Amazon is partnering up with eBook app provider Overdrive to bring a legit lending library to the Kindle Wireless Reading Device which will offer readers a resource of over 11,000 libraries in the United States.
A press release reads: “We’re excited that millions of Kindle customers will be able to borrow Kindle books from their local libraries”
“Customers tell us they love Kindle for its Pearl e-ink display that is easy to read even in bright sunlight, up to a month of battery life, and Whispersync technology that synchronizes notes, highlights and last page read between their Kindle and free Kindle apps.”
Digitally scanned books, magazines and publications from Overdrive will become available to “borrow” on all three versions of the Kindle reader for 7 days and any notes and annotations made by the reader will be visible if the book is taken out again or purchased at a later time.
“We’re doing a little something extra here. Normally, making margin notes in library books is a big no-no. But we’re extending our Whispersync technology so that you can highlight and add margin notes to Kindle books you check out from your local library. Your notes will not show up when the next patron checks out the book. But if you check out the book again, or subsequently buy it, your notes will be there just as you left them, perfectly Whispersynced”
With the popularity of eBooks soaring recently, Amazon are pushing the Kindle with the addition of audio books and an ad-supported discounted version becoming available. With the eReader launched in 2007 it may be a little surprising that the Lending Library has taken so long to hit the gadget – but it’s on its way this year, with a date yet to be announced.
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