Search the Overdrive Collection
The library system has contracted with Overdrive, the largest provider of online content to public libraries, to make an eBook collection available to library system cardholders. The eBook collection provides access to books for all ages and reading needs. The library system’s eBook collection was initially funded by the Friends of the Library and has more recently been funded by grants and money donated to the library. Contact Library System Director Larry Koeninger if you are interested in making a donation towards the eBook collection.
Please note the following limits:
- Maximum checkouts allowed at one time: 5 (recently updated from 3)
- Maximum holds allowed at one time: 3
- Maximum checkout period: 21 days (recently updated from 14)
Not all titles available as eBooks are available for us to purchase from Overdrive. Also, many new releases such as new books and best sellers are not immediately available for us to purchase.
Searching & Downloading
You must have a valid library card and PIN to checkout and download eBooks. You can reset your PIN at any time in person at any library location.
Searching the Overdrive website is easy. Searches may be made for authors, titles, or subjects. Once a title is located in the catalog, the book may be downloaded to a computer or a portable device. Downloading to smart phones is even easier through 3G, 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi connections.
Overdrive supports iPod, iPhone, iPad, Android, Sony eReader, Nook, Kindle (US libraries only) and hundreds of other mobile devices. Library patrons can go to Overdrive’s help page to access additional information concerning compatible devices.
- How to Open eBooks Transferred to a NOOK (info from Overdrive)
- Borrowing and reading library eBooks with your NOOK (for NOOKs that do not use apps; info from Barnes & Noble)
- eBook How to Guide for Kindles (PDF)
- eBook How to Guide (PDF)
- eBook Cheat Sheet (PDF)
- Using Libby, the new app from Overdrive (PDF)
Still need help? Overdrive has created a help page designed to assist you in searching, checking out, downloading, and returning items as well as assistance in mobile devices and more. Go to http://help.overdrive.com/ to view the help page.
Donating eBooks
Anyone interested in purchasing an eBook for the collection may make a donation to the Friends of the Library. Not all eBooks are available for libraries to purchase. The minimum donation is $30.00, and you may choose any title that is available through Overdrive.
Checks may be mailed to:
Friends of the Library
201 E. 26th St.,
Bryan, TX 77803.
Please write “eBook Donation” on the memo line and include the title of the book you wish to purchase.
A printable form may be downloaded. If the title you request is not available, you will be contacted for an alternative title.
Free eBooks
We have compiled a list of websites (PDF) that offer free and/or low cost eBooks to view and/or download.
