# Can Someone Explain to Me How Checking Out Books Via an Amazon Fire Works? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 19, 2017, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755 "2017-04-19T01:50:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/1 "2017-04-19T01:50:43Z")
Long story short, I’m thinking of getting a Fire because I’m tearing through books quicker than I have in the past, and joining a library can’t really happen for various reasons. I’m reading that you can check out books and magazines and stuff through a Prime account (which I have), but also there’s this Kindle Unlimited thing that’s apparently separate? Is it worth getting that separate service if I already have a Prime account? or do I already get it for Free? Are there other services where I can check books out? Ideally I’d like to check the book out, read it, and return it without having to travel to a physical place to do it. I have wi-fi at home after all. Any and all experiences and suggestions are welcome! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/2 "2017-04-19T01:53:04Z")
I have a Fire, Prime and Unlimited. I have found that the books available free on Prime aren’t anything I want to read, while the Kindle Unlimited I burn through like there’s no tomorrow. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![araminty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5e925/32.png) [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/3 "2017-04-19T04:53:19Z")
You said there were reasons you couldn’t join a library, but most city libraries in the US allow card-holders to borrow e-books nowadays, mostly through a service called [Overdrive](https://www.overdrive.com/account/sign-in). You can also sign up with a Facebook account, apparently, although I use my library card. I find the Overdrive selection to be a bit lacking, but then I’m fussy. I’ve never found a book I’m interested among the free Amazon selections, either. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/4 "2017-04-19T12:07:48Z")
If you’re talking about physical printed books, you’d have to pay the shipping both ways. Most popular books can be bought used on Amazon for one cent, and you pay shipping only one way. ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/5 "2017-04-19T14:37:10Z")
Kindle Unlimited lets you have 10 books (perhaps magazines too, I haven’t used that) at a time. When you find a new book to read, it asks you which of the books you’ve already got out you want to return. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by what I can find on Unlimited. It’s very cool when I stumble across a series that’s there. Happened more than a few times so far. ---
**Author:** ![JXJohns](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jxjohns/32/469_2.png) [@JXJohns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JXJohns)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/6 "2017-04-19T14:40:59Z")
I too enjoy Kindle Unlimited. For whatever it costs per month, I am getting more than my money’s worth. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/7 "2017-04-19T14:52:44Z")
> [@araminty](#): > > You said there were reasons you couldn’t join a library, but most city libraries in the US allow card-holders to borrow e-books nowadays, mostly through a service called [Overdrive](https://www.overdrive.com/account/sign-in). You can also sign up with a Facebook account, apparently, although I use my library card. > > I find the Overdrive selection to be a bit lacking, but then I’m fussy. I’ve never found a book I’m interested among the free Amazon selections, either. I read about Overdrive, but I was under the impression I would have to physically go to the library in order to download the book. Could I join the library, then just download the books at home off my own Wi-Fi? > [@silenus](#): > > I have a Fire, Prime and Unlimited. I have found that the books available free on Prime aren’t anything I want to read, while the Kindle Unlimited I burn through like there’s no tomorrow. YMMV. How much do you pay for Unlimited? Is it is more or less than normal because you’re a prime member? ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/8 "2017-04-19T15:00:54Z")
> [@Sir\_T-Cups](#): > > I read about Overdrive, but I was under the impression I would have to physically go to the library in order to download the book. Could I join the library, then just download the books at home off my own Wi-Fi? Yes. At least for my library it prompts the format and for the mobi/azw3, it links me directly to the Amazon website and you can then have it sent to your Kindle or Fire. No need to ever step foot in a library. Pro-tip. If you haven’t finished the book by the time it’s due back, you can turn off the Wi-Fi and the book doesn’t expire until it’s synched back up again. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/9 "2017-04-19T15:22:45Z")
You’ve been “flagged,” huh? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/10 "2017-04-19T15:30:02Z")
> [@Sir\_T-Cups](#): > > How much do you pay for Unlimited? Is it is more or less than normal because you’re a prime member? $9.99/month. I have no idea what they charge non-Prime members. I generally run through 4-5 Unlimited books a month, so it is well worth it to me. ---
