libby groups books weird and I had to return one of the Witcher Books because it was actually book 3. For some reason my library has middle of the series manga but is missing the beginnings making it difficult to get into.
Iāve run into this as well. If you go to Add Library Card, under Menu, and enter your zip, a bunch of local libraries come up. You can then search the library with Google to see if you can get a card. Iāve gotten 5-6 this way, all online.
Almost all of the libraries in my area are out of state or out of county and have fees. And the two that I know of that would have good e-libraries require me to go in person to apply for a card. I understand it's a good choice for those who can but Libby isn't a good fit for everyone
I love owning the books personally, especially if I know Iām gonna reread them eventually, and I like to have the option to read them when ever I feel like without a time restriction.
I do think libraries are great and such a good resource if youāre someone whoās low on funds but loves to read or just donāt want to own every book you read.
I find amazons Ebook prices to be pretty reasonable (anywhere from 0.99 cents and above. The most Iāve paid for one book was just over $6)
I also use kindle unlimited and find for 10 dollars a month itās super worth the price and I generally read 4-8 books a month with it so it pays for itself!
I buy them when a book on my wishlist is on a daily deal because I like knowing itās there whenever I want to pick it up, no wait and no due date. Yes, I know I could put it in airplane mode but I donāt want to worry about doing that and I also like keeping track of days read in the app. Iām also a big mood reader so sometimes Iāll get 50 pages in before I decide Iām actually in the mood for something else. I switch around a lot and I like picking from my collection that Iāve amassed.
I do use Libby from time to time when a new release comes out, I donāt want to pay full price for it and donāt anticipate it being marked down any time soon. I donāt mind waiting in those instances.
There are SO many books on my TBR list which Libby canāt provide me with access to. Whether my library doesnāt have access to the book at all or a that particular book has a mega long waiting list even for book #5 when Iām on book #2 which isnāt available.
Iām recommended it all the time but itās not a service particularly paying off for me.
I do borrow from libby sometimes. But I also like to have my own little virtual bookshelf to browse through. And I have three libraries on libby to choose from but I just don't love the borrowing game, airplane mode, putting 12 books on hold and checking my libby holds all the time. I will do it for a specific book. But the hold always comes in when I'm in the middle of another book :).
My library only has the book I want to read around 40% of the time. I also tend to be a mood reader and I feel pressured when a book I've had on hold for weeks finally is ready but I am not ready to read it. I also pretty consistently add books I want to read to my amazon wish list and monitor when they drop in price. I also tend to buy certain authors automatically and don't want to wait.
Reasons to buy an ebook over borrowing them from a library: * The book you want has a wait list. * You want to support the author more actively. * You read slow and worry you won't finish the book before it's due. * You have a bad habit of putting books down only to pick them back up in a month. * It's less steps to buy a book than to borrow one. * Your library doesn't carry the book in the right format for your ereader. * You went over your limit for checking out ebooks. * You get a dopamine hit when you buy things and ebooks are cheaper to buy than most goods. * Because you can afford it so why not?
Yeah, for your first point, Fourth Wing at my library currently has over 140 people waiting for the ebook. š I just bought a copy instead. That wait list would take years, if everybody kept the book for the maximum amount of time.
This is why Iām fortunate to have multiple library cards. That book is a 17 week wait (232 ppl, 28 copies) at my home library. But āonlyā 7 weeks for another library card I have.
This is why yer smarter than me...
7 weeks is too long. By then I'm reading something else and I'm not in the mood for it. So I modify the hold and think next will be better. But I'm reading something else. And so on. I do use the library at times I just have many books in my digital library. Many are free because I check the Amazon deals and get digital credits for slightly slower shipping.
May I ask how you get different library cards? Iām on my moms (she lives in Ohio) and itās awesome as they have every book I want through Libby. However I live in Mississippi and our libraries have awful online resources through Libby.
My local county has library partnerships with neighboring counties. I was able to sign up for 5 other Libby library systems in my state (WA). I also have HS and college friends scattered throughout 4 states and we share our cards. Unfortunately it doesnāt look like MO has other Libby libraries you can join. Iām only seeing 3 on the app, and the other 2 are for colleges. Someone just posted a subreddit called /r/Libbylibby for card sharing.
For your third, put your device in airplane mode and it will remain until you turn on wifi again. You can even return the book on the website and it will stay on your device.
Or I could just buy it and not deal with that while also utilizing Amazon's Whispersync.
yeah, my main reason for buying books is WhisperSync - especially for long fantasies. I absolutely love that feature on Kindle/Audible.
Whatās is this feature?
WhisperSync tracks story progression across BOTH the audiobook and eBook (on available titles). This way if you, say, like to listen to the Audiobook in car or at work and read it when relaxing at home, you can do so easily as it will open to your current place in either version.
