eBooks

eBooks & Audiobooks 101

People who have a Saugerties Public Library card can now check out ebooks & audiobooks through the Mid-Hudson Library System's OverDrive collection. Below, you will see a summary of the steps for using ebooks and audiobooks on a specific devices, the detailed steps appear below the lists. Steps for Authorizing your device and Returning books early also appear in the list of steps.

PCs

Macs

Kindles

Other eReaders

Mobile Devices

Steps:

  • Install
  • Visit
  • Check out
  • Download
  • Enjoy!
    		•

    Steps:

  • Install
  • Visit
  • Check out
  • Download
  • Enjoy!
    		•

    Steps:

  • Visit
  • Check out
  • Transfer
  • Enjoy!
    		•

    Steps:

  • Install
  • Visit
  • Check out
  • Download
  • Transfer
  • Enjoy!
    		•

    Steps:

  • Install
  • Visit
  • Check out
  • Download
  • Enjoy!
    		•

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are the steps in detail:

    • Install Adobe Digital Editions for ebooks, OverDrive Media Console for audiobooks on your computer. OverDrive Media Console is also available as an app for mobile devices. Kindle Books can be read on mobile devices via the Kindle Reading App which requires a computer to transfer. Mobile devices may require software in addition to the OverDrive Media Console software, like iTunes for ipods. For more information about specific devices, try using the OverDrive My Help! page. It will ask you what you want to do and what device you are using. It will then tell you the correct steps to set up your device and computer properly.
    • Visit the library's OverDrive collection and browse or search for the titles you want. We know it can be frustrating if you cannot find or check out a title you want. Here are some tips:

      • ALWAYS check the availability of an item. eBooks and audiobooks are checked out just like regular books and become unavailable. Bestsellers are the first to go. If an item is on your must read list, opt to join the waiting list and you will be notified when the item is available.
      • An advanced search is often more convenient. Remember to choose the format(s) your device supports from the format dropdown box and consider clicking the "Only show titles with copies available" box. The easiest way to narrow your search is by entering an author's name, keyword, or selecting a subject.
      • Don't give up! Try an advanced subject search for mystery, historical fiction, cooking & food, or other things you are interested in. Try reading something by an author you have not read yet. The library staff keeps a list of similar authors at the information desk and we would be glad to give you suggestions over the phone. Check out the collection of classics ebooks which are always available.

    • Check out items for 7 days or 14 days. Our card holders have a maximum of 3 items they may check out at one time.

      To check out an item, click "add to cart" next to the format your device supports (on the OverDrive search results page or item record page linked from the MHLS Catalog). Your cart will load. From your cart, click the "Proceed to Checkout" link below your items. If you have not signed in yet, sign in with your library card barcode and PIN (usually the first 4 letters of your last name). Review the information for items you are about to check out and select the lending period you desire with the dropdown box. Click the "Confirm Check Out" button at the bottom. The item(s) will now appear on the "My Checked Out Items" page under "My Account."

    • Download the ebook or audiobook to your computer or ereader. To download items, go to "My Account" on the OverDrive page, sign in with your library card barcode and PIN (usually the first four letter of your last name). Click the "My Checked Out Items" page in "My Account". Click the "download" button next to the item you wish to download. OverDrive Media Console or Adobe Digital Editions should open automatically and start the download.

    • Transfer to ereaders and mobile devices using Adobe Digital Editions or OverDrive Media Console while the device is plugged in. Once you have downloaded an item, the Adobe Digital Editions program or Overdrive Media Console program should open automatically. If your ereader is plugged in it should appear as a library in Adobe Digital Editions and you may drag and drop the ebook icon into your device's library. Your MP3 player or mobile device should appear in Overdrive Media Console from which you can send the audiobook you just checked out and downloaded to the desired device. For mobile devices including smartphones, installing the OverDrive Media Console app will allow you to download ebooks and audiobooks directly to your device.

      Kindle users must register their kindles at the Amazon website after logging in with their account information. Transfer by clicking the "get for Kindle" buton on the "My Checked Out Items" page under "My Account" on the OverDrive page. You will be prompted to log into your Amazon account to transfer books to your devices or Kindle Reading Apps. After you log in, press "Get library book" button and pick te device or app you want to transfer to. Kindle users can transfer over wireless connections in their home or at the library as well.

    • Enjoy the ebooks or audiobooks on your computer or device. For your convenience, you may transfer items to several devices. See Transfer instructions above.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Click a question from the list below to read the answer:

    Where do I get ebooks and audiobooks?

    • eBooks and audiobooks are checked out on the OverDrive website here.

    What do I need to check out ebooks and audiobooks?

    Which ereaders can display library ebooks and audiobooks?

    • Click here for the full list of compatible devices
    • Windows desktop and laptop computers
    • Mac desktop and laptop computers
    • Android
    • BlackBerry
    • iPhone / iPad / iPod touch
    • Windows Phone 7
    • Sony Reader
    • NOOK
    • Kobo eReader
    • Amazon Kindle
    • Pandigital Novel

    What is the difference between PDFs and EPUBs?

    • PDFs are formatted like traditional books, the text is divided into pages with set dimensions. EPUBs do not have traditional pages. The text of EPUBs fills to fit the screen.

    What is the difference between MP3s and WMAs?

    • WMAs and MP3s are both kinds of audiobook files. WMAs are smaller files that maintain the same quality as MP3 files. WMA files are more often protected by Digital Rights and therefore cannot be transferred or shared as easily. MP3s are much more widely compatible with different kinds of devices.

    Do I need a computer to check out ebooks and audiobooks?

    • If you have a device that can access the internet, you just need to got to the OverDrive page to check out items.

