There are many ways in which the digital age has impacted publishing, including everything from the creation of audio books to the ability of being able to purchase print books online— but perhaps the most exciting of them all is the mass availability of the ebook. Here’s a comprehensive guide for checking out and borrowing ebooks from any library and from the Georgia PINES library program!
You can borrow Kindle Books from your library to read on Kindle devices or Kindle reading apps.
Note: Kindle Books are currently available for U.S. libraries only. If you’re using a Fire tablet, please refer to the guide on getting started with the OverDrive app.
There are two formats that libraries use to display titles in their collection. Choose the image that looks like the titles in your library’s collection. If it resembles figure 1 (left), keep reading! If it resembles figure 2 (right), scroll down to the next header.
How to borrow and deliver Kindle Books: Figure 1
If the ebook listing format looks like figure 1, follow these steps.
1. Open your library’s digital collection.
2. Find a Kindle Book to borrow.
- Some Kindle Books from your library (including many picture books, read-alongs, and graphic novels) are not supported on certain Kindle devices or reading apps. To check if an ebook has Kindle device or app restrictions, look for a Device restrictions link under “Available formats.”
- Advanced search and choose Kindle Book in the “All formats” drop-down menu.
3. Once you find an available Kindle Book, select Borrow. If prompted, sign in.
4. Find the ebook you’ve borrowed on your Checkouts page (under your Account). From there, select Read now with Kindle.
5. You’ll be taken to Amazon’s website to finish getting the ebook by selecting Get Library Book.
6. Enjoy!
How to borrow and deliver Kindle Books: Figure 2
If the ebook listing format looks like figure 2, follow these steps.
1. Open your library’s digital collection
2. Find a Kindle Book to borrow. You can see all of your library’s Kindle Books by selecting the Kindle Books link near the top of the site (or under [Insert Image 2.1 here] on mobile devices).
Note: You may want to check whether a Kindle Book has any device restrictions before you borrow it (this is most common for picture books, read-alongs, and graphic novels).
3. Select Borrow. If prompted, sign into your library.
4. Choose a lending period for the title (if available). Then, select Borrow again.
5. After you borrow the title, select Read now with Kindle.
6. You’ll be taken to Amazon’s website to finish getting the ebook by selecting Get Library Book.
7. Enjoy!
How to borrow eBooks through Georgia PINES
The Georgia PINES library system allows individual branches to determine if they will lend out ebooks. You can use your PINES library card to get ebooks, audiobooks, and other digital items with a working library card. Systems commonly use Overdrive/Libby for eBooks and audiobooks, which offers computer and app options in order to enjoy your digital media on the go.
It is important to note that PINES is not able to purchase e-books or e-audiobooks at the state level, but many regional library systems purchase subscriptions to services such as RBdigital or OverDrive on behalf of their local patrons. Please visit your local library’s web site to find out what services may be available in your area.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Library System (NGRL) “participates in large consortium with other libraries, enabling everyone to have access to more content at lower prices” called Georgia Download Destination (GADD). There are more than 20,000 ebooks and audiobooks available through GADD. To access it, you must choose “Georgia Download Destination” as the library when signing up for Libby or use https://gadd.overdrive.com. Advantage titles mentioned below should also be available, but only to those with library cards beginning in 21038.
You may also add an additional library and choose “Northwest Georgia Regional Library System” or use https://ngrls.overdrive.com to access titles that are exclusively available to NGRL patrons. Those titles will have shorter holds and may be easier to check out and requests for additional purchases will likely appear in this collection. GADD titles will not be visible when searching under this library.
Here is a step by step process for mobile users (iOS, Android, Kindle Fire):
1. Download the Libby App (OverDrive App for Kindle Fire) from your mobile app store.
2. Follow the prompts in your app to add a library (choose Georgia Download Destination) and to sign in using your library card and PINES password/PIN.
3. Find an ebook or audiobook you like and download it!
4. Digital materials will automatically return themselves at the end of the checkout period.
Step by step guide for computer & eReader Users (Windows, Mac & Kindle eReader):
1. Open your browser and visit https://gadd.overdrive.com or https://ngrls.overdrive.com/ and log in using your library card and PINES password/PIN.
2. Find an eBook or eAudiobook you like and borrow it.
3. Go to Loans and choose an option. (You may need the Adobe Digital Editions desktop app and an Adobe ID)
4. Digital materials will automatically return themselves at the end of the checkout period.
An ebook is a convenient way to have your entire library with you wherever you go. Check out your local library’s catalog to see what’s available to you!
Visit your local library or view the Chestatee Regional Library’s digital books and resources now. Interested in more great content? Follow UNG Press on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and find our complete catalog on our homepage.
