How to rent Audiobooks/E-books for free!

[GlockSpock]

Steps:

 

1) Get some sort of E-reader device. I use (and fully suggest) the Kindle Paperwhite. You can also make it work simply by using one of the Kindle apps (Mac OS X, Windows, iOS, Android, etc). If you already have a different E-reader device, most of them will work, just not as streamlined because the Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. system integrates very well with Amazon.

 

2) Get a library card. It really needs to be one found here.

 

3) Sign in using your library card in the above link.

 

I believe library availability varies, but for example my library lets me rent many of the Tom Clancy and Dean Koontz books. It took me about 30 minutes to figure out how exactly everything works. If you are interested in Audiobooks, there is the free Overdrive software to download to your computer/mobile device. I tested everything via my Kindle and my Wife's iPhone, it all seems to be very legitimate and worthwhile.

 

Your results may very based upon your reading tastes and library selection. If you have any trouble, I'll more than happily point you in the right direction.

 

[BigK]

+1

 

I'm a hopeless audio-book junkie (200+GB @ 96 kbps)!! 

 

I've used Overdrive before with the R.E.A.D.S. system too. The selection isn't awesome at the library website, though. So as long as you don't expect something like Audible or Amazon, you'll be happy. Also, I found many titles ripped at 64 bit or lower, which isn't very good quality...until you remind yourself that you just saved $40 bucks not having to buy it.

 

It's completely worth it, especially for the classics you faked reading when your were in HS, LOL

[Romad7]

I just started with audio books for long drives, I love it. Thanks for the info, I'll be checking that out!

[BigK]

Careful Romad7, that's how it starts...long trips. Then you start listening while you commute, run errands, and mow the yard. Soon, you've got earphones in your ears every chance you get.

[npgunner]

So if I have a Metro-Nashville Davidson library card it will not work with this site, if I understand correctly? Is there a way to get a card from one of these libraries listed?

[GlockSpock]

+1

 

I'm a hopeless audio-book junkie (200+GB @ 96 kbps)!! 

 

I've used Overdrive before with the R.E.A.D.S. system too. The selection isn't awesome at the library website, though. So as long as you don't expect something like Audible or Amazon, you'll be happy. Also, I found many titles ripped at 64 bit or lower, which isn't very good quality...until you remind yourself that you just saved $40 bucks not having to buy it.

 

It's completely worth it, especially for the classics you faked reading when your were in HS, LOL

 

But that is where, I believe, libraries have different content. I found that through my local library, I have available many topsellers that haven't been out long in E-book and audiobook format. So you may find it useful to try getting a card at a different library, their selection may be better. Maybe anyways.

Edited June 3, 2013 by CZ9MM

[GlockSpock]

So if I have a Metro-Nashville Davidson library card it will not work with this site, if I understand correctly? Is there a way to get a card from one of these libraries listed?

 

Go to one of them and try to get one? I don't know what different libraries require. If you have one in the same county as you, it may be worth a shot.

[GlockSpock]

Actually, there may be two sets of library lists. One that "grants you access" to a bigger library of books, and then the list that has libraries that provide you a "bigger and even more better" list. See if your library is available here:

 

https://secure39.libraryreserve.com/reads.lib.overdrive.com/2167BA9F-2985-47AA-B953-60A00E69B70B/10/50/en/SignIn.htm?URL=MyAccount%2ehtm

 

If all else fails, try typing your library card number into the form (without spaces I believe), and see if it works!

[NoBanStan]

My only complaints with reads is the digital waiting list for blockbuster titles and the fact that they aren't really droid friendly.

I understand that licensing is involved but I'd be happy paying a nominal fee to assist with having more licenses for titles. When A Song of Ice and Fire (game of thrones) hit hbo, i was just about to start book 4 and suddenly there's 90 people on the waiting list...knowing most of these bozos just reserved them all despite the fact the would have 40+ hours on each book.

[Romad7]

Careful Romad7, that's how it starts...long trips. Then you start listening while you commute, run errands, and mow the yard. Soon, you've got earphones in your ears every chance you get.

I've already missed turns while driving and listening to Tolkien.

[Guest TankerHC]

There is another way as well. Project Gutenberg. I have downloaded a lot of books to my Kindle from there. They have, I believe, around 40,000 titles. Lots of GOOD out of print stuff. For me the Civil War books are primarily what I download. Lee, Sherman, Grant, Davis, all of their memoirs and more on there. The Complete Official Records of the War of the Rebellion. Years ago the entire set, minus the 10 or 15 books of appendix ran me around $800, now they are all on my kindle. Company Aytch, one of the best personal accounts ever written is there. The entire 10 books of The Photographic History of the Civil War, was sitting on my bookshelf (No sold and now on my Kindle). 5000 Civil War photographs.  Anyway, not just Civil War, lot of books.

 

http://www.gutenberg.org/

 

 

Plus if you have a Kindle, and an Amazon account, thousands of free books there as well, also downloadable free books at Google.

[10-Ring]

Never thought about this.  The first stop I make on a long road trip (800+ miles) is Cracker Barrel.  You have to put down a deposit on the book but they rent it to you for $3.50 a week and return your deposit when you return the book.  Been doing that for a while, I'll try this next time though.  A good audiobook makes a day of driving easy.

[Defender]

I started with a nook and now have an ipad 2.  I read books on the ipad using either the nook or Kindle apps.  using Overdrive (free) with the Public library here in Davidson County gives you much to access and read.  Not as rich a selection as hardboubnd books, but good for free anyway.  There are other sopurces thouggh for free books.  One Ive discovered lately is:  http://home.bookbub.com/home/

I thought that once I started e-reading, I would give up on bound books, but alas, such is not the case.  I don't like buying books, so the library is still my biggest sourse for reading, and  they just dont have a slection of ebooks to rival bound books. I probably have 35 free ebooks on my ipad right now and am reading one of them now.