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I love reading and collecting books. I practically grew up in our public and school libraries from elementary to high school. In college, I discovered the astronomical cost of textbooks. The only books I could really afford to add to my bookshelf were textbooks. I could borrow books from our university’s library, but it was mainly academic books rather than the non-fiction I loved to read. I also didn’t use the public library too much during this time since I had other things on my mind: school, church, my job, and social media.
Check out “7 Financial Mistakes I Wish I Didn’t Make in College“!
Overdrive App
Some time after graduating college, I discovered the Overdrive app for the Hawaii State Public Library System. It took me two separate tries (a couple of months apart) to finally figure it out the app. Once I did, I was reading and listening to 2-3 ebooks and audiobooks almost everyday. I enjoy listening to audiobooks when I drive even if the trip only takes me 5 minutes! I also love listening to fiction audiobooks because there are usually different voices for each character, which really make the books come to life (Try The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyers!).
Random fact: I’ve actually listened to all five books of Game of Thrones via audiobook. It took me a long time but it was worth it. I had to borrow the fifth book 3 times to finish it!
Save Money on Books
Borrowing books from the Overdrive app helps me avoid unnecessary spending on books because I used to spend anywhere from $1-$30 for one fiction book. This is also helping me develop a minimalist lifestyle since I borrow most of my books from the library. In the future, I’m going to transition to borrowing children’s books for my son. I’ve bought a couple of books for him to read to him every day but I can’t bear to borrow library books when he’s still at the stage where he throws, tears, and bites his books!
Read my post: “3 Toddler Parenting Hacks to Encourage Reading“!
How to Use the Overdrive App
The overdrive app connects with the Hawaii State Public Library System. You will need to use your library card number and PIN number to sign in and borrow books. They have hundreds of fiction and nonfiction books available as a pdf, ebook, or audiobook. The library allows you to borrow a maximum of 10 books for up to 21 days. A few days before the book “expires”, you can request the book again if someone is not waiting for it. If a book is unavailable, you can recommend that the library get it.
The app allows you to listen to audiobooks but you need the kindle app (and an Amazon.com account) to read ebooks. PDFs, on the other hand, are only available via the web browser. The app is also available for android phones, iphones, ipads, nook tablets, kindle readers, mac computers, and window computers. You can easily read and listen from one device to the next! If there are books that are unavailable in Overdrive, you can recommend the title to the library. You will be added to the wait list for the book as soon as it is purchased by the library. I was amazed to find that they had children’s books, manga, and even new releases.
Most people I know have never heard about the Overdrive app. It’s free, easy to use, and you’ll have access to hundreds of books in the palm of your hand!
Comment below with your favorite book in this app!
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