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.

Contents:

  1. Quick start
  2. Things you need
  3. Thinks you need to know
  4. Basic instructions
  5. Ask a librarian
  6. List of supported devices
  7. Frequently asked questions


If you are ready to begin Get Started Now!

Before you begin, there are things you need and things you need to know:

Things you need:

Ask a librarian if you may also need:

  • An Adobe ID which you can get here by clicking on "Create an Adobe Account."
  • A cord to connect your ereader or smartphone to your computer
  • Software to transfer your ebooks and audiobooks to your device
  • Personal login information like an Apple ID or Amazon account information to manage your device software
  • An email address to put items on hold

Things you need to know:

  • eBooks and audiobooks are checked out on the OverDrive website here.
  • You can check out up to 3 items at one time.
  • Items can be checked out for 7 days or 14 days, you pick the length on the checkout screen.
  • Books can be returned early, audiobooks can on specific devices. You can return audiobooks early with the release of OverDrive Media Console v2.4 for Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone. If you are not using an Android, Blackberry, or Windows Phone and you have 3 audiobooks checked out you will not be able to check out hold items if they become available.

Things you should know:

  • eBooks and audiobooks return automatically after the 7 or 14 day period. When an ebook or audiobook is returned, the file on the computer or device changes so it can no longer be read. This means that the file must be manually deleted from the device.
  • 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 and enter your email address.
  • You need a computer to transfer ebooks to ereaders. The computer and the ereader must be authorized with an Adobe ID in the Adobe Digital Editions program and the Overdrive Media Console app. For Kindle users, you will need an Amazon account to send books to your computers/devices and you will also need to register your kindle at the Amazon website instead of authorizing with an Adobe ID.
  • Items checked out in OverDrive do not appear in the library catalog "My Account" checked out items list. You must go to the OverDrive site to view currently checked out items.

Instructions for using library ebooks and audiobooks

Here are the basic steps.

  1. Install Adobe Digital Editions for ebooks, OverDrive Media Console for audiobooks on your computer. OverDrive Media Console is also available as an app for most mobile devices. Kindle Books can be read on mobile devices via the Kindle Reading App which requires a computer. Mobile devices may require software in addition to the OverDrive Media Console software.

    2. For more information, 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.

  2. 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 register your kindle at the Amazon website.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. It is possible to check out more than one item at once by putting them in your cart. Items stay in your cart for up to 30 minutes. 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."

  5. Download & Transfer the ebook or audiobook to your computer or ereader.

    To download items, go to the "My Checked Out Items" page under "My Account" on the OverDrive page. Click the "download" or "get for Kindle" button next to the item you wish to download.

    Transfer 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. Kindle users will be prompted to log in to their Amazon account to transfer books to your devices or Kindle Reading Apps. Kindle users can transfer over wireless connections in their home or at the library as well. For smartphones, installing the OverDrive Media Console app will allow you to download audiobooks directly.

  6. Enjoy the ebooks or audiobooks on your computer or device. For your convenience, you may transfer items to several devices.

  7. Return items. eBooks and audiobooks return automatically after the 7- or 14-day period. eBooks can be returned early, audiobooks can on specific devices. Card holders can return ebooks early through the Adobe Digital Editions interface and can return audiobooks early through the new OverDrive Media Console update for Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone. We are often asked what happens when an item 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. Just deleting the file will not return it.

Ask a librarian

If you need more help, come into the library and ask for Erin. If you cannot make it into the library or you think you can follow along over the phone, call 246-4317 and then choose extension 4 and ask for Erin. Erin is available Mon-Wed-Fri 10-6, and Tues-Thurs 11-8. If you have a device like an iPod, Nook, Sony Reader, Pandigital Novel, or other ereader, please bring your device and a laptop if you have one. A computer is needed to transfer library books to ereaders and some mobile devices. Kindle owners do not need to bring a laptop.

Selected list of supported 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

For a complete list of supported devices and to check which format(s) you can use click here then click the Ctrl and F keys at the same time to bring up the finder box. Type the name of your device into the box and it will look for the device on the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you do not see your question or it has not been answered above, please email Erin: ecassidyATsaugertiespubliclibraryDOTorg (don't forget to insert the appropriate symbols in the email address)

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 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. When an ebook or audiobook is returned, the file on the computer or device changes so it can no longer be read. This means that the file must be manually deleted from the device.

Can I return ebooks or audiobooks early?

  • Yes for ebooks. You can return audiobooks early if you are using Android, Blackberry, and Windows phones.
  • 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.

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 an app to get audiobooks on smartphones?

Is there an app to get Kindle Books on smartphones?

Where else can I get ebooks and audiobooks from?

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