eBooks & More

Check out our downloadable ebook and audiobook collections! For more help with devices and downloading, see our Technology Help subject guide.

GVPL Library To Go & BC Libraries To Go FAQs  

What is the difference between GVPL Library To Go and BC Libraries To Go?

GVPL Library To Go is a collection of ebooks and downloadable audiobooks hosted by Overdrive Inc.  Titles are chosen by GVPL librarians and available exclusively to residents of the Greater Victoria Public Library service area.

BC Libraries To Go to Go is a collection of ebooks and downloadable audiobooks hosted by Overdrive Inc.  Titles are available to members of the BC Libraries consortium. A committee of librarians from participating BC public libraries chooses the titles.

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

Compatible devices include Sony reader, Kobo reader, Nook reader, your personal computer, and Android phone, 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. 

Which ebook formats are best for what devices?

Adobe EPUB eBook, Adobe PDF eBook and other 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 GVPL Library To Go’s Digital Help page.  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  GVPL 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 GVPL Library To Go borrowing policies, see Library To Go - Help – Library Lending Policies.

For complete information about BC Libraries To Go borrowing policies, see Help – Policies & Procedures – Borrowing Help.

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

Just like with traditional books, the library purchases each copy (or in the case of ebooks and downloadable audiobooks, licenses the rights to each copy), so that the writers and publishers are fairly compensated for their work.  We 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 GVPL 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 (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

For downloadable audiobooks, check out the list of Always Available Audiobooks and discover a new favourite reader or author.

What is the difference between WMA audiobooks and MP3 audiobooks?

WMA audiobooks are digitally-protected audiobook titles available for download in the Windows Media Audio (WMA) format. WMA audiobooks are about half the file size of MP3 audiobooks but maintain the same level of audio quality.  For more information see GVPL Library To Go’s What are WMA & MP3 audiobooks? .

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

OverDrive WMA  and MP3 Audiobooks are generally compatible with your personal computer and many portable devices that support DRM-protected WMA files encoded at a bit rate of 32kbps, including iPad, iPhone, iPod, and selected MP3 players produced by Motorola, Zen, Sansa and many others. For a list of supported devices, click here.

How do I get an eAudiobook onto my device?

For complete instructions, refer to GVPL Library To Go’s Digital Help page.  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 listen.

TumbleBooks & TumbleBookCloud FAQs  

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 TumbleBookCloud?

TumbleBookCloud (formerly called 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, TumbleBookCloud requires Adobe Flash Player.

AudioBookCloud FAQs  

What is AudioBookCloud?

AudioBookCloud (formerly TumbleTalkingBooks) is a database of streaming audiobooks for all ages. After accessing the site with your library card and password, you can listen online to audio books in many different categories. These books are always available, never on hold, and need not be downloaded.  You can simply browse, click and listen.

What kinds of audiobooks can I listen to on AudioBookCloud?

The site includes contemporary genre fiction for adults such as mysteries & suspense, historical fiction, romance, westerns, science fiction, classics and non-fiction. Plays, including Shakespeare, are part of the collection.  Children's and teen books, and Spanish titles—generally translations of English or American classics-- are also available.

Can I download from AudioBookCloud to my mobile device?

Audiobooks may be listened to online, bookmarked, and/or downloaded to any PC or Mac laptop, notebook, desktop or android tablet, but cannot be downloaded to iPods, MP3 players or copied to a CD. 

Do I need any special equipment or device?

Yes, AudioBookCloud requires Adobe Flash Player.