Just Got a Kindle? | What to do Next! | Kindle Paperwhite Basics & Utilizing The Libby App

Kindle Paperwhite

So You Got a Kindle…

Congratulations and welcome to the club!! As a lifelong book lover, it took me a while to move over to reading ebooks, but now I am hooked! I remember when e-readers and ebooks first came on the scene in a larger way and there was this idea that hard copy books would become obsolete.

Now that they have been a part of mainstream reading for some time now, I think everyone was able to see that they are just another option for reading and it doesn’t have to be one or the other! I will never stop buying books but ebooks have been a wonderful addition to my reading life.

What do I do now?!

Just like with any kind of technology, there is a little bit of a learning curve with reading on an eReader/Kindle but once you get the hang of it, it super easy! There are so many online resources that can teach you how to use almost anything now and the Kindle walks you through the set up similar to when you get a new iPhone.

Once you do the initial setup, you can adjust the font style and size, the brightness of the screen, etc. All of these things are easily changed depending on your reading environment and make it so you can see the screen whether you are in bright sunlight ore reading in a dark room. Reading on a Kindle is a lot different than reading on a screen like an iPad or phone, the biggest thing is that there isn’t glare.

Changing the size of the font is as easy as tapping the screen. I like reading with a larger font but it is totally a personal preference. You tap the screen to change the page and some people prefer to not have to turn the page quite as frequently.

An Amazon Account…

The biggest thing you need is an Amazon account (you don’t need a prime account but it can be useful). You need this account whether you are purchasing books through Amazon or borrowing them through your library with the Libby app…which I will talk more about in a bit. Once you log in you are able to get reading!

Kindle…ready to travel!

Kindles come with a USB charging cord that you can either plug into your computer or use with a charging block in a regular outlet. Once they are fully charged the battery lasts forever, like weeks! This is great for traveling and being on the go. Kindles have a screensaver that helps save battery life and come on after not be used for a bit.

Do I Need a Cover?

Fintie Slimshell Case for the All-New Kindle Paperwhite

MoKo Case for Previous Kindle Paperwhite Generations (prior to 2018)

This is also a personal preference but I always feel like anything is easier to hold and protect when it has a cover. Even though the newest Paperwhites are waterproof, they just feel more protected with a cover. I also love that they automatically wake up or put your Kindle to sleep when you open and shut them. I also feel that makes them feel more “book-like”.

I have had great luck with both the Fintie and Moko cases. There are a lot of cover color and texture options so there really is something for everyone! I would say that I have had the best luck with the covers that aren’t a fabric material because they are easier to wipe down and stay clean.  And make sure to choose the option that works for the model that you have…just like with phones, the dimensions change just the slightest and the covers won’t fit properly.

How do I Get Ebooks Through The Library?!

Meet Libby! Although not every library participates, Libby is an amazing way to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for FREE! If you have used OverDrive in the past, Libby is the updated version of this and is much more user-friendly. All you need is your library card login information and password and you are good to go!

What does Libby do?

Libby is an app that allows you to listen to or read thousands of ebooks and audiobooks and also allows you to send them to your Kindle reading device, right from your phone!

Meet Libby PDF Guide

Back in May I worked with the wonderful technology librarian Susanna and taught a Libby Introduction class at our local library! Susanna worked hard to prepare a Libby Guide that we gave out at our class and also is available in a PDF format HERE. The first part is geared toward members of our local library(with that specific login information) but the rest of it is helpful for anyone who is hoping to learn how to best utilize the app!

In addition, Libby has a great Help Section on their website to help with common questions that come up…you can see that HERE.

Amazon First Reads & Kindle Book Deals

In addition to reading through Libby, there are also many other ways to read on a Kindle without spending a lot. A few months ago I shared about Amazon First Reads and reading on a budget HERE.

I also love searching for Kindle book deals. Every day different ebooks are on sale and you can find them easily by searching “Kindle book deals” in the Amazon search bar.

I try to share Kindle Deals of books I have read and loved in my stories on Instagram so make sure to be following along!

Book Bub Kindle Deal Updates Via Email

I also subscribe to Book Bub which shares daily Kindle deals via email(you can sign up HERE!)  and it is a great resource!

You can also visit their site to see their Recent Best Selling Kindle Deals list which is updated daily.

Do You Have Other Kindle Questions?

I would love to help answer them…please leave a comment below and I will do my best to help find you the answer!

Disclosure: Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission that helps support this blog at no cost to you. Thank you!