For avid readers, buying books can be expensive, while public libraries often have limited selections or long wait times. Digital alternatives like Kindle Unlimited don't offer the experience of physical books. One way to address this gap could be a subscription service that lets users rent physical books with the convenience of home delivery, combining the affordability of libraries with the flexibility of ownership.

How It Could Work

Users could pay a monthly fee to rent a set number of books at a time—say, 1 to 3, depending on their subscription level. Books would be shipped to their door with prepaid return labels, making the process hassle-free. Initially, the catalog might focus on popular titles, with plans to later expand into niche genres, rare books, or even textbooks. A digital rental option could also be introduced later to reduce shipping costs.

Potential revenue streams could include:

• Monthly subscription fees, priced between $10–25 depending on rental limits
• Late fees for overdue books
• Optional community features, like book clubs, for an additional fee

Advantages Over Existing Options

Unlike libraries, such a service could offer faster access to new releases with no waitlists. Unlike Kindle Unlimited, it would cater to readers who prefer physical copies. Previous attempts like BookSwim (a now-defunct book rental service) struggled with logistics, but this model could mitigate risks by starting with an eBook-focused MVP before scaling to physical rentals. Libraries remain a free alternative, so the service would need to provide unique perks—like expert curation, exclusive indie titles, or community engagement—to justify the cost.

Getting Started

A lean approach might begin with digital rentals to validate demand, then expand into physical deliveries once logistics are tested in a small region. Partnering with publishers or sourcing used books could keep initial inventory costs low. Pilot programs in dense urban areas could help refine shipping efficiency before a broader launch.

Ultimately, this idea hinges on making physical book access as easy and affordable as digital, while preserving what readers love about holding a real book. If executed carefully, it could fill a niche between traditional libraries and retail purchases.