Getting Started with eBooks

eBook Apps

To get started with eBooks you need to know what you are going to read on. The easiest way to borrow eBooks is to use the free apps offered by our eBook provider. We have OverDrive (Libby), and Wheelers (ePlatform).

Wheelers: Android tablet or phone (Android 5.0+), iPhone, iPad (iOS 11.0+), desktop or laptop (Windows 10+ only)

Libby: Android tablet or phone (Android 4.4+), iPhone, iPad (iOS 9.0+), desktop or laptop (Windows 10+ only)

Adobe Digital Editions

If you want to download an eBook to read on your desktop, laptop  (Windows 7+, Mac OS x10.8+) or transfer titles to your eReader you will need to use Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) software.

Step 1: Install Adobe Digital Editions

• Go to the ADE website, then click the Download tab
• Click the download link for Windows or Macintosh and click Save File
• Once the installer is downloaded, open and run it
• Follow the prompts in the setup wizard. Make sure to leave the associate .acsm and .epub file types option selected so ADE automatically opens OverDrive ebooks
• Click Done or Close

Step 2: Authorisation

All eBooks available through Christchurch City Libraries ePlatforms are DRM-protected (Digital Rights Management-protected). In order to download these ebooks to your computer you will need need to authorise Adobe Digital Editions.

• Open ADE.
• If you aren't prompted to authorise ADE the first time you open it, go to Help > Authorize Computer. A 'computer authorisation' screen will appear.
• Authorise your computer or laptop with either your Adobe ID or OverDrive account.
• Choose ‘OverDrive’ or ‘Adobe ID’ from the 'eBook Vendor' menu , then enter the email address and password for your account.
  

Step 3: Check-out an eBook

• Browse the Christchurch City Libraries catalogue on our website (Insert link here?). Filter yor search results by Format > ebooks.
• Once you have found an interesting title, click the green ‘checkout now’ button.
• You will be prompted to enter your Library Card number and password. Click the ‘submit’ button.
•  You will be shown the file formats available for download. Confirm your book selection by clicking the purple ‘checkout now’ button.
• Click ‘Download’
• Select the file format > Adobe EPUB
• Click 'checkout now' once more
• Click 'download EPUB'
• If you get a pop-up message asking if you want to Open, Run or Save, make sure yuo choose 'Open with' and choose 'Adobe Digital Editions'
• If you don't get a pop-up message, check your Downloads folder for a file ending in .acsm and run it.
• ADE will import the eBook file and you can read it on your desktop or laptop.

Transferring eBooks to an eReader using Adobe Digital Editions

You can also transfer the eBook that you have borrowed on to your eReader.  To check if ADE supports your device, go to Adobe Digital Editions

• Plug your eReader into your desktop or laptop via USB. You need to do this step before opening ADE in order for the application to see your device.
• Open ADE. The eReader will appear in ADE under 'Devices' on the left-hand side.

• Click on the eBook that you want to transfer, then drag it over to your eReader on the left
• Disconnect your eReader and start reading