The idea of the e-reader is wonderful. Having all of your books in one device that’s light and easy to cart around is a great convenience. However, I personally haven’t invested in any kind of e-reader for a few reasons. My number one reason for not investing in a Kindle is that I love the library too much and hate to buy books when I can get them for free at one of my favorite places in the world.

Now, it seems like my number one justification for not getting a Kindle is no longer a reason.

Amazon has just reported that it will allow Kindle users to read e-books from more than 11,000 public libraries on the devices beginning later this year. Until now, only Nook, Sony Reader and Kobo reader users could borrow e-books for free (in addition to people who download books onto their laptops and smartphones).

According to the New York Times, libraries are actually excited about Kindle users gaining access to library e-books:

Librarians, who have grown accustomed to telling disappointed Kindle owners that they cannot be used for free library e-books, said they were relieved that Amazon was opening its device and its Kindle app to libraries.

“That’s always the question we get – you lend out e-books? How can I get them on my Kindle?” said Ingvild Herfindahl, the children’s librarian at the Kasson Public Library in Kasson, Minn. “People will be thrilled.”

To read more about library e-book access for Kindle devices, head over to the New York Times’ Kindle Users Gain Access to Library E- Books.