    Do I need a computer to download and transfer ebooks and audiobooks to ereaders?

    • If you are using an ereader, a computer is required to download and transfer the files.
    • If you are using a mobile device, like a smartphone, you can download apps which allow you to download and read or listen to items without a computer.

    What is Adobe Digital Editions and where can I download it?

    • Adobe Digital Editions is the free software OverDrive uses to let you read ebooks you have checked out from the library on your computer. Adobe Digital Editions is also used to transfer the ebooks you have checked out to your ereader. You can download Adobe Digital Editions for free here.

    What is OverDrive Media Console and where can I download it?

    • OverDrive Media Console is the free software OverDrive uses to let you listen to audiobooks you have checked out from the library on your computer. OverDrive Media Console is also used to transfer the audiobooks you have checked out to your MP3 player or mobile device. There is an Overdrive Media Console App which can be installed for free from the App store or market on most mobile devices. You can download OverDrive Media Console for free here.

    For how long can I check out ebooks and audiobooks?

    • Items can be checked out for 7 days or 14 days, you pick the length on the checkout screen.

    How many ebooks and audiobooks can I check out?

    • You can check out up to 3 items at one time.

    Can I renew ebooks and audiobooks?

    • No, but if there is no one on the waiting list, you can check out the items again as soon as they are returned.

    How do I return ebooks and audiobooks?

    • eBooks and audiobooks return automatically after the 7 or 14 day period. eBooks can be returned early, audiobooks cannot except on Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phones. When an ebook or audiobook is returned, the file changes so that it cannot be read but it must be deleted manually off of your computer and your ereader after it has expired.

    Can I return ebooks or audiobooks early?

    • Yes for ebooks. You can return audiobooks early if you are using Android, Blackberry, and Windows phones.
    • Just deleting the file will not return it. The Adobe Digital Editions interface allows users to return ebooks early. To do this, in the library view, click on the small gray arrow to the left of the title. A dropdown box will appear. Select “Return Borrowed Item” and confirm by clicking “Return”. Kindle users can return ebooks early by clicking the “Actions…” button next to the item you wish to return in the “Manage Your Kindle” library list.
    • Now patrons can return audiobooks early with the release of OverDrive Media Console app for v2.4 for Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone.

    How do I know if an ebook or audiobook is available for me to check out?

    • Every record for ebooks and audiobooks in OverDrive has availability information right above the Format Information towards the top of the record. You can also see the number of available copies on search results pages next to the item immediately below the description.
    • Alternatively, if you have joined the waiting list for an item, you will get an email notification when it becomes available for you. you will have 72 hours to check out the item before it moves on to the next patron.

    Why are ebooks and audiobooks not always available from the library?

    • Publishers put restrictions on ebooks and audiobooks which do not allow library users to check out the same copy at the same time. The library system attempts to purchase access to more than one copy of items in high demand so that library users do not have to wait as long for them.

    Can I put ebooks and audiobooks on hold?

    • Yes, items can be put on hold. To do this, from the OverDrive search results page or item record, click "join the waiting list" for the format you want, sign in with your library card barcode and PIN, then enter your email address. You will be notified by email when the item is available for you to check out.

    Where can I see which ebooks and audiobooks I have checked out now?

    • Your currently checked out items can be found on the "My Checked Out Items" page under "My Account" on the OverDrive page.

    How Do I authorize my version of Adobe Digital Editions or OverDrive Media Console?

    • Authorize Adobe Digital Editions and/or OverDrive Media Console by getting an Adobe ID from here and then inputting the ID and password in the "authorize" page of the Adobe Digital Editions software and the OverDrive Media Console app. This authorization process prevents library users from being able to download books from any computer but their own, however library staff can assist with the checkout process if you have any questions. For Kindle users, you will need an Amazon account to send books to your computers/devices instead of this authorized software and you will also need to .

    What is an Adobe ID and where can I get one?

    • An Adobe ID is a username (usually your email address) and password that you create when you sign up for a free Adobe account. It is used to authorize your computer and ereader so only your devices can access the books you check out and download. If your software asks you to authorize it with an Adobe ID you can register for a free Adobe ID here by clicking on "Create an Adobe Account".

    Is there a record of the digital books that I have taken out?

    • There is no option yet to “opt in” to your reading history like we have in the MHLS Catalog. If you rate a title, it will be kept in a list for you which you can access from the “My Account” page after signing in with your library card barcode and PIN. As far as the library is concerned, you are the only one with access to these records unless you give your information to someone else.

    • Alternative answer: Yes, a record may be kept by companies. If you transfer an OverDrive book to any device, a company associated with that device may track, save, and distribute your library digital borrowing history. This has been noted with Kindles especially. These third party companies that track your library lending history violate a fundamental concept of library lending in the United States, the idea of intellectual freedom which basically states that anyone should be allowed to read anything they want without consequences. Companies use your information to send you targeted advertising based on your library borrowing history which the library does not endorse. The data may also be provided to other third party companies or law enforcement agencies without your consent. The library, creates records of your history expressly for your personal use. There is also a copy kept for library records which we will secure as much as we are able from thrid parties. Keep this in mind when you consider borrowing digital books from the library.

      • Please review account privacy policies before agreeing to them. Here is a list of some relevant ones for OverDrive lending:

      Where else can I get free ebooks and audiobooks?


      This information has been created by a librarian at Saugerties Public Library for instructional purposes. It applies to MHLS card holders using OverDrive. The library is not responsible for the use or maintenance of OverDrive. The library does not guarantee that every device will be able to use OverDrive services. The Saugerties Public Library does not endorse any book retailor or ereader vendor.

      Last updated 05/12

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