Guess what, yall?! I finally figured out how to operate my library’s Overdrive e-lending system! Over the past few (OK, many) years, I really haven’t used my library because I read 100% electronically. I was under the impression that I couldn’t keep all my Kindle highlights and notes if I borrowed e-books from the library, which was the main reason I shied away for so long. But, I recently discovered Kindle’s “Export Notes” feature and it’s AMAZING! I just touch a button and all my highlights and notes are emailed to me…in spreadsheet AND PDF form. I realize I’m probably very late to this party, but I couldn’t be more excited.
Now that I’m on board, I’m obsessed! The library is like Netgalley without that lurking obligation (which I sometimes ignore) to write a review…or at least finish the book. So, deal me in…I’m an official library convert!
Library Books Read
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward (DNF)
Checked Out, To Be Read
None
Returned Unread
The Long Shadow of Small Ghosts by Laura Tillman
Tribe by Sebastian Junger
On Hold
Here I Am by Jonathan Safran Foer (pre-release hold)
Love, Loss, and What We Ate by Padma Lakshmi
YES, I need to remember this audio cheat thing… So glad you’ve discovered the joys of your library. I’ve been using Overdrive a ton, since e-reading is much easier for me these days. I find you have to be a bit flexible and patient, since usually what you want won’t be available immediately. I’m still working on my “working my holds” technique so everything doesn’t become available at once.
The audio cheat thing is amazing! I learned it from Kathy at Kathy Reads Fiction. And luckily most of the books I’ve borrowed from the library so far haven’t had hold lines. But, I’m sure this problem will hit me soon!
I tried using Overdrive to get an audio book a few years ago and never could figure it out so I gave up. I read mostly in print so don’t think I’ll use the e-book feature.
I tried that the other day and couldn’t figure it out either! I downloaded it, but have no idea where it went or how to access it. I wonder if we have to get the Overdrive app and listen to it through that…
So glad you found a way into the amazing-ness of the library! It really is like another version of NetGalley or a free bookstore sometimes.
Yes – or a free bookstore! I now get giddy every time I hear of a new book I want to read and get to go check and see if my library has it!
Ha! I love that you worked out an audio cheat. I really need to get Tiny Beautiful Things on hold. You have so many great reads coming!
Well, I have to credit Kathy at Kathy Reads Fiction for that one. She shared it on her blog.
You found a way to make it work! I love how far e-lending in libraries has come! There seem to be so many options now to appeal to so many more readers.
Agreed! I would never use the library without the e-lending!
I’m torn here- on the one hand it hurts my poor librarian’s heart that you took so long to discover who amazing the library can be, but on the other WOO HOO, you’re using the library!!
I’m so new to Kindle- I need to know about this wondrous feature you described because no way am I going to read the NG version of Siracusa (you know what I’m talking about).
Haha! I didn’t mean to hurt your heart! But, now I’m 100% on board!
And it’s super easy…just click on Notes for whatever book you want to export and there is an “export notes” button at the bottom of the notes section. I think there’s a small chance this converts you to e-reading!
Welcome to the joy that is Overdrive! While I still find myself itching to buy books or request upcoming releases on NetGalley, I always end up having the most fun browsing both the physical and digital library offerings. It’s like a free, no-strings-attached book buffet! 😉
Book buffet – yes..that’s exactly! I’m loving the no obligations feeling that’s coming along with it. And I’m even choosing it over NG in some cases if I’m on the fence about whether I’m really interested in a book…just to avoid that obligation.
That’s so smart! If you don’t like it, you can DNF without a twinge of guilt, and even if you do enjoy (or really enjoy) it, you don’t feel like you *have* to review it. No-stress reading is the best kind of reading. 🙂
I love using Overdrive! I use the audio and e-lending. Isn’t the audio cheat great?! I’ve used it for about three books, now. Except for a few ARCs, all of my books have been from the library…but, I still seem to be clicking that purchase button like it’s on automatic this month.
THANK YOU for the audio cheat tip! I should have mentioned you in my post since I learned it from you! Do you remember the post where you shared it? I’ll go back and link to it.
haha I didn’t realize it was me you got the cheat from. Thanks for the shout out. 🙂
Yep! And of course!
I love checking out ebooks through the library! Nothing like instant gratification.
Agreed…instant and free!
First, that audio cheat thing is pretty cool. Second, I have yet to figure out how to check out ebooks. I really need to figure that out, as my daughter is almost 100% reading electronically as well. That’s how she checks out books from her school library!
It took me a little while to figure it out too, but now it’s super easy! That’s great that your daughter reads a lot and electronically!
I love Overdrive! I’m glad you discovered it. It saves me a lot of money and allows me to try out things I might not have bought. The only downside is I have to read things when they come in, and sometimes a few books come in at once when I don’t have time for them. I find the website really easy to use and I like the “recommendation” feature. And I feel good supporting the library.
I love being able to sample something beyond the 10% mark (which is how long Amazon’s sample is) before committing and I see that drawback too! Luckily I haven’t had many long hold queues, so I’ve been able to kind of control when I read stuff. But I have a few things on hold now that will come in who knows when!
I’ve been using Overdrive for a couple of years and love it! I have friends who also use Axis 360 and say sometimes new books are available faster via that app. But I’m up to my library’s hold limit (20) so I don’t think I need to add to the load.
In my state (California) you can get a library card in any county, not just that of your residence. I have friends who sign up at the libraries in all adjacent counties (and some rather far flung as they pass through as well). Evidently, there are counties in the state with fewer enthusiastic readers than the Bay Area and new books come up faster from those. (We’re a die hard bunch around here.)
I’m not into audio books, but our library has instant download of audio books in MP3 format.
Finally, SFPL usually gets new ebooks on the day of release. I learned my lesson and now put a note on my calendar when I see a new must-read coming out. We’re also able to suspend a hold. When I’m “next” on too many, I suspend the hold for 7 or 14 days and will automatically reclaim my “next” status at that time.
And I can do all this at 11PM in my jammies. Brilliant!!
Oooh – I need to get some libraries from other counties! Maybe I could get an NYC library card since I live in the state!
Woohoo! So glad you found a way to enjoy your library. It really IS addictive! 🙂
It SO is! I get so unhealthily disappointed when I see new releases aren’t available there!