eBooks & digital media FAQ

The basics

What is an eBook?

An eBook, short for "electronic book," is a book with text and images in digital form, that is read on computers or other devices, including smartphones and eReaders.

What is an eReader?

An eReader is a portable electronic device used to read books in digital form (eBooks). The Nook (Barnes & Noble) and Kindle (Amazon) are two examples of eReaders.

Does the Library have eBooks I can borrow, and where can I find them?

Yes, the Library has eBooks, eAudiobooks, music and videos that you can borrow and download to an eReader or other portable device.

Many of these materials are available through a subscription to Digital Downloads by OverDrive, an eBook distributor. We also link to some websites where you can find eBooks that are freely available for download.

We have music and interactive books for children (pre-K and K-12) that you can stream from your computer, too.

We have digital magazines that you can read on your computer or mobile device, through our subscription to Zinio.

Using Digital Downloads by Overdrive

What eReaders and other portable devices work with OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks?

The list of supported devices keeps growing! For the most current information, visit the OverDrive Device Resource Center.

Please note that Disney Digital Books are for use on desktop computers only and cannot be downloaded to an eReader or other portable device.

I have a Kindle. Can I read OverDrive eBooks on it?

Yes! You can borrow Kindle books to read on any generation Kindle device, the free Kindle Reading App (for iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry or Android Phone), or in your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.

Can I download OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks to my eReader or MP3 player using library computers?

Currently, OverDrive eBooks cannot be downloaded to your device using library computers due to software issues.

How do I get the OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks onto my device?

Before you start you will need your library card, Internet access and a computer or compatible device.

Kindle eBooks
  1. Check out a Kindle eBook.
  2. Click on "Get for Kindle." You will then be directed to Amazon.com. You may be required to login to your Amazon.com account (or create a new account) if you're not already logged in.
  3. Choose to read the book on your Kindle device, free Kindle Reading App, or Kindle Cloud Reader.

Note: An active Wi-Fi connection is required for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. If your Kindle device is not Wi-Fi capable or you do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, read Amazon's instructions for transferring files via USB.

Kindle eBooks published by Penguin

A recent decision by Penguin Group requires tethered delivery of Penguin eBooks to Kindle devices. These titles are designated on the Digital Downloads site with the notation "Use on: Kindle devices via USB only."

  1. Check out a Kindle eBook.
  2. Attach your Kindle to your computer with the Kindle USB cable.
  3. Click on "Get for Kindle." You will then be directed to Amazon.com. You may be required to login to your Amazon.com account (or create a new account) if you're not already logged in.
  4. Choose "Transfer via Computer" and click "Get for Kindle".
  5. Choose your device from the Deliver to menu and click "Continue." When prompted to open or save, click "Save." The title will transfer to your Kindle.
  6. Remove the USB cable from your device. Sync and check for items on your Kindle.

Need more help? Check out OverDrive's Getting Started with Amazon Kindle and Amazon's Public Library Books for Kindle.

Adobe EPUB and PDF eBooks
  1. Download and install free software
  2. Activate the software
  3. Check out, download and enjoy

Get step-by-step instructions, including a digital books tour at OverDrive Help.

Why do I need an Adobe ID for Adobe EPUB and PDF eBooks?

Authorizing with an Adobe ID allows you to download files to your computer or mobile device, and transfer files to eBook readers registered with the same Adobe ID.

How do I complete Adobe Activation?

First-time eBook users will be prompted to activate their computer or device. You will need to authorize the computer or device with an Adobe ID. If you do not have an Adobe ID:

  1. Create one on Adobe.com.
  2. Return to the software and authorize the computer or device with your new ID.

Get additional help with Adobe Authorization at OverDrive Help.

How can I get the Kindle Reading App?

Free Kindle Reading Apps for your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry and Android Phone are available for download from Amazon.com.

How many OverDrive eBooks can I check out at one time?

You may check out up to 10 titles at a time.

How long do I get to keep an OverDrive eBook once I have downloaded?

You may choose between a 7-day, 14-day or 21-day loan period.

Can I renew OverDrive eBooks?

Titles cannot be renewed, but you can check them out again if they are available when the checkout period ends.

How do I return my OverDrive eBook?

You do not have to return an OverDrive eBook at all. When your loan period is over, the eBook file will no longer work. You can then delete the file.

Can I return my OverDrive eBooks early if I want?

You can return eBooks and audiobooks before the end of the lending period using OverDrive Media Console's mobile app v2.3 (or newer) for Android, Blackberry and iPhone/iPad.

Adobe eBooks can also be returned early using Adobe Digital Editions.

  1. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
  2. Select the "Library View" icon (in the upper left corner).
  3. Under the "Bookshelves" heading, select "Borrowed."
  4. Click the eBook you want to return.
  5. Click the "Item Options" arrow (in the upper left corner of the selected eBook).
  6. Select "Return Borrowed Item."
  7. Click "Return" to verify that you want to return the title.

Kindle Books can be returned early from the Manage your Kindle page. Click on the "Actions" button for the title and select "return this book."

Due to publisher licensing agreements, Mobipocket titles and OverDrive formats cannot be returned early. They are automatically returned at the end of the lending period.

Using Zinio

What devices work with Zinio Digital Magazines?

Zinio supports Windows and Mac OS computers, as well as the major tablets and smartphones. For the most current information on supported devices, visit the Zinio FAQ.

How do I download digital magazines?

Before you start you will need your library card, Internet access and a computer or compatible device.

  1. Create your Zinio Library account.
  2. Activate and log in to your Zinio Library account.
  3. Select a magazine to check out.
  4. Create a Zinio.com account. (If you have an existing Zinio.com account, log in.)

Get complete instructions at Zinio Library Patron Setup Step-By-Step. Or, view the How to Use Zinio Video.

Why do I need two accounts?

The first account is associated with your library card and grants you access to the collection of magazines the Library has purchased. The second account is associated with Zinio and allows you to read and manage the digital magazines you check out, even when you're not connected to the Internet.

How do I read the digital magazines I've downloaded?

On a Windows and Mac OS computer connected to the Internet, you can read the digital magazines in any Web browser with Adobe Flash installed. To access your digital magazines when not connected to the Internet, you may download the Zinio Reader.

For tablets and smartphones, you may download a Zinio Reader app that allows you to read your digital magazines whether you are connected to the Internet or not.

How many Zinio digital magazines can I download at one time?

There are no borrowing limits.

How long do I get to keep a Zinio digital magazine once I have downloaded?

There is no time limit; you may access the magazines you download indefinitely.

More about eReaders and MP3 players

Does the Library have eReaders and MP3 players I can check out?

No, the Library does not lend eReaders at this time.

I want to purchase an eReader, tablet computer or MP3 player. Where can I find product reviews?

ConsumerReports.org has eBook reader, MP3 player and tablet computer ratings, with comparisons of features and specs. CNet contains reviews of eReaders, MP3 players and tablets.

I just purchased an eReader, tablet computer or MP3 player. Where can I find help getting started with it?

Many popular eBook readers, tablet computers or MP3 players have helpful tutorials and information for getting started online.