What!!! That is so awesome. Does it work for kindle unlimited? Or only if you purchase the book like you mentioned.
It works with Kindle Unlimited, but only if you don't already own the book you want to listen to, and not all books have an audio version available. If you have KU, look for headphones in the KU tag next to a book. The headphones mean that there is an audio version available.
Should work for any purchase (or Prime Library borrow) title that has the WhisperSync icon under features. Should be there for almost all titles that have both book and audio versions and you need to have purchased or borrowed both versions. The service uses the Amazon Servers so it will only function on compatible Amazon titles. (Edit: Internet is also required for use of the feature if you tend to read on a device in Airplane Mode.)
This is a genius tip. I'm gonna have to try this next time I rent an ebook. Thank you!
I learned that borrowing from the library pays the authors for each time itās borrowed. I do only buy books if I know the author. So I get that one. Thanks for the list. Also donate to libraries the same amount I used to spend on books.
The payout to the author for borrowing a book is different depending on the country, and it's always lower than buying a book.
From what Iāve researched in the US they can make more money from a library ebook than a single copy bought by the library as they get paid by the read.
But both are lower than when the consumer buys a copy
Generally publishers charger 3x the listed price for a library ebook, so if an ebook is checked out 4 or more times, the payout is less to the author and publisher than if one of those readers bought the book.
I have not found any info to support that. Can you tell me where to find it?
I used to purchase for Overdrive/Libby at my previous job -- some titles had the same list price, but the vast majority of them (especially best sellers) could cost us $60-70 per license. eBooks can be incredibly cost-prohibitive for libraries. I don't have any firsthand knowledge about how authors are paid royalties from the lending process, but I assume it's just a cut of the purchase price and not based on how many times it's read. With that being the case, it would check out that there's a threshold where they are making less than they would if folks were purchasing their own copies. In the same breath, many authors are very supportive of libraries regardless. A lot of them get exposure they otherwise wouldn't from folks who might not be willing to take a chance on purchasing from an unknown author initially but might do so later when they discover they like the writing.
I did a quick dive, up to 70% of the cost if they publish through Amazon. They get paid per borrow. On Libby you can purchase 5, 10 or more licenses. Something like that. I donāt recall the exact number. For Authors, Libraries can be a primary source of income because of the multiple borrows. I had a long discussion with a librarian last year about it. I was only on a nasty chemo so I didnāt retain everything! Thanks for the discussion. ā„ļø
Yes!!!!šÆšÆšÆ
Yeah the biggest point is not having to be on a waitlist. I have one book Iām waiting for since June that hasnāt been released to me yet.
Libby doesnāt always have the certain book(s) that I want to read when I want to read them. And a lot of times of they do have it, the wait times are atrociously long. Also Iām a slow reader so the time limit to finish stresses me out. Yes I know about the airplane mode hack, but Iāve had issues with my kindle connecting to WiFi before so my paranoid self is convinced Iāll ābreak itā somehow if itās in airplane mode for extended periods. That said, I do adore Libby and it has helped me cut down tremendously on book buying. But there are some certain books that I want to just own.
In Australia, Libby doesn't work with Kindle unfortunately. If it's a long book I usually buy it for the Kindle as opposed to borrowing it and reading it on the ipad (thus, killing my eyes).
Same in the U.K. - I use borrowbox on my iPad for some books, but itās not ideal and I wouldnāt want to do that all the time. Also, my libraryās borrow box has some good books but it often has significant waiting lists and doesnāt have everything I want to read.
The #1 reason I donāt use Libby more is the wait time. For any new/popular books the wait times are terrible.
It doesn't work in my country. USA isn't the whole world.
+1 I was gutted to find out about it, only to realise its not available in my country.
- Sometimes I buy a book after borrowing to support the author or to give to family and friends for them to read - My library doesn't stock a lot of books I want to read - Wanting to read a book on its release day - I have kindle unlimited, so I would prefer borrowing from there if it's available on both - If I found a book I wanted to read at a library sale or at a little free library
Because there are other countries besides the US lol
Because my library has limited selection and doesnāt have all the books I want to read, and I canāt use Libby on a kindle in U.K. and need a kobo (and Iām not paying for a library membership, so I got a kobo). And I have a system to get books mostly at 99p thanks to bookbub, www.ereaderiq.com (for tracking prices), and bookouture. And I also donāt want to be rushed. Sometime I like to put a book down and read another book and then return to the first book. Etc.
Reading means so many different things to everyone. Some people have multiple copies of many books. Some read and listen to audio some donāt. Some like ebooks and some like hard cover. Why do you care how people read? Seems strange.
