Amazon/OverDrive Launch Kindle eBooks For ALL Library Users

Well, that was fast.

It was reported yesterday (including on INFOdocket) that Amazon.com had started to beta test Kindle eBook lending.

However, yesterday’s news was either a delay tactic, someone or library let the cat out of the bag early or Amazon changed their plans because NOW the service is available to any library user who has access to OverDrive via their local library database.

Here’s the official news release:

Amazon.com today announced that Kindle and Kindle app customers can now borrow Kindle books from more than 11,000 local libraries in the United States. When a customer borrows a Kindle library book, they’ll have all of the unique features they love about Kindle books, including Whispersync, which automatically synchronizes their margin notes, highlights and bookmarks, real page numbers, Facebook and Twitter integration, and more. For more information about borrowing library books for your Kindle or free Kindle apps, go to www.amazon.com/kindle/publiclibraries. To start checking out Kindle library books, visit your local library’s website.

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Customers will use their local library’s website to search for and select a book to borrow. Once they choose a book, customers can choose to “Send to Kindle” and will be redirected to Amazon.com to login to their Amazon.com account and the book will be delivered to the device they select via Wi-Fi, or can be transferred via USB. Customers can check out a Kindle book from their local library and start reading on any generation Kindle device or free Kindle app for Android, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, PC, Mac, BlackBerry or Windows Phone, as well as in their web browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.

Access the Complete News Release

Filed under: Libraries, News, Patrons and Users