We are committed to providing fast, efficient, and affordable software solutions that set new standards in the software development industry.
  • Kindle’s Lending Library: New for You
Technology Articles > Gadgets > eReaders > Kindle’s Lending Library: New for You

If Kindle is going to replace books, and Amazon is aiming to replace your local library, it makes sense that Amazon would follow the age-old library model. For centuries, people have been able to borrow books from local libraries without paying any kind of rental fee. Granted, you might be hit with a late charge when if you don’t return books on time, and some libraries charge for a library card, but checking out all the books you want is entirely free.

Amazon has just announced that Amazon Prime Members will now be able to virtually check one book out per month for free. So, if you’re a fast reader, you might be able to get through that bestseller in one month without actually paying to download the e-book. Not only is Kindle’s Lending Library a good idea, it’s one that is being met with open arms from Kindle users.

How the Lending Library Works

In order to use the Kindle Lending Library, you have to own a Kindle Touch, Fire, or other Kindle device. This means that you can’t use a Kindle app to check out a book. You must also be a Kindle Prime Member. Kindle hasn’t actually placed a due date on books checked out through the Lending Library, but the idea is that you will have to return the book within one month.

The Lending Library is just another reason why Kindle Prime Members have it better. Other reasons include free streaming video and free shipping on Amazon items. In short, those who already own a Kindle may be hard pressed not to sign up for the Prime Membership. Seemingly, the benefits of this membership far outweigh the cost of upgrading.

Amazon’s Kindle Strategy

Ever since Amazon introduced the new line-up of Kindles, those who enjoy reading e-books have been very excited. Amazon doesn’t make a lot of money from the sale of Kindle readers. In fact, numbers have shown that the company actually loses money through these sales. Amazon doesn’t make a lot of dough with Prime Memberships either. So, why is Amazon bothering with the sale of devices and memberships?

For Amazon, it’s all about the content. Amazon is hoping that people will buy Kindles and pay for Prime Memberships when they realize just how great Amazon’s content availability is (and it’s hard to deny that Amazon is the top contender in this category). Some wonder if Amazon’s strategy will work while other companies watch and wait intently. If Amazon can prove that selling a device doesn’t matter as much as selling content, this company may come out way ahead of the competition.

Availability

If you’re a Prime Member, you can check out Amazon’s Lending Library right now. If you aren’t a Prime Member, you’ll have to upgrade, which is really just a matter of logging onto the Amazon website and paying for a membership. If you don’t already own a Kindle, you have a choice.

You can visit the Amazon website after reading reviews about each type of Kindle (lots of reviews can be found on this website) or you can simply stick with paperback. Either way, you’ll need to buy Amazon’s e-reader before you can take advantage of the new Amazon Lending Library.