Illustration by Jul_g ( Shutterstock)It's as simple as clicking on the borrow button on your tablet to get a book you like. You don't have to be a slow reader to the world of electronic books. There are thousands of ebooks and audiobooks that you can download from your tablet, phone, or computer. Here's how you can quickly and easily borrow an ebook from your local library.AdvertisementHow do I access an e-library?Your local library might already have a large collection of e-books. New York Public Library (NYPL), for example, allows residents of New York to sign up online for a digital library card that lets them check out any available titles. Sign up online and create a username (usually an email address or member number) and a password. The app SimplyE will allow you to access their e-books library. You may also find similar programs in other libraries across the country. Visit your local library's website to learn more.A short list of ereaders is available from literary site Goodreads that can be used for e-borrowing in the United States and Canada if a digital library card is not an option. Libbys online readers app simplifies e-borrowing and connects to your Kindle, Kindle or Kindle app. Libby was created by OverD rive to connect public libraries to readers for online borrowing. Approximately 90% of libraries are reportedly connected with Libby and OverD rive, but you can check their website for more information to verify that this resource is available in your region.How to borrow e books from LibbyYou will need a library card to work with Libby. You can use your existing card information, or go to your local library to get a new card. After you have your card, download the Libby App and follow the simple setup instructions. You will be asked if you have an existing library card. It will ask you if you have a library card. If no, the app will give you directions to get a new one in your area. If you choose yes, it will ask you if your local branch is known or if you would like it to guess. Once you confirm your branch, you can start borrowing immediately.How to connect your e-reader with your borrowed e booksAfter you have thoroughly browsed the book or audiobook you wish to borrow through Libby, you can choose to borrow it at the bottom. The app will take you to the checkout page. Here you can choose from a 7-day, 14 day, or 21-day borrowing period depending on which library you have.AdvertisementLibby will request that you update your notifications settings after setting the lending period. You can be notified when your lending period is ending and when books that you have placed on hold become available. You can also opt to be notified whenever your favorite author releases a new title, or the next installment in a series that you enjoy becomes available. This feature allows you to track how much time you have until you finish your current book, and which book you should borrow next. The book will be removed from your account or device after the end of the lending period.Once you're ready to read the book, you can find it in your Kindle library along with all your other e-books. Click the title to open the options for reading it on Kindle or an e-reader. Clicking Kindle will redirect you to your Amazon Kindle account. After you log in, the K-indle app will ask for the book to be sent to your device. You can choose which K indle device you would like to use. All of your books will be available in one place when you open your e library on your tablet or K indle.Advertisement
