If you have a smartphone or tablet, start there. What kind of devices can I read my library ebooks on? (You can add more than one library, too-as long as you have a library card for both.) What if I don’t have a library card?Īgain-all together now!-check with your local library.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, follow the instructions-search for your library, and then enter your card number and pin. (The Ottawa Public Library has a guide to using Kobos with cloudLibrary here.) If your library uses cloudLibrary, there’s an app that works with Android, iOs, Windows, Mac Os, and Kindle Fire Tablets. If your library uses OverDrive, you’ll need either the newer OverDrive app Libby, which I recommend, and which works with iOs or Android, or OverDrive, an older, more bare-bones app that works with both iOs and Android, as well as Chromebook, Windows 8 and 10 and the Kindle Fire HD ( Kobos come with OverDrive already installed other Kindles aren’t compatible with OverDrive). Yes-if you’re not using an ereader like a Kobo which has OverDrive built in (more on that in a sec), you’ll have to download an app on your smartphone or tablet in order to read all those ebooks.

(If you already use the library’s website to put books on hold, you should be all set if you haven’t used your library card in ages, try logging on through your library’s site directly first.) Do I need to download an app? To use either OverDrive or cloudLibrary you’ll need to know your library card number and pin. Others, including the Barrie Public Library, the Windsor Public Library, the Sudbury Public Library, the Oakville Public Library and the Thunder Bay Public Library use cloudLibrary. Many Canadian libraries use a service called OverDrive (which also includes graphic novels and audiobooks)-accessible via one of two apps, detailed below. The best place to start is with your local library’s website to find out what platform they use for eBook borrowing. Below, what you need to know to start checking out ebooks from your local library. But if you’re intimidated, I’m here to help. I’d checked out the odd ebook before, mostly while on vacation or to read on the subway, and making the switch was pretty simple. During the pandemic, when our local library was closed, I became well acquainted with the Toronto Public Library’s excellent collection of ebooks.

Get libby app on kindle paperwhite