Getting Started with eBooks
The library offers eBooks and audiobooks that you can access online and enjoy on all kinds of devices. Read on to learn more about how to get started, and how to find eBooks, audiobooks, e-magazines, and children’s books that fit your interests - free from HCPL.
Here you’ll find short summaries of our online sources for reading materials, along with information on how to use them on your device. If you have further questions about getting started with eBooks, call your local library for help during business hours.
OverDrive and Libby: Ebooks and Audiobooks
OverDrive contains the library’s largest collection of eBooks, from classics to the latest bestsellers. You can check out up to 25 titles at a time on OverDrive, and keep your eBook for up to 21 days. Titles can be renewed, and there may be a waitlist for popular titles. We love to recommend the Libby app from OverDrive for devices running iOS, Android, and Windows 10, as it provides a modern, easy-to-use interface. If you’ve recently signed up for a digital card from HCPL, you can use OverDrive and Libby.
Quick Guides: Libby App - Kindle - Nook
Hoopla
Hoopla provides instant checkout – no holds lists – for up to seven items per month from its growing collection of eBooks, audiobooks, music, TV shows, and movies. Checkout periods vary by item format. You can use the Hoopla app on most tablets, mobile devices, and smart TVs.
Quick Guide: Using Hoopla
RBDigital
RBDigital provides access to hundreds of popular magazines, both current and back issues, with no waiting lists. You can use the RBDigital app with most tablets and smartphones.
Quick Guides: Using RBDigital Magazines
Other sources of free eBooks
If you are somewhat tech-savvy and want to take a deeper dive into classic literature in the eBook format, check out the below resources for public-domain eBooks.
Project Gutenberg—Most of the over 36,000 eBooks are in the public domain, including many classics.
Open Library—Over 1,000,000 free eBook titles available.
International Children's Digital Library—Over 4,000 children's eBooks in more than 55 languages.
This post has been edited: As of Sep. 1, 2020, TumbleBooks sites are no longer available from HCPL.
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