Zinio - Free Digital Magazines to Your Computer, Tablet, or Mobile Device

I am home nursing a stomach 'bug,' and thought it would be a good time to catch up on some blog posting.  Fortunately, this is easier than ever with my ipad mini always ready and eager to execute my every command.  I'm just waiting for an app that makes my coffee on demand!

Now, let me back up several years.  Back to when I eagerly entered came kicking and screaming into the world of technology.  I was starting a new business, and had to learn so much more about computers than I ever wanted to know.  But, I persisted, and now, I can find my way around my computer with ease.  I'm no stranger to Facebook, and am happily tweeting and pinning, and even posting pictures on Flickr, and running three blogs and writing hubs!  If you had told me all of this all those years ago, I would have laughed.

Here's a link to an article I wrote a few years ago for HubPages about my entry into the technological age   http://doodlelyn.hubpages.com/_quhng16s2trb/hub/Weblog--Photocasting--Podcast---What-Talk-Is-This .  As I read this, I think about how far I've come.  I'm fascinated with the advances that have been made with technology in just this short time!  My desk-top computer tower lies in a pile with it's monitor, keyboard, speakers, and mouse, waiting for us to take it to a computer recycling center.  My trusty Mac lap-top remains, faithful and ready for those rare times I actually use it now.

My ipad is now my companion wherever I go.  I won't go into all the ways it has literally changed the way I do so many things now.  That would be a blog post of it's own.  Here, I want to let you know about an app that I discovered called Zinio.  I found out about Zinio when I was at my local library a week ago, waiting to pick up my pizza from across the street.  I happened to see the brochure, picked it up, and the circulation desk person asked me what device I had.  Then she proceeded to tell me about how I can get FREE eMagazines.  The rest is history!

Zinio for libraries is a free online service that allows you to download free digital copies of your favorite magazines to your computer, tablet, or mobile device.  All you need is an up-to-date Library System card in good standing, and an email address.  Zinio is compatible with your PC, Mac, Apple, Android, Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD, Blackberry Playbook devices.  It is not compatible with Nook devices.

To get started, you must register for both a Public Library Zinio account through your library, AND a Zinio.com account.  Directions how to do this are available at the library, and it is very easy and quick.  I did it in just a few minutes, and have been enjoying about 12 of my favorite magazines right on my ipad, free!

Check it out at www.greecelibrary.org if you're from Greece, or at your library website, and get your Zinio account to start reading your eMagazines!  If you don't happen to live in Greece, not to worry.  Just contact your local library, and ask about Zinio for libraries.

If you are wondering, as I did, if you would enjoy viewing your magazines online as well as having the actual magazine in your hot little hands....well, I can honestly say that I am a convert.  I love not having the clutter of all the magazines around, having to recycle them or sending them to the landfills, and trying to keep my place when I have to put the magazine down.  Now, I just simply close the app, and when I come back, it's right where I left off.  I can even bookmark articles I want to come back to.  I can also put the magazine on my reading list, so I don't have to be online to read it when I'm not in a wi-fi area!  I think the thing I most enjoy is being able to click on links in the magazine and going to the websites for more information.  Also, using the coupons through my ipad at the stores!

Are you hooked yet?  If not, take a ride to your library and talk to them about it.  You will be glad you did!

Blessings,

lynda