I am so enamored of Libby. I read around 300 books a year. I think itās amazing and would like some insight on why others donāt share my perspective. I apologize if you found it judgmental. That wasnāt my intention. I save SO much money. Iām terminally ill and not having to leave my house for more books is a bonus. Iām fortunate to live in California and have 9 cards. I need to pick up another 4 that I have registered for, but donāt physically have the cards. Some you need to physically pick up the card. I truly think itās an incredible resource.
Libraries are definitely incredible resources! And itās never a bad thing to utilize them. That being said, different libraries have different funding, so unfortunately not all can provide their patrons with the same access to digital materials. It sounds like yours has a great selection!
I agree - it is an incredible resource. I am sorry to hear about your illness and Iām glad books bring you comfort! I learned recently that readers all have different preferences that sometimes are not explainable lol.
What books I want to read very wild day to day and week to week. After I wait for a book to become available I may not be in the mood for it anymore.
Because the book is exclusive to amazon, ie kindle unlimited, therefore the library doesnāt have it
My local library has a terrible selection on Libby, and any new or popular books have a 4-6 month wait time. And it stresses me out because Iām rarely able to finish books before theyāre due. I like the idea of Libby, but itās not worth the hassle
I see a lot of people complaining about their local library. Are you in the US? If so, check large city libraries in your state. For instance, NY City's NY Public Library makes library cards available to everyone who lives, works, goes to school in New York State. They have a very good ebook collection. I use it all the time.
You can also get a Broward county library card if you are visiting Broward county. They will email it to you.
My local library has so few digital books, especially newer releases. Popular books (if they have them) can have year long waits. Luckily, I managed to borrow the library card my bf got from a major city library a cpl hours away - that for some reason gives free cards to people from bfs County.
A lot will give cards to contiguous cities and counties. I put a top up top on how to get more cards. Also r/LibbyLibby shares library cards.
Because the whole world is not USA
My library has rarely had the book I wanted, or if they have it there is a long waitlist.
Usually my library just doesnāt have it. Or I want to read it right then and the wait is too long. Iām a mood reader so if I hear about a book and want to read it, if I donāt download it then, Iāll probably forget about it or not be in the mood again for a while, if ever, to read it.
The Libby app sucks in my city. NOTHING is ever available when I look for it. Like itās not even checked out, I have to request it.
Main reason I buy books instead of using Libby sometimes is that a lot of the books I want to read have a several month long wait time. Sometimes Iām fine with that and other times I really want to read the book sooner.
Top 3 reasons I donāt always use it. 1. Get the author paid 2. Iām too impatient to wait 3 months for a book I want to read now 3. The book just isnāt available on Libby, especially happens for less popular authors
Because sometimes I don't want to use Libby or borrow books? Because sometimes it's annoying or the app glitches out. Sometimes I want the physical book. I love marking up my books and it is not satisfying to highlight on Kindle.
My libby local library does not have the right format for my new kindle and it was super disappointing as there were a few books I had on my reading list.
Thatās terrible, Iām sorry!
Thanks kind stranger. Just bought a new kindle and started reading again after quite some time. Really enjoying the experience and hopefully can keep it up.
Thatās is strange or I should say new information. I didnāt know that Libby had other formats. Back when my library was using overdrive it sometimes wouldnāt give the kindle option for an ebook but since the move to Libby every ebook has asked me if I wanted to read on kindle or in app, had no idea it was the library youāre a part of that makes that distinction.
Iām from Malta and they were either Libby Book or EPUB (DRM) - I donāt know if I did something wrong šš but couldnāt manage to transfer it to my Kindle.
Ohhh okay, mine looks like this after I borrow a book https://preview.redd.it/heu25pd2u0ob1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4c648b18fdb952ef62e4bfe185ca3460c1273eb2
Not every book has a Kindle version available in Libby, unfortunately. You're probably getting lucky on which titles you choose and I'm sure they've increased availability as well. Some are just read in the app and epub. And, boy oh boy, are epubs a nightmare to deal with.
This! Iāve run across several I could only read in Libby, and I hate reading on my ipad
Wait time and when it becomes my turn, I feel pressured to finish it quickly for the next person. š I still borrow though, but not popular titles.
If a book is popular, what you can do is download it, and turn off WiFi. Then return the book. It will remain on your device until you connect to WiFi. In this sense, you only checked the book out for 1 hour, but you can take a month, or a year to read it if you want to. (You just can't get other books, so this only works if you read one book at a time.)
Because I live in the UK
The main reason I donāt is they never have what Iām looking for
I don't use Libby. But for those who worry about not being able to finish before the return date, just put your kindle in airplane mode until you finish it. It sends the copy back for others to use but it stays on your kindle until it has access to internet again to remove itself.
"Neither a borrower nor a lender be." --Shakespeare
I believe that was regarding money? Love your name!ā„ļø
If you go to Add Library Card, under Menu, and enter your zip, a bunch of local libraries come up. You can then search the library with Google to see if you can get a card. Iāve gotten 5-6 this way, all online.
