The Library offers our customers downloadable audiobooks from two different services: Downloadable Ebooks from Overdrive and Always Available from Freading.
Thinking of buying an ereader or tablet? We've put together a comparison guide that identifies some of the devices that are compatible with the Library's downloadable services.
Need some help getting started? Check out our ebook tip sheet and the following resources:
Downloadable Ebooks from Overdrive
New additions to the Downloadables Collection!
- New Users Guide (ebooks)
- New Users Guide (Kindle)
- New Users Guide (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch)
- Searching for downloadable ebooks in our catalog
- Frequently-Asked Questions
Always Available Ebooks from Freading
Overdrive and Freading Ebooks Comparison Chart
| Details | Overdrive Ebooks | Freading Ebooks |
|---|---|---|
| What kind of materials are in the collection? | Adobe EPUB, Kindle, PDF, and Overdrive READ ebooks. | Adobe EPUB and PDF ebooks. |
| Is special software needed to download the ebooks to my computer? | Adobe Digital Editions is needed to download EPUB titles. Overdrive READ are browser-based ebooks. | Yes, Adobe Digital Editions |
| Can I download ebooks wirelessly to my smartphone or tablet with an app? |
Yes, using the Overdrive Media Console app
for iOS, Android, Kindle Fire/HD, Nook Color/Tablet, BlackBerry, and Windows 8 devices, or the Kindle reading app |
Yes, using the Freading app for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices. The app is not compatible with Nook tablets. |
| What devices are compatible with the collections? | The list of supported devices is available here. | The list of supported devices is available here |
| Will I need my library card? | Yes and your PIN. Your card must be in good standing. The Library now offers "Downloadable Only" library cards. | Yes and your PIN. The Library now offers "Downloadable Only" library cards. |
| How many titles can be checked out at a time? | 20 | Every Monday morning, you are given four tokens which are exchanged for downloads. Each ebook "costs" one, two, or four tokens. |
| How long is the loan period? | 7, 14, or 21 days | 14 days |
| Can I place holds on titles? | Yes, if a title is checked out, you must put your name on a waiting list for it | Freading ebooks are always available so you don't have to put holds on them |
| Can titles be renewed? |
Titles can be downloaded again if copies are available when your checkout expires |
Titles can be renewed once during the
original checkout period |
| Can I accumulate overdue fines? | Titles are returned automatically so no overdues | Titles are returned automatically so no overdues |