Where do you live ?

Fredericksburg,Virginia

If your library offers borrowing of ebooks, that is one option. Even library systems on small budgets (in the US, anyway) often offer at least some ebook selections. If you end up with a Kindle from Amazon, Amazon, too, offers free ebooks. There are all kinds of free online sites (Project Gutenberg, Daily Lit, etc.) which have books you can download to your computer or mobile device and read from there. This link is ancient for a techy link, but lists a number of sites which offer free ebooks and I know many of them are still valid. Just remember, though--the "free" books offered from many sites are heavy on classics where copyright issues no longer apply.

You might want to figure out first from where you'll be getting ebooks and then pick your reader. I love my Kindle (not a Fire) but I can only download kindle books. My library offers a vast selection of kindle format books so this isn't an issue for me--but it might be for you. A colleague of mine really likes her Kobo and it, too, also offers a nice selection of free books.

Mysteries are my favorite, too, although I read most anything (fiction preferred). Fortunately, my library has lots of offerings. I keep up through the website Stop You're Killing Me, the brochures from the order catalogs from bookclubs The Mystery Guild and The Literary Guild, suggestions here and on the Fodor's Travel chat room, and from fellow book lovers.

I can order books that are in the WV system through my library, but there are soooo many books that are simply not in the system, especially most of the non fiction I'm looking for. I tried repeatedly to get Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend and then the second one, and then the third, and finally ordered them, read them, and donated them to the library so now they are finally in the system. (The fourth too once it came out). I buy many books through Amazon used books links, and end up donating many of them (small house, not enough book cases or room for more).

Thanks so much for all the links to find good books. Plan to check all of them out before I purchase an e reader.

I use both our large city public library and equally the nearby College of Charleston Library. As well, there is a "Little Free Library" just a couple of blocks from my building. But the best source for me are the semi-annual "jumble sales" at a couple of nearby churches. Often the books are in mint condition and I find good ones for Christmas or Birthday gifts, as they are like new.

I don't like Kindle or "e books".

I think your library is served by the Central Rappahonnick Regional Library, which would give you access to lots of e-books. At least according to their website here Central Rappahonnick Library

My local library has a pretty small (and poor) physical inventory, but belongs to a consortium, and I can get lots more from the other libraries. The nice thing about e-books is that they are never overdue, they simply vanish from your e-reader until you check them out again. I should get them more often, my library book fines are mounting. I think I owe $3! I do prefer a paper book to my kindle, but the kindle is convenient sometimes. Why not use both? I can have several books going on paper AND kindle, as well as the audiobook in the car or for walking.

woodnymph2 - would you share with me why you don't like Kindle or "e books"?

I like to hold a real, old-fashioned book in my hands and enjoy turning the pages. I also read a lot while lying in bed,nights, so a book is easiest for me. In general, I tend to be traditional in my tastes and I often jokingly label myself a "Luddite.' I grew up surrounded by older books, worked most of my life in libraries and historical societies.

Understand woodnymph. One of the readers on one of the forums inserted her e reader in an old book backing because she, too, preferred holding a book. I have wondered about this before deciding on which e reader. Thanks for your thoughts.

One benefit to me of a real book is the tactile sensation of moving through the book, not just turning the pages but "the stack of read pages is greater than the stack of to-be-read pages". And, if I need to go back to refresh my memory of an incident, it's easier to tell just how far back.

When I first learned about Kindles, I was fascinated, wanted one so-oo--o-o bad! I tried a Kindle reader on my smart phone, and am so glad I did. I didn't like it at all! I, like woodnymph, much prefer the feel of a book in my hands, the heft of it, the feel of the pages. I also read a lot at night before going to sleep, and a real book just is a lot more enjoyable for me. So if you have an IPhone or a smart phone, I strongly suggest you Google and find a free Kindle download to try. You may find it is exactly the right thing for you, and it might even help you make a decision as to what type to buy. There are also several sites that offer free downloadable books.

