Squee! Kindles + Libraries = Awesomesauce

First, I love the expression "awesomesauce". I picked it up from the SmartBitches  and I love being able to use it. :D

Second, SQUEEE!!!!!  Amazon announced today that sometime later this year (which I really really hope doesn't mean end of the year) libraries that lend out ebooks via Overdrive will be able to do so on Kindles here in the US. At this point, it's just US only. I love my Kindle to bits but one of it's disadvantages has been my inability to check out library books on it. I have ADE on my laptop so I can check out library ebooks that way but reading on my Kindle is so much easier and convenient for me. According to the press release, Kindle lending will

be available for all generations of Kindle devices and free Kindle reading apps....."We're doing a little something extra here," Marine continued. "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 Kindle Library Lending, customers can take advantage of all of the unique features of Kindle and Kindle books...

I am so excited I can hardly stop squeeing. I love libraries, I love my Kindle, I am a happy happy book addict. :P

I have to say that I am delighted to see Amazon striving to add to the Kindle's benefits and make it ever more user friendly. First, they made some Kindle titles available for lending (even if they were slow to do it) and now library lending. Since the Nook and Kobo already have these features, it only makes sense that Kindle would jump in. Adding these features adds to the Kindle's appeal and usability. Now, they just need to allow buying books from other sites in a Kindle compatible format and the Kindle would be just about perfect.

Now, I'm sure there will be glitches and not every publisher participates in library ebook lending (McMillan, Simon & Schuster) but it's a start. So Kindle users, take advantage of this and ask your librarians if your library will be participating.

For more information, see this article on LibraryJournal.com.

  

2011 e-Book Reading Challenge

Now that I have an e-reader, a Kindle, I keep playing with it and just generally acting like a kid with a shiny new toy. Oh, wait. I am. :P So when I saw this challenge posted over The Book Vixen site, I jumped on it. I'm aiming for obsessed, it seems to fit. :P If you have an e-reader, why not join in? You're reading on it anyway aren't you?

The Challenge is being hosted by The Ladybug Reads.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
-Non-bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

--Curious – Read 3 e-books.

- Fascinated – Read 6 e-books.

- Addicted – Read 12 e-books.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 e-books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1, 2011 and lasts until December 31, 2011.
 
6. Go to The Ladybug Reads’ blog to sign up.

1. Tempest's Legacy by Nicole Peeler
2. Heart's Sentinel by PJ Schnyder
3. A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers
4. I Thought It Was You by Shiloh Walker