Can You Borrow Books On Kindle From Library Outside The US?

I’ve been using Kindle for years, and one of the best features is borrowing library books. While most people know about Libby or OverDrive in the US, it’s absolutely possible to borrow Kindle books from libraries outside the US too. I live in Canada, and my local library offers Kindle-compatible e-books through OverDrive. The process is straightforward: just link your library card to the OverDrive app, search for Kindle format books, and send them to your device. Some countries like the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe also support this. The selection might vary, but it’s a fantastic way to read without spending extra. Just check if your local library participates in digital lending programs compatible with Kindle.

As an avid reader who’s moved around a lot, I’ve explored Kindle library borrowing in multiple countries. The short answer is yes, you can borrow Kindle books from libraries outside the US, but availability depends heavily on regional partnerships. For example, in the UK, many public libraries use BorrowBox or Libby, and some titles are Kindle-compatible. In Australia, libraries like the State Library of Queensland offer Kindle loans through OverDrive.

However, not all libraries outside the US support direct Kindle borrowing due to licensing restrictions. Some only offer EPUBs readable through other apps. If you’re traveling or living abroad, it’s worth checking your local library’s digital collection. I’ve found that bigger cities tend to have better selections. Also, some libraries allow non-residents to purchase memberships for digital access—great for expats.

One tip: Amazon’s regional store matters. If your Kindle account is set to a country without library support, you might need to switch regions temporarily. It’s a bit of a hassle, but doable. Overall, international Kindle library borrowing is possible but requires some research.

I love my Kindle because it lets me borrow books from libraries even though I’m not in the US. My experience in Germany has been pretty smooth—our local library uses Onleihe, which doesn’t directly support Kindle, but I found workarounds. For places where libraries do support Kindle, like Canada or the UK, it’s as easy as borrowing a physical book.

One thing to note is that not all libraries have the same catalog. Smaller towns might have fewer options compared to big cities. Also, waitlists for popular titles can be long, just like in the US. If you’re unsure, your library’s website usually has a FAQ section about e-book lending. I’ve saved so much money by borrowing instead of buying, and it’s eco-friendly too. Definitely give it a try if your library offers it!