I stopped my (very prolific) Amazon ebook reading and am using my public library. Most have their own ebook platforms. The one my library system uses is Hoopla and I’ve found everything I’ve wanted so far.
I just downloaded Libby to my Kindle fire. Unfortunately, I currently only have access to a tiny library consortium due to where I live (Vermont) so I haven't been successful in finding the books I want - yet. However, it was easy to download and I called my local library to get access to it. HTH
If you already own a kindle and are able to use Libby on it then I would continue to use the device, but I wouldn’t purchase anymore Kindle books on it, or use KU.
Hoopla only works on the Fire type devices (you load an app). It doesn't work on just the reading e-readers. BUT regular library ebooks will go to your kindle e-reader OR fire devices.
It also works on apple ipads and laptops as someone pointed out. Hoopla at my library allows 5 checkouts per month and has movies and some other stuff too. Ask at your library!
That's good to know! We regrettably bought our little boy a Kindle Fire for Xmas and didn't see how we could download other ebook apps. I'll have to look at how to download Hoopla and Libby (since he doesn't have a phone to send his library books from).
That being said, I never heard of Kobo till you mentioned it, so I’ll give it a try.
Also, your local library may have ebook/digital book services that are free such as Hoopla, so you should go check them out if you haven’t done so yet!
Yes I've canceled all things Amazon and if one of those blue Vans is behind me I'm slowing down as low as possible and if I see a squirrel jump out in front of me and I have to slam on my brakes oh well. Basil's doesn't want to pay for the infrastructure he gets the most out of fuck him
Do it. I no longer buy anything on Amazon and will not renew my membership. Back to the days when you actually went to a store or just find another site that's selling what you want. Many give free shipping.
I never knew this. Thank you! I've been slowly switching over to Barnes & Noble for ebooks, but they no longer make a basic e-reader (that I know of), so when my Kindle finally goes poof, I'll know what to buy next.
I've had a Kobo for ages now. Started with Overdrive transitioned to Libby and have never had a problem with it. I read approx 3-5 books a week so it's had some use. 🙂
Thank you! I did not know that. I normally get books from library but sometimes buy at Amazon. I am going to stop buying anything from Amazon. Just got my last order , had to use up gift cards.
I mean Amazon has had some of the least interesting ereaders of the big players. I prefer Boox myself. Combined with the Libby, Shonen Jump, Viz, Nook and Marvel Unlimited apps it's brilliant. I mean there's many more you can use, but that's my core setup.
I love my kobo. I'm from the US and like to shop where things are best. Most of the time that means shopping away from US-owned companies. It pays off for me, and I see variety as well as quality.
Kobo is but it is owned by Rakuten a Japanese company. Still not Amazon. You can also borrow books from your local library and read them on a kobo device.
This is a relief, I thought it was Indigo books that owned Kobo. I’d rather a Japanese company than a Canadian one that supports Zionism. What a world…!
We were acquired by Rakuten in 2012 but are still run from and have the majority of our staff right at the corner of Richmond and John in downtown Toronto. As Canadian as we can be!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I want to get away from Amazon but i love my kindle too much. I want a dedicated e-reader with a paper-like interface. It looks like kobo has one. 😀
I'm stuck with a Kindle & 1000s of Kindle books. Is there any way to convert, even to books I could read on my mobile or laptop?
I really cannot afford a new eReader (thanks NHS 😒)
I cut off Amazon 100% I refuse to use them. I cut my online ordering to bare minimum. I won't buy anything Tesla for sure. I cancelled Netflix, MAX/CNN. CBS is my last stable TV news I get on paramount because I refuse to pay the cable company. They have all been stealing from us for decades!
John, I have a Kobo reader and love it. It’s easy to read and reacts with my local library easily too.
It’s actually my second one. Had my first years ago and literally ware out the buttons I used it so much.🥹
They have very broad support--Europe, Australia, NZ, Japan, etc. Authors can actually choose countries to sell in, (also possible at Amazon). But it's quite robust.
Both Chapters-Indigo and McNally Robinson (prairies are Canadian owned book retailers. Kobo is Canadian yes - but owned by Rakutan, a Japanese e-commerce conglomerate. So yes, no American there :) Kinda wish Indigo had held onto it actually.
Also - here's a tip if no one has said it - Kobo accepts Chapters-Indigo gift cards for gift card payment if you want ebooks over paperbacks/hardcovers. :)
Well then, it becomes what is a lesser evil for you. Supporting a Canadian business or an Israeli supporter. Personally, I put my country above another. Taxes, money spent there remains in Canada, supporting Canadian business owners, employees and our government. There's so many boycotts and evils.
At the same point, I live in Manitoba so I prefer using McNally Robinson, as they are locally owned and operated. But other cities may have to find their own independent bookstores, or if they live rurally, online may be the only way they have to get books maybe. It's always best to support local.
It's true, unfortunately.
I'm looking for a source of ebooks & a means of publishing them that is Canadian but not Indigo. https://Libro.fm is great for audiobooks & actually funds indie bookstores. Small indie bookstores are ALWAYS the better option for hardcopy books. It's just ebooks that's the problem.
