Does the iPad have book downloading and reading capability?

I was looking at Kindles at work today because we have just bought some for our library. I found the interface very frustrating and clunky; I kept wanting to just touch the screen and be able to zoom around like I do on my beloved iPhone. I was wondering if anyone knows if the iPad has a book access app and if not now, when? If you have a Kindle, are you happy with it?