The Wichita Public Library allows you to borrow ebooks that you can read on your computer or smart phone.
By downloading an app called “OverDrive” which is provided through Adobe, you can download and read any book in the state library’s “e-collection.”
To find that software, on the library's home page (link provided), scroll down to the section titled "E-Books available here!" There, you'll need to click the link for "Audio books, music and more." Once on that page, on the left hand side, you'll find links for downloading the appropriate software for either your computer or handheld device.
So far the "OverDrive" app supports iPhone, iPad, and Android. The Nook ebook reader supports library books, but the Amazon Kindle doesn't. The library says that Amazon will be making it compatible by the end of the year.
After downloading the software, you'll need to set up an account with Adobe to use the software, not unlike having an iTunes account. You'll also need a valid library card.
Not every book that the library has is available as an e-book. The only e-books available are the ones that the publishers and distributors make available electronically. So once you find the book you want to download, you'll need to place a hold on it.
Downloading ebooks is not instantaneous like purchasing an ebook is through Amazon’s Kindle Store or the Apple’s iBook Store. But, it is free. The reason for this is because the library only has books that are licensed to be download and read by one person at a time.
