Obtain a library card with online access at a library that offers e-books. Not all libraries provide e-books, but many libraries have reciprocal relationships with nearby libraries that provide this service.
Download and install Mobipocket on your Windows-based computer (see Resources). You must be using Windows 2000 or a newer platform.
Register your Personal IDentifier (PID) by opening Mobipocket and clicking on "Reading Devices" and then "Edit Properties" for the device you are registering. The PID is a 10-character identifier that includes letters and numbers; it is found on the general tab. This identifies your copy of Mobipocket to your specific device. You can register up to three PIDs.
Log in to your library account to register your PID with your library account. Open your account and select "My Device IDs." Enter the PID in the field marked "Mobipocket PID" and then press "Add," followed by "Done."
Log in to your library account.
Select the e-book section in the catalog and then choose Mobipocket books.
Browse the catalog and click "Add to My Cart" to choose books in which you're interested. If the book isn't yet available, choose "Add to My Wish List"; if it is checked out, you can choose "Place a Hold" to be notified when it is ready.
Click "Checkout" to sign out your books. They will now be available on your Mobipocket account and are ready to read on your computer.
Send to a different PID from your computer to enable access on your smartphone or PDA.