Amazon Kindle users can now “borrow” eBooks from the Arlington Public Library web site.
Amazon announced today that its electronic reading device will now work with eBooks from 11,000 public libraries across the U.S. Borrowed eBooks will include “all the unique features of Kindle books, including real page numbers and Whispersync technology that synchronizes your notes, highlights, and last page read.”
“After a public library book expires, if you check it out again or choose to purchase it from the Kindle store, all of your annotations and bookmarks will be preserved,” Amazon said. All generations of the Kindle will be supported.
Arlington Public Library currently offers more than 3,500 Kindle-compatible books. Library users can wirelessly send an eBook to their Kindle device by logging into their Amazon account after checking the book out on the library’s web site. The service is free for all Arlington Public Library card holders.
“This is big news for… Kindle owners who have been waiting for years not to have to buy every book they want,” said library spokesman Peter Golkin.
The Arlington Public Library eBook system, managed by the digital content vendor OverDrive, is already compatible with the Barnes and Noble Nook, the Sony eReader and other eBook readers.
Anyone interested in learning more about eBooks and eBook readers can visit Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street) today and check out the OverDrive Digital Bookmobile. The 74-foot, 18-wheel tractor-trailer will be parked in the library’s East Parking Lot from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.
“Visitors can view instructional videos, talk with expert staff and test the interactive computer stations, in an immersive, hands-on learning environment,” the library said on its blog. “Bring your questions, gadgets and shopping lists to get advice from the Library team of experts.”