eBooks FAQs

• How will the new AWA shared OverDrive / Libby App collection work?

  Our switch to AWA, our new shared digital collection with Selwyn Libraries, will be pretty seamless. Christchurch City Libraries customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site won’t need to do anything. On the 1 July, our Go Live date, they will see the collection has changed its name to AWA.

  New Libby App customers will follow the prompts to find their library. A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide them to the AWA collection. Then they select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with their Library card.

  New customers to, or existing customers who've signed out of, our classic OverDrive site will also select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with their Library card.

• Can I transfer eBooks to my Kindle eReader?

  No.

  The Kindle eReader does not support eBooks from either OverDrive (including the Libby app) or Wheelers.

  However the Kindle Fire tablet is compatible with our eBook platforms using an eReader app.

• AWA - New shared digital collection

  Read the news item about AWA

  How can people log into the new service?
  The transition will be as seamless as possible for library customers. Our Christchurch City Libraries customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site won’t need to do anything. On the 1 July, our Go Live date, they will see the collection has changed its name to AWA.

  New Libby customers will follow the prompts to find their library. A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide them to the AWA collection. Then they select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with their Library card. New customers to, or existing customers who've signed out of, our classic OverDrive site will also select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with their Library card.

  Why won’t Christchurch residents get the same increase in access to content as Selwyn?
  Due to the difference in population size the Selwyn Libraries initial base collection will be less than Christchurch’s initial base collection.

  Won’t this result in more competition/longer wait time for popular titles?
  Current selection and purchasing criteria is based on availability and customer demand; this will not change with the shared collection.

  Why are we doing this?
  Library users will have more choice due to a richer variety of content, particularly newer and more popular items. The collaboration will help to build relationships between the two organisations, encouraging sharing of ideas and learning for the enhancement of services for all library members. 

  How much is this going to cost?
  The costs are within existing budgets.

  How are you able to provide this service without it costing more?
  The new service delivers better value for money through a growth in the user base and in expected collection turnover. 

  Is this a permanent arrangement?
  This is a trial partnership lasting for a two-year period, from 1 July 2025. Over that timeframe both Selwyn Libraries and Christchurch City Libraries will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage. Parties will meet twice per annum to review the past period and forward plan. Prior to June 2027, we will review the success of the collaboration. 

  Why aren’t other Canterbury councils included?
  If the digital access partnership is successful, other opportunities to collaborate may be considered, such as programming and events, developing shared staff professional development, or expanding the arrangement to include the other Canterbury councils.

• I'm missing parts of a Libby downloaded book, audiobook or magazine

  If you're missing parts (chapters, pages, minutes, etc.) of a downloaded book, audiobook, or magazine, delete and re-download it.

  Steps for audiobooks and books

  1. Tap Shelf .
  2. Tap Loans at the top of the screen.
  3. Tap , then Remove Download.
  4. Wait for two minutes, then completely close the app:
     • On Android devices: Open your recently used apps list, find the Libby app, and swipe to close it.
     • On iOS devices: Close the Libby app by swiping up from the app switcher on your iPhone or iPad.
  5. Reopen the app.
  6. Go to your Shelf , then tap  next to the title. This will download a fresh copy.

   

  Steps for magazines

  1. Tap Shelf .
  2. Tap  next to the magazine's name.
  3. Tap Remove Download.
  4. Wait for two minutes, then completely close the app:
     • On Android devices: Open your recently used apps list, find the Libby app, and swipe to close it.
     • On iOS devices: Close the Libby app by swiping up from the app switcher on your iPhone or iPad.
  5. Reopen the app.
  6. Go to your Shelf , tap  next to the magazine, then Download.

  If re-downloading the title doesn't resolve the issue, consider reporting it to the Libby Support team.

• Can I download OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks directly from the catalogue?

  You can borrow, read and listen to OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks directly from the catalogue.

  There is no longer an option to download OverDrive titles from catalogue.

  The easiest way to download OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks for offline use is in OverDrive's Libby app on your mobile device.

  Download the Libby app

  • Libby - Apple App Store
  • Libby - Google Play

   You can still download OverDrive ebooks to your Windows or Mac computer for offline use, or transfer to an eReader in

  • OverDrive
  • Libbyapp.com