Libraries have been lending e-books for longer than there’s been a Kindle, but until recently only a few devices worked with them. That’s changed in the past few months with the arrival of software for reading library e-books on some popular devices: iPhones, iPads and Android-powered smart phones.
However, I’m sad to report that reading library e-books is still more hassle than buying them. The whole process could be smoother, and there are questions about how libraries are going about the transition to the e-book world.
But let’s focus first on the good news: You can now download library books straight to your Apple or Android device. Once you’ve figured out the system and are lucky enough to find a book you want, it takes only a few minutes to start reading.
– First, you need a library card. Visit a local branch if you don’t have one.
– Second, download a free application called OverDrive Media Console to your Apple or Android device. OverDrive Inc. runs the lending system for the 5,400 U.S. public libraries that offer e-books — a bit more than half of all public libraries.
– Third, follow the app’s instructions to get an “Adobe ID” and tie your device to it. It’s an e-mail address and password registered with Adobe Systems Inc. to prevent you from sharing borrowed books with the whole world. The books you borrow won’t be readable on devices that aren’t “authorized” with this ID.
– If you’re still with me after dealing with three different parties just to get started, you can now tap “Get Books” in the app. That fires up the Web browser, where you can find your local library’s Web site. Once there, you can search for e-books. You’ll need to enter your library card number and usually a passcode that comes with it.
There’s…