Ebook FAQs
What do I need to borrow ebooks/eaudiobooks? You need a valid Lebanon County Library card, a computer or smart phone, and something to use to read or listen to books (computer, Kindle, Nook, iPod, etc.).
What format ebook should I download? There are three types of e-book formats: Kindle, epub, and pdf.
iPad, Kindle Fire, Samsung Tablet, Mobile Phone Users: You can choose Kindle or Epub format, depending on which app you prefer. You have a choice of downloading the Kindle app or the Overdrive Media app. (more info)
Kindle Users: Choose Kindle format (more info).
Nook, Sony, Kobo, and other e-Readers: Choose Epub Format (more info)
Why won’t some Kindle books download directly to my device anymore? Beginning Feb. 10, 2012, Penguin books are no longer available for direct download via Amazon’s Whispersync for Kindle. The decision was made by Penguin and is a result of publisher issues with agreements between Amazon and Overdrive. Our libraries have no control this. You may still borrow these books, but will have to load them to your e-reader via a USB connection. Kindle Fire users can download the books in ebpub format. Contact us for more information.
Why aren’t some of my favorite authors or titles on the eLibrary? Some publishing companies are not allowing content to be loaned. These include: Simon & Schuster, MacMillan, and most recently, Penguin Books.
How many ebooks/eaudiobooks may be borrowed at one time? 3
How long are ebooks/eaudiobooks checked out for? The default lending period is 14 days, however you may choose to borrow for 7, 14, or 21 days.
Holds: How many ebooks/eaudiobooks can I have on hold at a time? 5
Important note about Holds: You will be notified by email when your book is available. Please be sure to check your spam mail. Once you receive the notice, add the email address to your whitelist. You will have three days to claim your hold.
Returns: Can I return an item before its due date? It is possible to return an ebook early, but the procedure varies by device. If you have downloaded your book to Adobe Digital Editions in epub format (this would be the case for Nook and Sony users), you can return the item from Adobe Digital Editions by clicking “return to library” in the upper left corner of the book icon. To return a Kindle book early, log into your Amazon account, go to “Manage Your Kindle,” and choose “return” from the drop-down menu to the right of the item.
Returns: How are books returned? Books will automatically expire on their due date. They will not disappear completely from devices, but you will be unable to open them. Or, you can return an item early if your device allows.
Are there overdue fines? No.
What devices can be used? For an up-to-date list, visit http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/
How many ebooks/eaudiobooks can I have in my cart at a time? 5
How long do ebooks/eaudiobooks remain in my cart? 30 minutes.
If I borrow an ebook a second time, will my bookmarks still be there from the first time I borrowed it? For Kindle books, yes. For other devices, no.
Can I borrow ebooks/eaudiobooks if I have overdue print books from the library? No.
For more answers, visit Overdrive’s FAQ page.