My local library system has an cloud library app. I can borrow an ebook for three weeks, just like a regular book, and I don’t have to do anything except tap a button on my phone. No driving, no remembering to return. If you forget to check your book back in, the system does it for you. Sometimes you have to wait your turn, just like when putting a popular book on hold at the brick and mortar library. I get an email when it’s available to be checked out. Simple.
In general, I like this system and use it all the time. The only problem is the selection. I’ve gone through their historical and contemporary romance options. They don’t seem to get much in the way of new releases. And the erotic romance selection? Pretty pathetic. I’m sure it’s a budget thing. But I know that some publishers also don’t make available ebooks to libraries at all. And this is what I don’t understand.
Libraries are such important institutions. I’ve discovered so many wonderful authors by browsing my library’s shelves – real and electronic. I don’t get the argument against making as much titles available as possible in as many formats as possible.
I suppose it’s kind of a miracle that this is an option at all, and as the ebook revolution continues, access will become ever easier. I can’t wait!