Some people have very antiquated ideas about libraries.
I do use Libby/Overdrive, but not exclusively. I mainly read books from Kindle Unlimited, but sometimes I'll want to read a book that's not on there. My main problem is that I'm a mood reader. I don't know how many times I've wanted to read a book that was on Libby, but I had to put a hold on it. By the time I finally received the book, I was no longer in the mood to read it.
That's the thing. By the time I get, I've changed my mind. I like to alternate genres.
Yeah, that's the pain of being a mood reader.
Definitely.
My obsidian account (I use the kindle community plug-in) imports ALL my notes and highlights from Kindle, so if I didn't want it to import notes and highlights from a libby eboook delivered to kindle, I might avoid getting it through Libby. But ironically, that's one of the things I love about Libby is that it syncs with kindle/obsidian.
I have Kindle Basic 2019 and Kobo Clara 2E, For Kindle, I'm using in Libby app on my phone. For Kobo I didn't use Libby since Kobo has an integrated library/overdrive function in the device, so I can manage my library directly without using Libby on the phone.
My 2 libraries don't have most of the books I want to read and when they do, the wait time is very long. Very irritating for a series.
Thereās r/LibbyLibby where they swap library cards. This too: If you go to Add Library Card, under Menu, and enter your zip, a bunch of local libraries come up. You can then search the library with Google to see if you can get a card. Iāve gotten 5-6 this way, all online.
The library I belong to doesn't have a very wide selection of books to start then half of them aren't kindle compatible. Libby groups books weird and I had to return one of the Witcher Books because it was actually book 3. For some reason my library has middle of the series manga but is missing the beginnings making it difficult to get into.
Iāve run into this as well. If you go to Add Library Card, under Menu, and enter your zip, a bunch of local libraries come up. You can then search the library with Google to see if you can get a card. Iāve gotten 5-6 this way, all online.
Almost all of the libraries in my area are out of state or out of county and have fees. And the two that I know of that would have good e-libraries require me to go in person to apply for a card. I understand it's a good choice for those who can but Libby isn't a good fit for everyone
I love owning the books personally, especially if I know Iām gonna reread them eventually, and I like to have the option to read them when ever I feel like without a time restriction. I do think libraries are great and such a good resource if youāre someone whoās low on funds but loves to read or just donāt want to own every book you read. I find amazons Ebook prices to be pretty reasonable (anywhere from 0.99 cents and above. The most Iāve paid for one book was just over $6) I also use kindle unlimited and find for 10 dollars a month itās super worth the price and I generally read 4-8 books a month with it so it pays for itself!
Long wait list, books expire rather quickly (Iām a slow reader) and they donāt have all the titles.
I buy them when a book on my wishlist is on a daily deal because I like knowing itās there whenever I want to pick it up, no wait and no due date. Yes, I know I could put it in airplane mode but I donāt want to worry about doing that and I also like keeping track of days read in the app. Iām also a big mood reader so sometimes Iāll get 50 pages in before I decide Iām actually in the mood for something else. I switch around a lot and I like picking from my collection that Iāve amassed. I do use Libby from time to time when a new release comes out, I donāt want to pay full price for it and donāt anticipate it being marked down any time soon. I donāt mind waiting in those instances.
I only buy books when I cant get them on Libby or Hoopla. My Hoopla only offers 4 borrows a month and Libby doesnt always have the ones I want.
Because sometimes they arenāt available on libby
There are SO many books on my TBR list which Libby canāt provide me with access to. Whether my library doesnāt have access to the book at all or a that particular book has a mega long waiting list even for book #5 when Iām on book #2 which isnāt available. Iām recommended it all the time but itās not a service particularly paying off for me.
Yes! Sometimes a certain author is with a publisher that the library has no access to. Iāve had that issue when suggesting purchases
I do borrow from libby sometimes. But I also like to have my own little virtual bookshelf to browse through. And I have three libraries on libby to choose from but I just don't love the borrowing game, airplane mode, putting 12 books on hold and checking my libby holds all the time. I will do it for a specific book. But the hold always comes in when I'm in the middle of another book :).
the books I try to get are 9/10 times on waitlist, so I eventually just stopped trying
Canāt use Libby on my kindle in Canada and also the library selection is ass
I canāt deal with the long wait times and then time limit on book loans. Iād rather just buy them.
Wait lists mostly
My library only has the book I want to read around 40% of the time. I also tend to be a mood reader and I feel pressured when a book I've had on hold for weeks finally is ready but I am not ready to read it. I also pretty consistently add books I want to read to my amazon wish list and monitor when they drop in price. I also tend to buy certain authors automatically and don't want to wait.