Library eBooks – not on Kindle in Canada yet – Updated Dec. 19, 2013
Update: December 19, 2013
With the exception of the Android-based Kindle Fire tablet, Amazon's Kindle eReaders (including original Kindles and the Kindle PaperWhite) are not compatible with eBooks from Canadian libraries.
Kindle eReaders require eBooks to be in a proprietary format unique to Amazon. Amazon has not made this format available through OverDrive (the library's eBook provider) in Canada, so Canadian libraries do not have the option of lending eBooks that work with Kindle readers.
See our Kindle Fire library eBook user guide (PDF) for help getting started with OverDrive on your Kindle Fire, or check out our guides for other devices you can use with library eBooks.
September 22, 2011
You may have seen news coverage about libraries offering Kindle-compatible eBooks through the OverDrive service. Kindle-compatible eBooks for libraries are a new service that just launched yesterday (September 21, 2011) in the U.S. only.
Unfortunately, Kindle-compatible eBooks are not yet an option for Canadian libraries.
Toronto Public Library will continue to monitor developments in this area. In the meantime, the EPUB eBooks available through our OverDrive service are compatible with a range of eReaders, tablets, and smartphones, including:
- Kobo
- Sony Reader
- iPad
- iPhone
- Android phones and tablets
- Blackberry
See the complete list of compatible devices on OverDrive’s site.
18 thoughts on “Library eBooks – not on Kindle in Canada yet – Updated Dec. 19, 2013”
Kindle + Overdrive for Toronto Public Library would be amazing, and the one thing I’m waiting for before jumping in with a purchase. If it’s not too much to ask, is the hold up due to Amazon, overdrive, or Canadian libraries? and is there an email list we could be notified as soon as it’s supported?
Thanks – I love the many tech innovations TPL has adopted so far, can’t wait to pass this next hurdle.
Hi Ion,
I don’t have any official information, but there does always seem to be a delay in bringing these kinds of services to Canada. You may recall that when Amazon originally launched the Kindle, it was available in the States for over a year before coming out in Canada. Amazon has separate agreements with publishers, distributors, and cellular carriers in Canada, and my guess would be that it takes time to work out the Canadian legal arrangements for a new service offering like Kindle library lending.
TPL will be keeping a close eye on any progress in this area, and we’ll be sure to let our users know as soon as we have news.
Actually there is a work around already for reading library books (EPUB) on the Kindle.
How to Read EPub Books on your Kindle
http://techsupport.foreverwarm.com/how-to-read-epub-books-on-your-kindle
Previewing your Comment
canadian ebook reader
What if you get your kindle not from canada but from the US?
I’m planning to buy a kindle from the US and have it delivered to my address in canada. I found a way to do this on http://www.kindlecanada.fh.ca/.
Would I be able to borrowlibrary books using the kindle then?
eBooks provided through TPL Overdrive will not work on a Kindle purchased in the US. It is a matter of Overdrive not supplying Kindle formats, not restrictions on the device itself. Libraries have contracted with Overdrive who have negotiated licenses with publishers. Due to differences in publishing laws, Kindle format are not being supplied currently. The Kindle announcement for US Overdrive users is simply a format extension made in addition to secure PDF and EPUB versions.
We understand that the Kindle is a popular choice for many who wish to access eBooks.
Digital Rights Management (DRM), are technologies designed to automatically manage rights of copyrighted work and to help prevent infringement. Of course, these can be removed and circumvented through software. Also some file formats can be converted so that they are playable on unauthorized devices.
Material in Overdrive is under licensing agreements with publishers, who chose how e-books are used, the number of devices on which a user can read the material, period of lending, and what devices are authorized. To comply with these agreements, the Toronto Public Library cannot endorse the use of tools or methods for circumventing DRM.
Although material is not currently available for the Kindle device, we are proud to offer a wide collection which is accessible on a range of other reading devices including Sony Reader, Kobo, Nook, iPad/iPhone, Android devices, and others.
If and when new becomes available for authorized use on the Kindle we will promptly make that available to our customers.
Thank you for your cooperation and continue to enjoy your ebook reading!
Do you have some news about kindle fire in canada?
Now the libraly ebooks only available for some libraly in USA, But Amazon will extend it over and over and someday there will be available in canada.
What about the BlackBerry Playbook? When will I be able to download from the TPL using my Playbook?
Hi Susan, we just posted something about that.
See this blog post for more information https://blogs.tpl.ca/webteam/2012/02/accessing-tpl-ebooks-and-audiobooks-on-your-blackberry-playbook.html
It’s now August 2012. What is the latest update with respect to Kindle and access to the TPL? Thanks
As it is, Kindles are still incompatible with eBooks from Canadian public libraries. Last year Amazon made a deal with Overdrive to finally allow eBooks from public libraries on the Kindle but only in the US. We are still waiting to hear news about this issue from Amazon.
Hi, is there any word on when Kindles will be compatibles with Toronto Public Library?
Hi Helena,
Unfortunately, the situation has not changed since this blog post was published. Publishers do not allow libraries to loan eBooks in a Kindle-compatible format in Canada.
Any news on this yet? I’m anxious to borrow some books using my kindle.
Sorry, nothing new to report. If the situation with Kindle and Canadian libraries changes, you can count on it being big news that will be widely reported and discussed.
Is there any update on Kindle compatibility?
I travel frequently between the US and Canada and have a Kindle paperwhite bought in Canada. Would I be able to borrow US e-books and read them on my kindle?
thanks.
Sorry to report that there is no update on this situation. Toronto Public Library and other Canadian libraries are not able to lend ebooks that work on Kindle eReaders like the Paperwhite.
To borrow Kindle-compatible ebooks when you’re in the U.S., you would need to be a cardholder at an American library that offers the service – you’d have to check with a library there to see if you qualify for membership.