Digital Library Services

If you haven’t heard yet, Toronto Public Library has a great selection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, movies and music available online. You can access them through OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks, Zinio eMagazines and Hoopla.

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 them for as long as you wish. Television shows and movies are available for 3 days and music albums for 7 days. Just like eBooks, the items will be returned automatically at the end of the borrowing period.

OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks

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 cannot 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 download the general Getting Started Using eBooks guide.

4. OverDrive Account or Adobe ID. OverDrive users with mobile devices will be prompted to create an OverDrive Account when first opening the OverDrive app. For those with eReaders who are downloading to Adobe Digital Editions, 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 cannot 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 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 Reader 4 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 provider of the software to view the magazines. 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 eMagazines class or ask staff at your local branch. Many branches now offer the Book-A-Librarian service for one-on-one help.

Hoopla Movies and Music

You can borrow digital music and video to stream in your web browser or enjoy offline on your mobile device. Just a few steps to get there.

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. Hoopla will work on updated web browsers.  Hoopla is also available as an app for iOS or Android smartphones and tablets. In both cases, you will need an internet connection.

3. Software. The  Google Widevine video player will need to be installed to be able to play video content in your web browser.  You will be prompted to install this software the first time you play a video from Hoopla.

4. Hoopla account. Before using Hoopla, you must create a separate account using your library card and an email address. Once you have signed up, select Toronto Public Library from the list of nearby libraries.

Help Resources:

Getting Started with Hoopla webpage has all the information to help get you started on using this service. If you still have questions, you can download our Hoopla User Guide (PDF) or visit Hoopla’s help page, particularly if there are any difficulties installing Widevine.

Our staff is always available to help you over the phone, web or in person. Many branches now offer the Book-A-Librarian service for one-on-one help.

With thanks to Sumaiya