[zolland]

What is the difference between me waiting for a single book at my library to be passed between 5 people, and me just reading it online?

[beermonster]

Presumably the library paid for their copy?

[Edit]

Also check out OverDrive / Libby

[bheadmaster]

The library would've paid for the copy regardless of whether or not the person actually borrowed the book - the act of borrowing itself makes no difference.