OverDrive and Amazon launch Kindle compatibility

Rockford, IL: The highly anticipated announcement arrived from OverDrive, Rockford Public Library’s provider of eBooks and audio books, on Wednesday—the Amazon® Kindle is now compatible with the library’s digital collection. This is a very significant step in a series of OverDrive enhancements to streamline the library user experience and to help meet the increased demand for eBooks. In addition to Kindle, OverDrive provides support for all major desktop and mobile devices, including Windows®, Mac®, iPod®, iPhone®, iPad®, Sony® Reader, NOOK™, Android™, BlackBerry® and Windows® Phone.

The process for borrowing a Rockford Public Library eBook for Kindle is similar to that of other devices.  Most eBooks already in the library's Max catalog supplied by OverDrive are compatible with Kindle, so users simply power search for “Electronic book” or “Electronic audio book,” browse and select from a list of available titles, check out with a valid library card, and then click "Get for Kindle."  Access to the Kindle Book will occur at Amazon's website after signing in and selecting delivery to the user's Kindle device or any of the free Kindle reading apps. 

“There’s an eBook tidal wave coming and we want to make sure Rockford Public Library is positioned to meet the surge in demand,” said Frank Novak, Executive Director of Rockford Public Library. “These innovations are going to vastly change the way customers receive content from the library, and quickly developing our collection. RPL staff will provide training to customers who can then access library materials without ever leaving the comfort of their home.”

"Kindle compatibility will allow public and school libraries to serve millions of new readers and extend their valuable community role while providing an outstanding reading experience," said Steve Potash, CEO of OverDrive.  "This addition helps public libraries accelerate their drive to become the first online stop for eBooks…”