As to where I get books? Mostly at the library. This is a small town, our library is small, but I can usually find something I am interested in. I very rarely have a list, I just go in and wander amongst the shelves. I also haunt the Half-Priced book store that is about 50 miles from here, when I have an opportunity to go to that town. I don't make a special trip for books, but I usually have to go every few months for doctor appointments, etc. The gift store in our local hospital has a pretty decent selection of used paperbacks, 50 cents apiece. Garage sales are often pretty good sources, too, Although it seems as technology advances, books get scarcer. I guess more people are switching to E-readers, and even audio books.

Rusty

These opinions are so helpful. While I remain frustrated at the lack of good books at our library, I read so much and so enjoy checking how much is left to read as does bpathome, and especially must be able to quickly check back to see who is who when there is a long list of characters.

Hmm, I have to disagree about if it's easier to "check" back on something when using an ereader, at least on a kindle. Tap once to bring up the search bar, type in a name or word/words, tap again and it brings up all the relevant passages in the order in which they appeared in the book. Tap to go to your chosen passage in the book, then tap the back arrow to go right back to where you left off. It's so easy--and thorough--that I almost feel like it's cheating. Is it different than riffling through pages and does it take a bit to make it feel natural? Certainly.

I just read an article (PW? Library Journal? can't remember...) which talked about how the ebook bubble of astonishing sales seems to have burst. One theory is that people are finally developing screen overload--and want a break from their devices. Both my children, college students who are rarely parted from their phones, prefer paper books over phones or tablets. My kindle is a basic touch, so no back-lit screen, no glare, I can use it outside, but can't read in the dark without an external light. Its cover opens up like a book, the cover opens all the way back so I can prop it freestanding and eat while reading (this is far more important to me than it should be...) or in bed. So, it's less of a "device" experience, and not at all like reading on a (much smaller) phone screen. Also, with ereaders, the font size is easily adjustable, which aging or low vision eyes appreciate.

Sorry that was so long--there's no zeal that like of the convert. :)

My sister has the beginning of macular degeneration in one eye, and she loves her Kindle Paperwhite both for the light and the ease of changing the font size.

My daughter just gave me one for my birthday, and I am not yet familiar enough with it to know all its tricks. For instance, I downloaded several samples and don't know how to get rid of them. I have printed out the User's Guide (all 52 pages of it) that tells me more than I ever wanted to know.

A helpful librarian did download a library book for me while the device was at home, turned off, and resting on my dresser. When I got home and turned it on, it loaded the book in a jiffy. It's a bit like magic! Here, we can keep library downloads for two weeks and then they magically disappear.

I had an old Sony reader that died, which I really liked for travel. It needed charging pretty often, though, and I believe the Kindle will last much longer between charges.

Carolyn, my FIL has MD in one eye also. I think he has a Nook but I will ask him, and recommend the Paperwhite if he doesn't.

Donna

I have the beginnings of Macular Degeneration in one eye, too. Also had cataract surgery (both eyes) less than a year ago. I can honestly say I haven't noticed any difference in the way I see my phone screen, the computer monitor, or the printed word. Well, actually, the cataract surgery made one heck of a difference in my overall sight, but I really can't say that the Macular Degeneration is causing any problems. At least, not yet. I am far-sighted, though, so have to wear glasses of one strength for most reading, crocheting, etc. Strangely enough, it takes a different strength for the computer monitor.

Y'all almost make me want to try an e-reader of some sort. (grin)

Rusty

Yes, come on over to the dark side, adjustable font and all.

Bookmom,

LOL at your comment above... even if I don't have an e-reader.

After returning from my trip abroad, eager to get a "real book" in my hands again, I must confess that I immediately missed reading my Kindle in the dark, and not needing to put the book aside or turn off lights when I fell asleep reading. (I sleep quite well with a Kindle in my bed.) I also missed how the Kindle, with a little encouragement, can stand up and hold itself open, even on a bed. I also missed the ability to look up a word by simply laying my finger on it - even though I love my "real dictionary" beyond measure. I'm struggling.

kathy_t - your so human experience with the kindle is very helpful since I'm trying to decide if I want an e reader. Thank you.