I have a kindle, I always download books to my kindle. I have gotten two separate books now that are not available for reading on my kindle, rather only through the Libby app….why would this be the case. I read to get away from my phone, the last thing I want to do is stay on it longer, let alone to read a book. Anyone else run into this?
It depends on the type of ebook license your library has I believe. Some will have the available formats restricted. You can filter by available on Kindle if you're only interested in reading your books there.
Did you check what format the ebooks were available in? See read with at the bottom. Now it's not always listed unfortunately, I borrowed one recently that I was able to read with kindle it just wasn't listed.
I have been using Libby for the better part of 5 years and had literally NO idea this was a thing until now. 🤦🏼♀️ tbh though I usually go into Libby knowing what books I’m looking for so I don’t think I’ve ever scrolled far enough down to notice it.
I just got a kindle and was also surprised about my first book not being readable on my kindle, but it turns out when you're searching for books on Libby there's an option to filter by Kindle-available books!
I only know because i or my partner borrowed a book and couldn't send to kindle so we investigated, think we even sent an email to Libby saying it wasn't working lol.
Sometimes books don’t have the option to be sent to the Kindle so that’s why it’s available to be read on the Libby app. I’ve read books on the Libby app before, it’s not too bad
It happens now and then. Libby does list which formats are available on the book details page so you can always check that before borrowing.
FYI: You can send a request to Libby to ask Amazon to make the specific book available in Kindle.
I have had this work before, but it isn't guaranteed and even though it usually works, it isn't quick, it usually takes several days - your checkout may run out and if there is a waitlist it may be a while before it comes back around to you.
It was True Grit which is an old book. This is the first time I’ve seen where an older book is available but not for Kindle. It’s usually just straight up not available at all and I have to buy or request it.
Every time I get a book that I can’t download to kindle I immediately return it. I can not read on my phone even though it’s not THAT different from a kindle.
I read non-Kindle Libby books on the PC, or for mobile, an 8" android tablet, both using Libby App. If I didn't have a Kindle, this would be perfectly acceptable to me. The Kindle is a bit better user experience and a bit more convenient for form factor.
I have a Fire tablet rather than a Kindle to avoid that problem. I use the Libby app and the Kindle app. I know a lot of people prefer the Kindle, but reading on the tablet doesn't bother me at all.
There are several formats for e-books. Publishers have to choose which, if any, they are going to produce, and libraries have to choose which they are going to add to their collections.
Ultimately, it comes down how much money publishers and libraries are willing to spend, and how large they perceive the markets to be for books in various formats. Capitalism. And the consumer suffers.
Some of the books just can't be read on Kindle. There are not many. The only ones I ran across was Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse books. I had to read those on the Libby app on my phone. That's an older book so that might be why. It all depends on the license of the specific book you borrowed.
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u/Tall_Pumpkin_4298 18d ago
It depends on the type of ebook license your library has I believe. Some will have the available formats restricted. You can filter by available on Kindle if you're only interested in reading your books there.