Upside to Kobo - not being owned by Indigo anymore? At the time of the deal, Rakuten acquired Kobo for 100% of the shares (not sure if that is still the same ownership now) - and the founder donated to humanitarian relief in Ukraine. I believe Rakuten does have it's Kobo headquarters in Toronto too.
TBH the thing that sold me on getting my Kobo Libra color was IFIXIT showing that all the parts are available for repairs. Side loading and not being locked down to one subscription is what pushed it over the edge over a kindle despite me wanting a green one.
One item Canadians could tackle in their boycotts @cookemcdermid.bsky.social is the publishing house for Maye Musks vapid books. They are a Canadian publishing house in Toronto. She blocks any dissent on her Instagram @mayemusk her self promo hashtag is #awomanmakesaplan. You all know what to do.
Owned by Rakuten but we still have our headquarters and most of our staff in downtown toronto, with deep ties to Canadian authors, publishers and libraries. And the CEO pops up on bluesky whenever there is a question that needs to be answered 😀
I've not used Amazon for years for anything. I use independent booksellers & music stores. They're a couple of quid more expensive but I'd rather pay a bit more to independents that make Bezos any richer.
I have taken down my books on Amazon, so Kobo or Nook (I’m watching you too, Barnes & Noble!) are the only options outside the UK for me now.
It’s making me think about other platforms to reach people and I’m quite excited about selling for the first time in a long while.
Thanks, MAGAs!
I didn’t know they were Canadian but I got my daughter a Kobo Clara instead of a Kindle for Christmas because we don’t give any money to Bezos in our house. It’s a great device and nicer than the kindles anyway
Have to see if Kobo has an equivalent to Kindle Unlimited. I do most of my reading through KU as while the quality of the books can be hot or miss, the range is fantastic. But yeah Amazon has only gotten worse in the don't be a cunt asperation
I’ve been think about this as well. I’ve also bought 2 books through https://bookshop.org/ebooks however I don’t really enjoy reading books on my iPad.
I've had a Kobo for several years, since I gave up on my glitchy Nook (Barnes & Noble). It's been great! I can't claim to be 100% Amazon-free, though I try. But I've never bought a Kindle & never will.
Ah do they do audiobooks? I’m so annoyed with myself for not realising Audible was Amazon. Now I’ve got a bunch of stuff on there but I wish I bought them somewhere else.
Yes, You can get audiobooks on Kobo, and they're largely the same as what you'd get on Audible.
Also, there are tools out there that can help you download your Audible books and decrypt them into a portable format. I've done that with my Audible purchases.
Quit Amazon cold turkey. Don’t miss it. Wanted a steam cleaner. Turns out the manufacturer is Canadian, price the same direct and free shipping! Looking around, prices less than Amazon on many things locally.
Might? Amazon should be at the top of the list of companies you’re spending less with and divesting from. Barnes and Noble’s Nook app is perfectly acceptable too.
I'm going to truly miss my Kindle and my Prime video. I canceled last month. I've waited more than two decades for Knots Landing to air in America. Now that it is, it's only available on Amazon. Oh well.
Only the first two seasons were ever released on DVD for some weird reason. Every season of Dallas was released. Knots Landing out lasted Dallas too. It had something to do with the music used in the film and royalties that did not extend to "new technology."
Kobo is a great app, and their e-readers are awesome. But it’s a part of the Indigo umbrella which has a monopoly. https://bookshop.org supports independent bookstores and offers an app for e-reading. (It’s sadly not available in Canada but you can read with their web browser on your tablet.
Please consider getting a library card. And downloading the Libby app. Both are free, Libby has a million audio/digital books available and would certainly allow you to...
I’ve been super happy with my Kobo Clara since I switched a couple months ago. Would highly recommend instead of giving Musk more money that he doesn’t need!
I've got around 400 books on my Kindle, but I've just purchased my first Nook and will be shopping either locally or from Barnes and Noble going forward.
Comments
Also, your local library may have ebook/digital book services that are free such as Hoopla, so you should go check them out if you haven’t done so yet!
Bezos is a greedy union-busting reptile.
Billionaires are truly psychopathic. No one NEEDS that much money.
I really cannot afford a new eReader (thanks NHS 😒)
This should help!
Please share:
@ncgovernor.bsky.social
Still better than Amazon, but ... (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakuten).
I have happily had Kobos since the first one came out though. But I only ever sideload.
It’s actually my second one. Had my first years ago and literally ware out the buttons I used it so much.🥹
I'm looking for a source of ebooks & a means of publishing them that is Canadian but not Indigo. https://Libro.fm is great for audiobooks & actually funds indie bookstores. Small indie bookstores are ALWAYS the better option for hardcopy books. It's just ebooks that's the problem.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_companies_in_Canada
As you know, borrowing books by Australian authors also supports authors too via the public lending right scheme
If we all do it together, it will make a difference.
https://Bookshop.org
It’s making me think about other platforms to reach people and I’m quite excited about selling for the first time in a long while.
Thanks, MAGAs!
pc to it
From Amazon !
He’s another horrible individual.
Also, there are tools out there that can help you download your Audible books and decrypt them into a portable format. I've done that with my Audible purchases.
My new Clara Colour does not freeze at all.
(And the fact that the first things I bought were Terry Pratchett novels and _none of the footnotes work_ didn't help.)
#boycott Amazon