By far the biggest reason people will choose the Nook over the Kindle is simply because they can download a variety of free ebooks from local libraries for up to 3 weeks.
However, you CAN actually read Library books on the Kindle.
It needs to be clear that this method shows you how to download and read “MobiPocket” files from your local library. It does not convert a DRM-protected ePub book. You don’t need to download the MobiPocket software. You only need the PID generated by the program below.
Not every title is going to be available in MobiPocket, but it’s sure better than nothing for Kindle users.
Steps To Download MobiPocket Books From Your Local Library and Read On Your Kindle-
You can just simply go to the link provided in step 2. I recommend reading through my steps first, then going to his site. The combination of reading my directions, then going over to his site will make things a touch clearer in my opinion.
STEP 1) Go to http://j2jensen.blogspot.com/2010/05/mobipocket-to-kindle-format-converter.html . Download the .NET Framework from the link if needed, and download his program.
NOTE: There is an element of trust here downloading this person’s software. Read through his explanation of things. We downloaded and use it, and it works well. However, use at your own risk.
STEP 2) Follow his steps to create a new PID using the program.
STEP 3) Register your new PID in your Library’s eAccount (or whatever they call it for you). Look for “My MobiPocket PIDs” and register your new PID.
STEP 4) Follow the rest of his directions.
Conclusion- This is a way to read MobiPocket books on your Kindle, checked out from your local library. They expire in 3 weeks. This isn’t a software that “strips” the DRM protection from files and allows you to read any book from the library on a Kindle. It only allows use of MobiPocket files. Since each title at the Library isn’t available in a MobiPocket file, choices will be limited comparatively.
If your local library doesn’t have digital downloads, then go to the nearest city that does and try to get a card. That is what we had to do, and it wasn’t a problem.
So there is, albeit slightly limited, a way to read library ebooks on the Kindle after all!
February 25, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Great writeup and a very helpful web site.
March 9, 2011 at 10:37 am
Hey this is only for PC’s is there one for Mac users?
March 9, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Good question… I’ve asked the guy who made this program over at his blog. I’ll keep you posted on his answer. I couldn’t seem to find anything in Google, but I figure he would know better.
March 25, 2011 at 7:08 pm
@Danessa: The Mono Project (http://www.mono-project.com/Main_Page) was developed as a way to run .NET applications on Linux and Mac systems. I’ve never tried it, and I won’t have time to do any exploration with it in the near future, but I might look into it later on. I’m guessing that the ClickOnce installer probably wouldn’t install the program even if you have Mono installed, so I’d need to set up a separate distribution in a zip file or something.
In the meantime, if you’re savvy, you can install and run the Python scripts that this program is based on. For most people, it’ll probably be easier to just find a friend with a PC.
March 25, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Thanks for stopping by James. Great program you’ve made! We’ve been using it a lot.