What can I borrow?

You can download e-books (to read on screen) and audio-books (to listen to).  We've got over 1,000 titles in stock covering adult and children's books, both fiction and non-fiction.

There are four types of books available: two types of e-books (ePUBs and PDFs) and two types of audio-books (WMAs and MP3s).  Any of the books will work on your PC, but if you're using a portable device such as an MP3 player or ereader, you'll need to choose the right type of file for your device.

How do I access the books?

There are two ways to access the service.

If you've got an Android phone, an i-phone, or an ipad, go to your app store and install the free 'Overdrive' app.  Then access the York Libraries e-library from the browser on your device (yorklibraries.lib.overdrive.com), log in, and start downloading books to read / listen to on your new app.

The other way to access the service is to use the internet browser on your home computer to browse to yorklibraries.lib.overdrive.com.  The first time you use the site you'll need to download some free software.  The e-books use 'Adobe Digital Editions' and the audio-books use 'Overdrive Media Console'.   Log into the site and start downloading books.  You can either read / listen to these books on your PC using the new software you've downloaded, or you can transfer them to a suitable mobile device such as an e-reader or MP3 player.  Unfortunately, our ebooks are not compatible with Kindles.

This facility is designed to bring the library to your home, and is not available on library PCs. 

Who can use this service?

Any York Libraries member who is a resident of York can use the service.  Unfortunately, if you live outside the York boundary you cannot download the books.  This is due to licensing issues.

What is my login?

Your ID number is printed on your library card and starts Y0000000.  Your PIN is a four digit number which should have been issued with your library card.  If you're not sure what yours is you can contact any library for help.

How do I find out more?

This guide explains everything you need to know about using the site.  If you get stuck, you can contact any library for help.