E-Book Information and Resources
Demystifying eReading
The typical method for getting library books onto dedicated eReaders is to download the book to a personal computer, connect the eReader to the computer (with a cord that comes with the eReader) and transfer the book from the computer to the reader. However, there are currently two exceptions to this method. One exception is the Kindle eReader with Wi-Fi, which allows for searching for a book on any computer, public or personal, and then delivering the book wirelessly to the Kindle reader.* The other exception is the new Sony Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T1 eReader where the entire process is accomplished directly on the reader, no computer necessary.
Once you get into other types of devices, multi-use devices like tablets or phones, the process of getting a library book involves installing an “app” on the device, which provides an interface to look for a book in the library’s collection, download it and read it. In order to get an app, you need to have access on your device to an “app market” that has the particular app that you need, specifically the OverDrive Media Console app or the Kindle app. It is not impossible to get an app without access to a market that has it, but it is a little more convoluted. There are two tutorials below that demonstrate how to get an app when you don't have access to the market, namely the Pandigital tutorial and the Philadelphia Inquirer Arnova tablet tutorial.
*A recent decision by Penguin Group requires a tethered delivery of Penguin eBooks to the Kindle or to devices that have the Kindle app.
If you are undecided about the type of device you want to get, please view the eReading and eReader Basics tutorial below.
One other thing to be aware of is that there are three basic formats of eBooks that the library loans, the ePub format, the PDF format and Kindle books. The ePub and PDF formats are not able to be read on any Kindle device. Kindle devices can only read Kindle books. Non-Kindle eReaders cannot read Kindle books. Multi-use devices that have a Kindle app installed on them can read Kindle books. They can also read ePub books through the use of the OverDrive Media Console app.
Tutorials
 | eReading and eReader BasicsUse this tutorial to learn more about eReading technology and to help decide what type of device you may like to use for eReading. |
Non-Kindle eReaders
These readers require the use of a personal computer and involve a tethered transfer to the device.  | Kobo Touch |
 | Nook Simple Touch |
 | Nook |
 | Sony Daily Reader(PRS950) |
Sony Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T1
This dedicated eReader is in a class of its own as it does not require a computer in order to look for and borrow library eBooks. Everything happens right on the reader. This reader cannot read Kindle books.  | Sony Reader WiFi(PRS-T1) |
Kindle eReaders
The Kindle requires the use of a computer (but it does not have to be your computer) and a wireless connection to get library books. The Kindle Fire does not require a computer. The Kindle Fire, which has some tablet capabilities, is able to read ePubs if the user installs the OverDrive Media Console app.  | Kindle (with Wi-fi) |
 | Kindle Fire |
Multi-use devices utilizing the OverDrive Media Console app
 | Apple iPad2 |
 | Pandigital Novel (White) |
 | Philadelphia Inquirer Android |
 | Android Phone |
Multi-use devices utilizing the Kindle app
| Apple iPad2 |
| Android Phone |
How to Use the OverDrive Website
to Search for eBooks and Manage Your Library Digital Account
Using OverDrive
How to Download Adobe Digital Editions and Get an Adobe ID
Using Adobe Digital Editions
Help@OverDrive
Guided Tour
Supported Devices
OverDrive Help