We are currently experiencing an interruption to our pilot downloadable content integration service. To check out, manage holds, and download eBooks or downloadable audio, please visit our OverDrive catalog directly.
If you have never checked out and downloaded eBooks, audio, or video from the Boston Public Library before, please read the OverDrive Quick Start Guide to learn the basics and get any software that you may need.
If you have checked out and downloaded digital items before, you can now use our:
- online catalog to find and download eBooks and other media directly, and see what digital items you have checked out and on hold
- OverDrive site to search for eBooks by format (Kindle vs. ePub, WMA vs. MP3) and to browse new digital titles
Improved Access to eBooks and digital content in the BPL Online Catalog
In January 2012, a new feature was added to the Boston Public Library's online catalog — eBooks and other downloadable media can now be checked out and downloaded right from the main BPL catalog. Read more about it in the FAQ below, watch a video showing the new features, or visit the BPL's online catalog help center for assistance.
What's changing?
- Now, when a downloadable item appears in search results, the link to the resource says Request this Title. Once the hold is placed, the link is replaced with either a Download Now button (if the title is currently available), or a Cancel Hold link (if it can't currently be downloaded).
- The Download Now button stays in search results, even if the title has been downloaded, so it can be downloaded again.
- You'll be able to see all of the digital items you have checked out or on hold, along with the physical books, CDs and DVDs you have.
- You can also watch a video showing all the changes and new features.
Why are we changing things?
- To make it easier to request eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and downloadable video. You can place holds on titles you want without having to go to a separate site and log in a second time. We’ve tried to simplify the process and reduce the number of steps required.
- To simplify account management. Your holds and checked out items appear with other items currently requested or on loan. You don’t have to log in to a separate account see what you’ve got on hold.
Why would I ever need to go to the OverDrive site again?
There are three main reasons:
- At this time, you can’t search by specific formats (Kindle vs. ePub, WMA vs. MP3) directly through the online catalog. If you want to limit searches to only a particular format, you still need to use the OverDrive search.
- Help and troubleshooting. There is basic help for searching and downloading available directly through the catalog, but device-specific help and lists of supported devices are still best seen on the OverDrive site.
- To download the software you may need to view or listen to downloadable media.
Do I still need to download software?
Yes. Audiobooks, audio files and videos still need to be accessed first through OverDrive Media Console. ePub books still need to be accessed via Adobe Digital Editions. This software must be downloaded from the OverDrive site. Kindle users do not need to download any additional software; this is not a change.
Can I download items at the library?
Borrowing eBooks and downloadables requires the installation of software that associates the loan with your computer or other device. For this reason, you must download using your personal computer instead of a shared library computer.
How do I place a hold?
For eBook, downloadable audiobook and downloadable video titles, placing a hold works the same way it does for other media. There’s just one additional step: selecting a media format and borrowing duration.
From Search Results
- Search for the title, author, or subject you're interested in.
- When you find a title you want to borrow, click the Request this Title link.
- If the title is available, select the media type you want, if more than one format is available. For example, an eBook may be available as in both Kindle and Adobe formats. Select the loan period. Click Checkout. (For more information about formats, please see the Overdrive Help Center.)
- If the title is not currently available, enter your email address, and then click Place a Hold.
- If the title is available, the Request this Title link changes to a Download Now button. Click the button to download the file immediately. You can also download it later if you prefer.
From the Item Page
On an item's page, the Click here to download link has been replaced with a Request this Title link. Clicking the button enables you to either request and download the title immediately, or place it on hold and be notified when it’s available.
If the title is available now, a Download Now button appears after the request has been made. If it isn’t, and the patron places the hold anyway, a Cancel Hold button appears until the item becomes available.
How do I see what I have on hold?
Now, all of your Holds are visible on your Holds page and can be managed in the same way. Once an item becomes available, a Ready for Checkout link appears so the format and loan duration can be selected. When this is done, the item moves to the Checked Out page, whether or not the file has been downloaded.
The number of digital holds you can still place is shown at the top of the page.
Can I cancel a hold on a digital item?
Yes! Holds on digital items can be cancelled the same way you cancel a hold on a book or DVD, as long as the item has not yet been checked out. However, you cannot suspend a Hold.
How will I be notified once my items are available to download?
You will still receive an email when a title is available to download, just as you have in the past.
Can downloaded items be returned like other items?
No, most downloadable materials cannot be actively returned. For more information, please see the OverDrive help center.
How do I see what I have checked out?
Like the Holds page, the Checked Out page now shows both physical and downloadable items. For downloadable items, the Download Now button appears whether or not the file has already been downloaded. The file type and size are also included in the display. The number of digital checkouts you can still place is shown at the top of the page.
Can I renew my ebooks or downloadable audio/video?
No, digital files cannot be renewed. However, once your item has been 'returned' and you can no longer access it, you can check it out again or place it on hold if there are no copies available right now. The Renew button is there to renew your other books, CDs and DVDs.
