Amazon to allow libraries to lend Kindle books

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Amazon said Wednesday that Kindle owners will be able to borrow books for the electronic book readers from more than 11,000 US public libraries later this year.

With Kindle Library Lending, Kindle books can be checked out from a local library for reading on any Kindle device or free Kindle applications for Apple, Android, Blackberry and Windows devices or personal computers and Macs.

"We're excited that millions of Kindle customers will be able to borrow Kindle books from their local libraries," Jay Marine, director of Amazon Kindle, said in a statement.

Using Whispersync technology, a reader's notes, annotations and bookmarks can be preserved.

"Normally, making margin notes in library books is a big no-no," Marine said. "But if you check out the book again, or subsequently buy it, your notes will be there just as you left them, perfectly Whispersynced.

"Your notes will not show up when the next patron checks out the book," he said.