What's New Part 2 - eBooks through OverDrive

Imagine being able to browse, sign out and read library books whenever you want, all without leaving the comfort of your own home. For a growing number of people, access to library books is really becoming this easy. If you have a Petawawa Public Library card, you can now borrow eBooks powered through OverDrive. These eBooks can be downloaded to compatible devices such as Sony, Nook and Kobo eReaders (plus others) as well as iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Android mobile devices!

The Basics …

Before you borrow OverDrive eBooks the first time, make sure you have your library card and PIN handy. (Visit the library to get your PIN if you don’t have one yet). You will also need to set aside time to download the free Adobe Digital Editions software to your computer in order to transfer titles to your eReader or take the time to install the free OverDrive Media Console app for your mobile device (iPad, Blackberry etc.).

NEW ...

OverDrive has just added a customized help feature on its main page. Just click on “My Help” on the left side of the OverDrive Download Centre page (under the Search box). Here, you will find easy to follow step-by-step instructions for downloading eBooks (and Audiobooks too) specific to your device.

Good to know …

If you are invited to “Place a hold” that means the title is not currently available. You will be notified by email when the book is available. It is also important to know that you are permitted to have only 5 books at once, including eBooks and Audiobooks.

We share the collection with other libraries in Ontario. To avoid the disappointment of picking titles showing as “unavailable”, click on “Advanced Search” (under the “Quick Search” box).  This opens another page where you can check the box at the bottom that says “Only show titles with copies available”.

When you wish to download an eBook, you will need to sign in by selecting the Petawawa Public Library first, and then entering your 14 digit library card number and PIN. You can also change the borrowing period from 7 to 14 days if you wish.

More help and information is available in a question and answer format here: Help - Policies and Procedures - Borrowing Help.

We hope you enjoy your eReading experience with OverDrive. Let us know if have any questions or great tips to share. Remember, this is all new to us too!

(OverDrive ebooks are brought to you by the Southern Ontario Library Service and Ontario Library Service - North. The support of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture is gratefully acknowledged).

Our next blog post will cover some our newest online resources.