**Author:** ![mistymage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mistymage/32/459_2.png) [@mistymage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mistymage)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/11 "2017-04-19T15:34:31Z")
I have a Fire with Prime and pay for the $10 a month Unlimited. I started out just reading the Prime books and buying a few here and there but since I decided to drop Hulu (we have Netflix and Amazon Prime Video) to give Unlimited a try and I love it! I use the Kindle for PC app ( [Install or Update the Desktop Kindle App on Your Computer - Amazon Customer Service](https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201245960) ) most of the time since reading on a giant screen tv is easier on my eyes and I don’t have to hold a “book”. When checking out a new story I have the choice of sending it to my Fire, to the pc app or to a phone (my middle son uses that option). You can even send it to 2 devices after you send it to the primary spot and as long as you sync your Library you can read on both (so if I want to read in the bathtub I can continue where I was in a series). As far as other places to find books I signed up for free at [BookBub: Get ebook deals, handpicked recommendations, and author updates](https://www.bookbub.com/home) which notifies me of free or cheap prices on books in the categories I like. It has links to Amazon, B & N, Apple, Google, and Kobo depending on where the book is up for free or for sale. ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/12 "2017-04-19T16:21:06Z")
> [@araminty](#): > > I find the Overdrive selection to be a bit lacking, but then I’m fussy. I’ve never found a book I’m interested among the free Amazon selections, either. How lacking the selection is depends on the library. I have cards for both the Queens and Brooklyn public libraries, and the Brooklyn one has a larger selection of Kindle books. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/13 "2017-04-19T21:15:24Z")
Another question: How do the books work when everything is off-line? I read during the work day and have access to wifi at home in order to download the books, but the actual reading of them will be off line…I can still access the books right? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/14 "2017-04-19T21:37:16Z")
On Kindle? Sure. I keep wifi and such turned off most of the time to save battery power, and have no problem. ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2017, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/15 "2017-04-19T21:41:07Z")
I’m unsure about a Fire, but with a Kindle, yes they are available offline. I would guess a Fire, being essentially a higher end kindle, would also work that way. I’d also like to learn the answer because I’m in the market for a new tablet. ---
**Author:** ![mistymage](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mistymage/32/459_2.png) [@mistymage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mistymage)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2017, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/16 "2017-04-20T11:51:41Z")
Yes, they are still there which is why I bought the Fire. I wanted something to take camping because my husband was tired of cleaning out the van and finding stacks of books in it 😃 My Farmville Country game plays offline as well. It saves the info and once back on WiFi it updates my online game. You can also download and watch TV and shows and movies. That was especially nice on the 7 hour car trip we took this Spring. Mistermage couldn’t watch but he did listen in to several episodes of House. [Early Generation Fire Tablet Help - Amazon Customer Service](https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201730460) (if you have Netflix some shows can be downloaded now, too). ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2017, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/17 "2017-04-20T17:28:12Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > $9.99/month. I have no idea what they charge non-Prime members. > > I generally run through 4-5 Unlimited books a month, so it is well worth it to me. We don’t have Prime. I’ve been thinking of getting it for my mom–we’re still debating if it would actually save money. The price they show is $10.99. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2017, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/18 "2017-04-20T18:03:47Z")
> [@Sir\_T-Cups](#): > > I read about Overdrive, but I was under the impression I would have to physically go to the library in order to download the book. Could I join the library, then just download the books at home off my own Wi-Fi? Yes. Overdrive is one of the best things ever. (or more the idea around Overdrive - Overdrive itself can be somewhat annoying). Still, with my library, I log into overdrive and select the book that I want and tell it that I want it in Kindle format. It then sends me to the Amazon site, I press a button, and lo-and-behold, the book is on my Kindle (for you it would be your Fire) Then, in X weeks (I think it’s two or three), it disappears from my Kindle when the book is “returned.” Free books, no late fees. It’s like magic. If all of the electronic copies of the book are checked out, I can put the book on hold and the library emails me when it’s my turn to download the book. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2017, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/19 "2017-04-20T19:20:12Z")
Alrighty, I’m slowly getting closer and closer to getting the Fire. Amazon has some purdy looking ones for 50 bucks, which sound just fine to me. The only thing about those is they are onoy 8GB in space. How much space to things take up? I’ll honestly be using it for books and…well…that’s pretty much it. I have a laptop for internet stuff and my phone has games on it that I play. Maybe I’ll use it on trips and stuff too for movies. But I’m woefully ignorant when it comes to computing space. I would assume 8 is fine because otherwise why would they sell it, right? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2017, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755/20 "2017-04-20T19:24:42Z")
_The Complete Works of Shakespeare_ takes up about 5 megabytes of space. 8 gigabytes is plenty if most of it is for text. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-to-me-how-checking-out-books-via-an-amazon-fire-works/784755.md?page=2)