Amazon has launched its new service that allows U.S. based Kindle users to borrow ebooks from 11,000 libraries across America. The service is now in the Beta testing stage in two libraries in Seattle and will eventually be available on other libraries in the U.S.

Amazon had announced the service earlier this year which will work just like any borrowing system in libraries. Users can bring their Kindle and their library card to any library and borrow ebooks. The ebooks won't have to be returned physically but will just expire after a set date determined by each library.

Users who don't want to go to their local libraries can borrow books by just downloading ebooks in their Kindle using a valid membership number on their libraries website. Books can be transferred through Wi-Fi or USB drive but not through 3G.

A useful feature called the Whispersync will allow users to save information such as notes and bookmarks to a borrowed title so that the user can use it if the book expires. The service is being supported by digital content distribution service OverDrive.

"Starting today, millions of Kindle customers can borrow Kindle books from their local libraries. Libraries are a critical part of our communities and we're excited to be making Kindle books available at more than 11,000 local libraries around the country," said Amazon Kindle director, Jay Marine.

Ebook lending is another step towards a more paperless existence as books become even more electronic. The new service could potentially change the nature of libraries for good but it's unlikely that libraries will disappear in the next few years.

For now ebook lending is limited to the U.S. as it requires the involvement of a separate company which is only marketed in the U.S. Other countries will have to work with similar companies to enable the service.

Amazon has also started renting textbooks using the Kindle and has claimed that it is selling more ebooks than physical books in the U.S. market. Amazon has also started a service that allows users to borrow ebooks from one another.