Your public library is being gouged by Big Publishing, which has captured control of the e-book "marketplace".

Absurdly high prices and limitations are the result, with libraries forced to "buy" (license) ebooks over and over again at extortionate prices, leaving them with fewer resources for other important services.

To better understand what the publishers are doing, check out the excellent explainers from Library Futures.

https://www.ebooksforus.com/