You can easily identify a Penguin eBook for Kindle eReaders in the catalog. It has a description after the Kindle icon which reads: “Kindles and free Kindle apps via USB only“. In the title below, if you have an iPad select EPUB format and download it using the OverDrive Media Console for the iPad which can be downloaded for free from your app store.

When I try to send a library ebook to my Kindle, it’s grayed out. Why?

On February 10th, there was  change in how eBooks published by Penguin Books are transferred to a Kindle eReader.  They are transferred using an USB cable. These eBooks can be identified in the eMedia Catalog by their link which reads Kindles and free Kindle apps via USB only:

How do I get library eBooks on my Kindle DX?  I tried using my Internet connection on the Kindle DX and the eBooks will not transfer.

The problem is your Kindle DX does NOT come with WiFi. It ONLY has 3G (check out this Kindle ereaders comparison chart a bit down the page). Library eBooks can not be transferred using 3G to your device.  This is true for any eReader with 3G. You have to use a WiFi system (Libraries offer free WiFi as well as a variety of other local sites including Starbucks and McDonalds).

However, not all is lost!  You can transfer Library eBooks to your Kindle DX using an USB cable and a computer.

1. Install the Kindle App on your computer.
2. Checkout a Kindle eBook from the Library
3. Send it to your computer.
4. Connect your Kindle DX to the computer with it’s USB cable.
5. Find the book on your computer and copy it to your Kindle DX.

For more in-depth instructions  see our blog post:  How to Transfer eBooks to your Kindle.

Here’s an excerpt:

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Click here to see the complete report.

Here’s our Kindle How to Guide to get you start with library ebooks.

All you need is a Wifi connection and a computer or a tablet to check out ebooks for our eMedia Catalog.

Kindle Fire users can follow this guide as well, the difference is you can do everything directly on your Kindle Fire, no computer needed!

I did locate this information which maybe helpful for new Kindle Fire owners.

Go to our eMedia Catalog an get the Overdrive app from overdrive.com/software/omc.  To get the app, you need to click on Mobile/Android device and then click where it says “If your device doesn’t support Android Market, you can download OverDrive Media Console for Android from OverDrive.”

Once you have an item checked out and downloaded via the Amazon app (that part works the same as the Kindle eReaders downloads from our eMedia Catalog), go to Settings/Wi-Fi and tap on Sync. Then the book will show in the bookshelf and be able to be read.

The other problem with the app as it is now, unlike the app for iPad that only allows you to checkout and download material that will work with the iPad, the Kindle Fire app allows the user to checkout anything – some formats will not work on the Kindle Fire but are still considered checked out to the user (taking up some of their limit) and they are not returnable via the Amazon login. Kindle Fire only works with Kindle editions and MP3 audiobooks. No video, music of WMA formats.

Supposedly it will download epub editions but it requires the user to have an Adobe ID. Really hoping Amazon continues their cooperation with Overdrive and allows a better app to be made available.

Other comments about the Kindle Fire and Library eBooks can be found at the Amazon.com Customer Discussion site.

Is your due date fast approaching for the eBook you are reading on your Kindle eReader?

There is an easy way to extend the due date and keep reading your eBook! Just turn off your wireless connection on the Kindle till you are done reading the book.  When you are done, turn the wireless back on and the eBook will expire as usual.