eBooks

Library to Go eBooks

What is Library to Go?

Library to Go is a service provided to BC libraries through a consortium organized by the BC Public Library Services Branch.  A committee of librarians from participating BC public libraries chooses the titles. Choose from a growing collection of over 15,000 ebooks for kids, teens and adults in English or Chinese, available in Adobe EPUB eBook, Adobe PDF eBook and Mobipocket eBook formats.

What devices can ebooks be downloaded to using Library to Go?

Compatible devices include Sony reader, Kobo reader, Nook reader, your personal computer, and iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.  Check the Library Compatible eBook Devices printable handout for a list, or see the OverDrive Device Resource Center for even more detail.  Library to Go is not compatible with the Kindle reader.

Which ebook formats are best for what devices?

Adobe EPUB eBook, Adobe PDF eBook and Mobipocket eBook formats are explained on OverDrive’s main Help page. The additional software required to read these formats is also explained there, with download links. In general, Adobe EPUB format is used across the largest range of different ebook reader devices and is becoming the most prominent format.

How do I get an ebook onto my device?

For complete instructions, refer to Library to Go’s Help – Quick Start Guide.  As detailed in this guide, you will need to download, install and activate free software, and then you will be able to check out, download and read.  

For Kobo readers and most other ebook readers, see Greater Victoria Public Library’s Online Tutorials:  Preparing your computer to download ebooks from Library to Go  and Downloading ebooks from Library to Go.

Can I download an eBook to a Kobo I have borrowed from the library?

We hope you will consider this! You can visit our 'Library To Go' catalogue to review ebook titles for download and transfer. HOWEVER, if you download any titles from our Overdrive catalogue, the current tiles purchased and provided by the Library will be erased during that process, in which case you will not have access to them. In order to transfer downloaded ebooks to your Kobo, you require:

• Adobe Digital Editions installed and authorized on your PC or Mac first
• The KOBO eReader authorized for use with Adobe Digital Editions.

What are the borrowing policies such as how many books can I have at once, and how long can I keep them?

For complete information about Library to Go’s borrowing policies, see Help – Policies & Procedures – Borrowing Help.

It looks like there are long waits for most of the ebooks. Why?

Just like with traditional books, the library purchases each copy (or in the case of ebooks, licenses the rights to each copy), so that the writers and publishers are fairly compensated for their work.  BC’s libraries maintain a commitment to purchasing more copies of popular items and will add extra copies for titles with long waits.

In the meantime, consider browsing from what is currently available. 

• On the main Library to Go page, look for the Basic Search box
• Click on the “Expanded Search” option
• Leave all search criteria blank except for Format
• Using the Format drop down menu, choose the best format for your device: Adobe EPUB eBook, Adobe PDF eBook or Mobipocket eBook (most devices use Adobe EPUB eBook)
• Select “only show titles with copies available”
• Click the “Go” button to start the search
• All the titles returned will be available to you right now

Tumblebooks eBooks

What is Tumblebooks?

Tumblebooks  began as a database of animated picture books for children and soon expanded to novels and plays, including classics, with sound, music and narration.  While the ebooks can be read online, they can also be listened to as they are read aloud. They are not downloadable to devices.

What is the difference between Tumblebooks and TumbleReadables?

TumbleReadables is the ebook component of Tumblebooks.  It is an online collection of read-along titles for elementary, middle and high school students which features adjustable online text and complete audio narration.  Sentences are highlighted as they are read, and the pages turn automatically.  The collection includes chapter books, early readers, teen novels, classics of American and English literature and more. 

Do I need any special equipment or device?

Yes, TumbleReadables require Adobe Flash Player.