Download Audiobooks & eBooks

Sign Up | Compatible Players | Car Adapters | Browsing/Searching for Audiobooks | Downloading Audiobooks | Transfer to Mp3 Player | Browsing/Searching for eBooks | Downloading eBooks | Transfer eBook to Device | Common Questions

Compatible Players

Currently, most recent model Mp3 players and iPods will work with the NetLibrary eAudiobook system. iPods and Microsoft Zune are not compatible because they use technology that is incompatible with the Digital Rights Management that protects the eAudiobook content and allows it to expire on the due date.

NetLibrary has tested several Mp3 players for use with their eAudiobooks. You can access their chart by clicking here.

There are many players (including iPods)you can use. You can find lists as well as "testing" criteria on the Overdrive website.

Consumer Reports recommends devices by both Creative Zen and SanDisk and both of these companies have products that are compatible with OverDrive eAudiobooks.

Click here to see a list of eBook readers that are compatible with Overdrive.

Car Adapters

Most sources recommend FM transmitters in order to use your portable player with your car stereo. Once you have chosen a player, you can purchase a FM transmitter or other car adapter that is compatible with your player. The costs run from $40.00 - $150.00.

Most sources recommend FM transmitters in order to use your portable player with your car stereo. Once you have chosen a player, you can purchase a FM transmitter or other car adapter that is compatible with your player. The costs run from $40.00 - $150.00.

Transferring Audiobook to Player

Before transferring, be sure that you downloaded the CD quality version of the eAudiobook and that you have already acquired the license through Windows Media Player (above).

• Attach your portable player to your computer.

• Double click on the file you downloaded.

Using Windows Media Player 9:

• Select "Copy to Device or CD" from the menu on the left side of the screen.

• Use the pull-down menu at the top of the right side of your screen to list "All Music".

• Choose your device from the drop-down menu on the right side of the screen. Make sure the box next to the book you want to download is checked.

• Click on the "Copy" button on the top to the right of your screen.

Using Windows Media Player 10:

• The file will show up on the right side. Right click on the file, select "Add To" and then select "Sync List".

• Select "Sync" from the menu at the top of the Windows Media Player.

• The name of your plugged-in device should be in the right panel of the screen.

• Your eAudiobook should be in the Sync list on the left panel of the Windows Media Player. Put a check in the checkbox.

• Click on the "Start Sync" button on the upper left.

**Do not disconnect the device while copying is in progress. After copy is done, click on the icon with the green arrow at the bottom right corner of your screen.

You downloaded Overdrive Console in the beginning steps. When you checkout titles, they will be downloaded to Overdrive Console. From there you can use the icons at the top to Transfer the files to your device or to burn the files to CD, if the title allows CD-burning.

• Transfer: Choosing this function will bring up a wizard that will walk you through the process.

• Burn: Choosing this function will open Windows Media Player, where you can use the Burn capability to put the files onto CD(s).

After the checkout time (usually 7 days), the license to use the files will expire and the items will no longer play in the console. You can then either delete the files or return to the OverDrive website to re-checkout the title.

Browsing/Searching for eBooks

N/A

Visit the OverDrive website.

• In the center is the category "New eBooks". 

• On the top left there is a search box where you can type in a specific title or author to search for and choose the format: "eBooks"

• Below the search box is the "Advanced Search" option -- use this to search only Available eBook titles by choosing the format "Adobe EPUB eBook" and checking the box at the bottom "Only show titles with copies available".

Choosing eBooks

• When you find a title you want, Click on the "Add to Cart" link on the right.

• You can have up to 5 titles in your cart at one time and they will stay there for 60 minutes. You can only check out 3 titles at one time.

• When you are ready to download, click on "My Cart" at the top (unless you are already in cart view) to see your titles.

Commonly Asked Questions

How many eAudiobooks can I check out simultaneously?

You can download up to ten (10) eAudiobook items directly to your personal computer for playback using Windows Media Player or a Portable listening device. Once you have reached the checkout limit, you cannot download additional eAudiobook items until a currently downloaded eAudiobook automatically expires. An eAudiobook item automatically returns to your library when the checkout period expires and you can no longer access the item from your personal computer or portable listening device.

How long can I borrow an eAudiobook for?

All eAudiobooks are loaned for 3 weeks.

Can I renew an eAudiobook without re-downloading it?

Renew the eAudiobook file any time during the original checkout period to extend your access to the eAudiobook title. You must be logged in to your to renew. If you have not deleted the file from your personal computer (and portable listening device), you do not have to download the file, just renew it and obtain a new license. An eAudiobook can only be renewed one time.  

Can I burn an eAudiobook to CD?

Burning an eAudiobook file to a CD for listening to on a CD player is not allowed. If you do burn an eAudiobook file, encryptions on the eAudiobook file will make the file unusable.  

Are eAudiobook files automatically deleted from my computer when the checkout period expires?

No. You need to manually delete the eAudiobook file from your personal computer and portable listening device.  

How do I know which version of Windows Media Player I have installed?
There are two ways you can determine which version of Windows Media Player you have installed:

• Press the F1 key anywhere on the Windows Media Player window. The version displays.

• Press the Alt key anywhere on the Windows Media Player window. The standard menu bar displays. Click on Help and About Windows Media Player. The version displays.

Can I download and play an eAudiobook on an iPod?

Yes.

How many Audiobooks or eBooks can I check out simultaneously?
You can check out up to three items (a combination of audiobook and eBook) at one time. Once you have reached the checkout limit, you cannot download additional items until a currently checked out item automatically expires or you return an eBook. 

How long can I borrow a title for?
Audiobook titles check out for 7 days and eBook titles check out for 14 days.

How do I know if a title is available to be checked out?
An available item will have the option to "Add to Cart". Unavailable (checked out) items will have the option to "Place a Hold".

The title I want is checked out to someone else, can I put it on hold or reserve it?
Yes. Click on "Place a Hold". The title you have placed on hold will be reserved for you to check out once it becomes available. When the title is available for you, you will receive an email with instructions on checking the book out. The item will be held for you for 2 days (starting when you are emailed notice that the title is available). If you do not download it within that time, you will have to go back on the waiting list.

How many items can I place on hold?
You can have 5 items on hold at a time.

Can I renew a title without re-downloading it?
No, you need to return to the NH Downloadable Audiobooks site to re-download the license. You only need to re-download the license, not the actual files.

Can I burn an Audiobook to CD?
Some Overdrive titles can be burned to CD if the publisher has allowed that use. Titles that can be burned to CD will have an icon indicating that.

Are Audiobook and eBook files automatically deleted from my computer when the checkout period expires?
No. You need to manually delete the files from Overdrive console or your Reader software and possibly from your device.

How do I know which version of Windows Media Player I have installed?
There are two ways you can determine which version of Windows Media Player you have installed:

• Press the F1 key anywhere on the Windows Media Player window. The version displays.

• Press the Alt key anywhere on the Windows Media Player window. The standard menu bar displays. Click on Help and About Windows Media Player. The version displays.

Can I download and play Audiobook files on my iPod?
Yes.   

Can I download and read eBook files on my iPad or Kindle?
Not at this time. Apple and Amazon use different digital rights management and they have not signed an agreement yet with Overdrive to make the files compatible with their devices.