US Kindle owners get ebook library loans

Amazon have launched a new service that will allow US Kindle owners to borrow eBooks from participating local libraries.

Kindle book lending will be available at over 11,000 libraries across the States.

“Starting today, millions of Kindle customers can borrow Kindle books from their local libraries,” said Jay Marine, director of Amazon Kindle.

“Libraries are a critical part of our communities and we’re excited to be making Kindle books available at more than 11,000 local libraries around the country. We’re even doing a little extra here – normally, making margin notes in library books is a big no-no. But we’re fixing this by extending our Whispersync technology to library books, so your notes, highlights and bookmarks are always backed up and available the next time you check out the book or if you decide to buy the book.”

In a nice touch, rather than bypassing the libraries involved in favour of a centralised system, Amazon have opted to channel users through the participating libraries’ websties, effectively promoting the services offered by the local book bases. A “Send to Kindle” option will be added to the participating library website’s listings for ebooks, which after clicking will see users redirected to Amazon.com, logging into their Kindle accounts to send the book via Wi-Fi.

“This is a welcome day for Kindle users in libraries everywhere and especially our Kindle users here at The Seattle Public Library,” said Marcellus Turner, city librarian for The Seattle Public Library.

“We’re thrilled that Amazon is offering such a new approach to library ebooks that enhances the reader experience.”

Here’s hoping the library service makes it to the UK, as it’s lovely addition to the latest wave of Sony ereaders currently doing the rounds.