Overdrive lesson for low vision users

Welcome to the Next Generation of your library’s digital collection

 

We’ve made it faster and more intuitive to connect you to the books you love. The steps below are designed to answer your questions and help you get acquainted with the new experience.

How to find a title to borrow

From the homepage, there are several ways for you to find a title to enjoy.

1. Select a cover image from any of the lists.
   
   
2. Click a link from the Menu.
   
   
3. Search for something you want.
   
   

You can quickly tell which titles are available and which ones you can place on hold by the format icon in the top-right corner of a cover image. If a title isn’t available, the icon will be greyed out. 

How borrowing works

Borrowing and reading titles is much easier. It takes only a few seconds to find a title and start reading. Accessing any borrowed title from your Bookshelf only requires a few clicks or taps. 

• eBooks: Click Borrow to check out a title (if you’re not signed in, you’ll be prompted to do so). You’ll be taken to your Bookshelf on your Account page, where you can begin reading the title in your browser or choose a download format. 
  
  
• Additional formats (your library may offer audiobooks, video, or music): Select the title you want, click (or tap) Borrow, then download it from your Bookshelf. 
  
  
  
  Note: To download additional formats, you'll need to install OverDrive Media Console or Adobe Digital Editions.

Getting started with OverDrive Read (browser-based eBook reader)

OverDrive Read is a new in-browser eBook reader. It works just like any eBook reading app, except you don’t need to activate or install extra software.

What do I need to begin? All you need is a computer, tablet, or mobile device with a modern web browser. If you’d like to learn more about compatibility, please check out the OverDrive Read website.

For the best user experience, we recommend using Google Chrome for OverDrive Read.

If you’re using Internet Explorer, you may need to install the Google Chrome Frame plugin. It’s free software that installs in moments. If you need the Chrome plugin, you will be prompted when you try to open an eBook. If you cannot install the plugin, you can opt to use OverDrive Read Basic instead, a reduced-feature version of OverDrive Read.

How does OverDrive Read work? Once you’ve borrowed a title, click the Read button next to a supported eBook on your bookshelf to open it in a new tab or window. For more on how to use OverDrive Read, check out our help site for a more detailed guide.

Other Notes

• From your Account page, you can view your Holds, Lists (Wish List, Rated titles, and Recommendations for you), and change your lending period(s) from the Settings page.
• Click the ribbon below a title to add or remove it from your Wish List. 
  
  
• The Menu bar is available from any page—just click the icon to expand or collapse it.
  
  
• You can drill down search results by subject, rating, language, and more.

Note: If you’re using Internet Explorer, you may need to download the Google Chrome Frame Plug-in. It’s free and only takes moments to install. If you cannot install the plug-in, you can opt to use OverDrive Read Basic instead, a reduced-feature version of OverDrive Read.