LET'S DICUSS: E-BOOK/AUDIOBOOK RESOURCES PT. 1
Ok so I'm going to talk about some of my favorite resources (me, being a broke 20-something with a reading problem). This is - your local library. Specifically- your local library's digital stacks. Since I assume most of the people looking at this blog are from North Carolina I'll be writing about what I know is available in both the library system I work in- as well as the neighboring library systems. Also trust, I know that the library may be closed. Many are still doing cards however. Just call and ask for the information on how to get a card- you may have to get a digital only card via the phone but hey it's SOMETHING. ALSO- a lot of these resources are also available in other library systems. I'll also be discussing a resource you can access with no library card. This is part one of a resource list which I'll add to as I research more. Cool? Cool. Let's start.
1. Overdrive.
Overdrive is one of my favorite resources my library offers. In fact, I think many libraries in the US offer overdrive. I've researched it for friends out of state before and they've all had the ability to access. The first thing you need is a library card. Check your library's home page for a tab to digital resources, or just type in your library system's name and "digital library" into google.
Overdrive from there is pretty simple. In North Carolina (using my library) the web page looks likes this:
Overdrive from there is pretty simple. In North Carolina (using my library) the web page looks likes this:
This is the same for every library in NC. After this you simply sign in by selecting your library and typing in your library card number. For some libraries you'll need a PIN. It's usually one you made up yourself, your birth date, or the last four of your phone number. If you're unsure of what your PIN is, contact your library. After you're in you can search books by genre, availability, popularity, kindle compatibility, or format. If a book is currently in use you can put it on hold and it will be automatically put into your account when it is free. You can place 6 books on loan at a time, and place 6 holds at a time per card.
1a. Libby
Libby is an app on your phone you can use to also access the Overdrive digital library. This is recommended for public library users. You can put multiple library cards in at one time, listen to audiobooks off your phone, read off your phone, or send books to your kindle app from Libby! I have a few library cards so I generally search on here for books since it's easier to switch between them.
You can find Libby via the app store/google play under the name Libby, by Overdrive. Download it and start reading!
You can find Libby via the app store/google play under the name Libby, by Overdrive. Download it and start reading!
Libby icon in app store
2. Hoopla
Hoopla is, well, kind of weird. It's another website you need your library card for, though in the case of my library, Hoopla is a partner but not something we can help you with if there's a problem. I personally usually use Hoopla for audio books. I'm not a fan of their user interface when it comes to reading. The advantage of Hoopla, however, is that you don't have to wait for books to be available. Hoopla works like this: you get a certain amount of items you can check out a month, even if you return these items before the month is up, it still counts against you. It's not my favorite but I can usually find things on there that are either on hold on Overdrive because they are so popular or things that are out of the way that aren't on Overdrive. The user interface isn't as great but I do think this is a solid back up plan. Also, Hoopla works with an email and password so be sure the email you use is one that you will always have access to.
Hoopla webpage
3. Internet Archive (Open Library)
The Internet Archive is an extremely valuable resource and you don't need a library card for this one! It's usually my last resort when what I want is not available via Overdrive or Hoopla. This is not because it's worse, it's just because I am only able to access it via my computer. I've tried apps before for it but haven't found any to be useful. Internet Archive itself is easy and free to sign up for, boasts a massive library of not only books but also podcasts, radio interviews, films, music, and so much more. This is where I go to find something more obscure. This is where I go if a book I want is checked out. You can check things out for up to 14 days (currently) and may only occasionally need to place things on hold. There's no monthly limit, and you are not required to be a library patron to sign up!
Internet Archive web page
Here is the web page for Open Library via the archive.
Links:
Hoopla Digital: https://www.hoopladigital.com/help
Open Library via Internet Archive: https://openlibrary.org/
Internet Archive: https://archive.org/
Special thanks to High Point Public Library for info on both Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby
High Point Public Library Digital Resources: https://www.highpointnc.gov/962/Downloadable-Titles
Comments
Post a Comment