Computer and Library Learning (Archived)

Updated October 9, 2014

The Toronto Public Libary has a fantastic selection of eBooks and eMagazines available through our OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks and Zinio eMagazine collections respectively.

The eBooks are available to borrow for 21 days.  The downloaded file will stop working after the borrowing period has ended – no need to return the eBook.  There are never any fines with eBooks.  The eMagazines are free to download and they never expire – you can keep to them for as long as you wish. 

Using our OverDrive eBooks and our Zinio eMagazines collections requires some initial set up on your computer or mobile device.  To get started, read on…

OverDrive eBooks

To download and read OverDrive eBooks on a mobile device (tablet or smartphone) or eReader (like a Kobo Glo), you will need a few things:

1. A valid library card. Sign in to Your Account to make sure your card is still active.  If it needs to be renewed, please visit your local branch with required identification.   If your library card is blocked due to fines, you can now pay your fines online.

2. A supported device.  Most devices from major electronics manufacturers are compatible with OverDrive.  To make sure your device will work with library eBooks, check the OverDrive supported devices list for eReaders and for mobile devices.  Please note that the Kindle Fire is the only Kindle that will work with OverDrive in Canada.

3. Software.  OverDrive has created an OverDrive Media Console app for many devices, including Apple, Android, and Windows 8.  Download and print the guide for your device from our Getting Started with Library eBooks webpage. 

If you have a device to which software can not be added (like a Kobo Glo), then you need to download Adobe Digital Editions to your computer and add the eBooks to your eReader through your computer.  Look for the guide written specifically for your device.  If you do not find one, then the general Getting Started Using eBooks guide is the best one to use.

4. OverDrive Account or Adobe ID. OverDrive users with mobile devices must create an OverDrive Account while setting up the OverDrive app.  For those with eReaders who are downloading to Adobe Digital Edition, a free account with Adobe (an Adobe ID) is required.  Visit Create An Adobe ID to set up your account. 

Help Resources:

Getting Started with Library eBooks.  This webpage contains guides to using OverDrive based on the device (or operating system) you own.  There are also links to step-by-step videos which demonstrate the set up of different devices for using OverDrive.  

OverDrive Help and Support.  OverDrive Help has many resources to help you answer questions and overcome problems when setting up your device.  If you can not find an answer there, contact OverDrive Support with the details of your problem and they will get back to you by email. 

Still have questions?  Attend an eBook program at one of our branches, or ask staff at your local branch. Many branches now offer the Book-A-Librarian service for one-on-one help.

Zinio eMagazines

Like eBooks, to use the Zinio eMagazine service, you will need a few things to set up your computer or device.

1. A valid library card. Sign in to Your Account to make sure your card is still active.  If it needs to be renewed, please visit your local branch with required identification.   If your library card is blocked due to fines, you can now pay your fines online.

2. Software. Zinio Reader4 is available for PC and Apple computers.  It will download and install in your browser the first time you open a magazine.  If you want to read offline on a mobile device, Zinio has apps for Apple, Android and Windows 8 devices. 

IMPORTANT:  When using Zinio eMagazines for the first time, you will need to set up two accounts.  The first is with RB Digital, the provider of the Toronto Public Library's eMagazine collection.  The second is with Zinio.com.  The email addresses used to create both accounts must be the same.  If you already have an account with Zinio.com, then use the email address associated with that account when creating your RB Digital/TPL eMagazine account.

Help Resources:

Getting Started with Zinio eMagazines webpage provides information on using this service, including a video from RB Digital demonstrating the steps involved in setting up the two accounts.  There is also a Zinio User Guide that can be downloaded and printed and a FAQ section.

RB Digital Support is available if you have any difficulty with your TPL eMagazines account.   If you have a problem with the ZinioReader software or Zinio apps, have a look at the Zinio Help pages or contact their support.

Still have questions?  Attend a Zinio Basics class or ask staff at your local branch. Many branches now offer the Book-A-Librarian service for one-on-one help.