yeah theres no way to stop using amazon completely because they own so many things and many websites use them for hosting, but audible is something we really dont need. amazon is already trying to replace public libraries with “audible amazon libraries” and we cant let that happen. your libraries are already payed for with taxes ((though normally way underfunded because politicians normally dont care enough))
use libby or overdrive for audiobooks or ebooks, support libraries and buy from their used books sale (ive scored so many awesome books, and old books! as well as some great cds and movies) , and many libraries also mail out books!! theres so many options and libraries are always changing to make themselves more accessible for everyone, so support them! theyre such an important part of your community.
also you can just ask for your library to order a book if they dont have it, or they can borrow it from neighboring libraries in your county or even other counties depending on the place! libraries are the best and when i was homeless they were one of the best resources i could have asked for with free ac, wifi, good bathrooms, and books books books ad well as so many other resources, groups, clubs, events … please support your local library!
HEY! YES! This is important! You can check out books from your local library (along with audiobooks and movies and music too!!) without ever having to leave your home. Here’s some links if you don’t know what OP was talking about: OverDrive, Hoopla
BUT ALSO!! Right now libraries are facing a problem with a new policy from very large publisher called Macmillan that’s due to be enacted in November.
As Jessamyn West explains in her article on CNN:
For the first two months after a Macmillan book is published, a library can only buy one copy, at a discount. After eight weeks, they can purchase “expiring” e-book copies which need to be re-purchased after two years or 52 lends. As publishers struggle with the continuing shake-up of their business models, and work to find practical approaches to managing digital content in a marketplace overwhelmingly dominated by Amazon, libraries are being portrayed as a problem, not a solution. Libraries agree there’s a problem – but we know it’s not us.
52 lends is nothing when it comes to popular books. In essence, this new policy would require libraries to re-purchase the same eBooks over and over just to continue to provide access to their readers.
Libraries already have to go through a lot of hoops and extra expense to provide digital content, and this policy will just make it even harder, more time consuming, and more expensive, thus making it more difficult for libraries to provide eBooks at a time when demand for eBook access at libraries is growing exponentially. Both the ALA and the PLA have come out strongly against thus policy, and it sets a TERRIBLE precedence for other publishing houses and future policies. It’s a bad idea that’s expensive and ultimately punishes the people who need libraries the most.
But YOU can do something about it, right now! Help us tell Macmillan publishing that their new policy is terrible and will adversely affect the people who need digital library access the most!
Check out the ALA’s action page for some great graphics and an auto-tweet form that will let you voice your displeasure to Macmillan directly.
Or you can just copy and paste it into Twitter from here, and add the graphic too if you want:
Limiting access to new titles for libraries means limiting access for readers who are most dependent on libraries. @MacmillanUSA’s new policy is unacceptable, John Sargent. Cancel the embargo. #eBooksForAll
Please help us keep library eBooks accessible for all! Not only will you help your libraries, but as OP explained, the more you use your libraries and other legal means of acquiring digital books and content, the more you take away from Amazon’s unconscionable domination of the eBook and digital content market. It’s a win-win.
Libby has kept me sane through quarantine like nothing else. Take the time to support your local library and follow the links above.
