Kindle Books Have Arrived at the Library!

On September 21, 2011, Amazon announced that public libraries would now be able to offer Kindle-compatible e-books for the first time. Glen Ellyn is one of the 11,000 libraries that have been waiting, along with millions of library patrons across the country, for this development.

Like many libraries, the Glen Ellyn Public Library subscribes to a service called OverDrive for our downloadable materials. "Kindle compatibility will allow public and school libraries to serve millions of new readers and extend their valuable community role while providing an outstanding reading experience," OverDrive CEO Steve Potash said in a statement. "This addition helps public libraries accelerate their drive to become the first online stop for e-books, where visitors can browse, discover and sample new and popular titles and authors in virtually all subjects." In addition to Kindle, OverDrive supports all major desktop and mobile devices, including Windows®, Mac®, iPod®, iPhone®, iPad®, Sony® Reader, NOOK™, Android™, BlackBerry® and Windows® Phone.

Since Wednesday's announcement, patrons from across Glen Ellyn have been inundating the library with questions about our newly-expanded service. We have even had a handful of brand new patrons sign up for Glen Ellyn Public Library cards for the first time as a result of this announcement. If you have any questions for our staff about setting up your Kindle or other device for library downloads, we have several options for you.

We offer regular computer classes on a range of topics, including library downloads. Our Instructional Librarian, Phil Spirito is delighted to work with Glen Ellyn residents at all skill levels. “We have a monthly class on e-books that will teach you how to get books on your Kindle,” he says. “All of our librarians can help you download library books, and I’m also available for one-on-one training sessions.”

For more information about any of the library’s computer classes or downloadable materials, visit www.gepl.org or call the library at (630)469-0879 to talk with a Librarian.

Images via kodomut and jimmihomeschoolmom on Flickr.