eBooks: Using the OverDrive Website and Transferring to eReader

You Will Need

• An Internet connection
• A valid Santa Clara County Library District card and PIN.
• Adobe Digital Editions for Mac (for reading and transferring eBooks)
• Adobe Digital Editions for Windows 7 and Below (for downloading and transferring eBooks)
• Adobe Digital Editions for Windows 8 and 10 (for downloading and transferring eBooks)

How It Works

1. Access the Library's OverDrive collection on your computer.
2. Borrow a title (you'll need to sign in to complete this step).
3. After you borrow a title, you can choose to either:
   • Click Read now in browser to open OverDrive Read, or
   • Go to libbyapp.com, opens a new window in a browser to download EPUB or PDF eBooks to your computer (first, you'll need to install and authorize Adobe Digital Editions), then transfer them to a compatible eReader e.g. NOOK, Kobo, etc. Note, newer Kobo eReaders may already have OverDrive built into their device so you can borrow and download eBooks directly. See Libby Help, opens a new window for more directions.
   • Use the steps below to authorize Adobe Digital Editions.
     • If you aren't prompted to authorize Adobe Digital Editions for the first time you open it, go to Help > Authorize Computer.
     • Select OverDrive (recommended) or Adobe ID from the eBook Vendor drop-down menu.
     • Enter your email address (or Adobe ID) and password, then select Authorize. If you have difficulties with your Adobe ID, you can visit the Adobe website and sign in to manage your Adobe ID. If you forgot your Adobe ID, you can try resetting it from there. 
   • Use the steps below to transfer eBooks to your eReader:
     • Connect your eReader into your computer using a USB cable.
     • In Adobe Digital Edition, make sure you're in Library view. Your eReader should show up under Devices.You may need to accept a file-transfer prompt on your eReader in order for it to appear in Adobe Digital Editions.
     • Click on an eBook, then drag it to your device. Note: During the transfer process, your eReader will be automatically authorized with the same Adobe ID or OverDrive account you used on your computer.
     • Once the transfer is complete, you can disconnect your device and start reading.

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Additional Information

• The default lending period is 21 days.
• After receiving notification that a hold is available, you can:
  1. Borrow the title within 3 days.
  2. Choose "deliver later" and pass the book to the next person in line for a self-selected period. After the "deliver later" date, you will receive the next available copy.
  3. Cancel the hold.

Note, if you take no action during the hold pickup window, the "deliver after seven days" option will be automatically applied as a one-time courtesy. If you take no action a second time, your hold will be canceled. 

• After the lending period, the eBook will simply expire from your device.
• To manage your loans (return loan early or renew loan), visit the Shelf  to view and access all of your borrowed titles.
• No fines, no fees.
• 10 checkouts / 12 holds.
• To recommend items for the Libby App or the OverDrive website, please see our Suggestion for Purchase guide.