Yes, you can borrow digital media (eBooks and eAudiobooks) from the Ottawa Public Library at no charge, using an active Ottawa Public Library card. See our available collections here: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/collections/books.
You can search for eBooks and eAudiobooks through two methods: the library catalogue and any of the eBook and eAudiobook apps available with your OPL card. Use the format filter for eBooks in the catalogue or app menu.
The items you can access depend on your device. Visit this webpage to learn more about device compatibility and available platforms: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/digital-collection-support.
An OverDrive account is necessary to take advantage of the titles available through OverDrive’s app, Libby, on your device. If you are signed in with an OverDrive account, you do not need an Adobe ID.
An Adobe ID is an account created through the Adobe.com website. It allows library users to download and open eBooks that are DRM (Digital Rights Management)-protected. This is the ID you will need if you are using Adobe Digital Editions software on your computer to transfer eBooks to your e-reader.
OverDriveRead is the website interface to read eBooks on your web browser. OverDriveRead is very useful if you are unable, or unwilling, to use the apps or software required to download eBooks you have borrowed. Since you are not downloading the eBook, this requires you to be constantly connected to the Internet while you are reading.
OverDriveListen is the same as OverDriveRead - but for eAudiobooks. You can listen to eAudiobooks on your web browser without the need for extra apps or software. Also, like OverDriveRead, you require a constant Internet connection while you listen.
If the Wireless login page does not appear, go to the following website which will force the login page to display: neverssl.com
There are currently no time limits set on use of the wireless network (within the library’s opening hours); however, you will be automatically logged out after 30 minutes of inactivity. If you are logged out, simply re-open your browser and re-authenticate.
Yes, you must allow cookies in order to use the OPL Wireless network. The cookie allows the network to recognize you as a valid library patron once you have authenticated by using your library barcode and PIN.
While you don’t need special software, up-to-date drivers have remedied many connection problems. The drivers included with the card may be several generations old. Updates are usually available on the vendor’s website.
Check with the manufacturers for resolution. Some cards are more problematic than others, but upgrades are regularly available for the popular cards.
Viruses do not come from the network itself. They come from the Internet, often as attachments to e-mail. It is your responsibility to protect your device from viruses and hackers (e.g. by using up-to-date anti-virus software, firewalls, etc.)
For general questions about the Library's wireless network, email InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca. For specific questions about your hardware or software, contact the manufacturer.
- Items can be checked out for a maximum of 3 weeks.
- We cannot offer renewals due to the lending library’s due dates.
It is not possible to request the following from the ILL service:
- Any item in the Ottawa Public Library catalogue including Reference.
- Books published in the last 12 months.
- CDs, MP3s, DVDs, and Video Games.
- eBooks and eAudiobooks
Please note:
- Some libraries may restrict the book to “In Library Use Only”, which means the material cannot be taken out of the library. ILL will identify these with an “In Library Use Only” sticker.
- Microfilm and microfiche are always “In Library Use Only”.
- There are no renewals on Interlibrary loan material.
The number of books you can check out and place on hold, per account, as well as the loan period for eBooks and eAudiobooks is dependent on the platform. Here is a helpful summary:
OverDrive (Libby app): 10 checkouts, 21-day loan period, 10 holds
TumbleBook Library: No checkouts or holds needed. All items are read within your browser.
CloudLibrary Express: 2 checkouts, no holds allowed, 7-day loan period.
CloudLibrary French eAudiobooks: 10 checkouts, 21-day loan period, 20 holds
Cantook (Canoo app or Aldiko app): 20 checkouts, 21-day loan period, 20 holds
Toutapprendre: Collections are always available, so no check out or holds are required.
Hoopla: 6 checkouts a month for all Hoopla collections (music, movies, and comics), 21-day loan period. Collections are always available, so no holds are required.
- You will be notified by the method you selected on your library card account for holds.
- The item will appear in your hold list on your library card account.
- There is a cancel button on your Dashboard. Click on Log In/My OPL. Under My Borrowing, click on My ILL requests.
- You can also contact InfoService to request cancellations: 613-580-2940 or InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.
- Please note, if the item has already been shipped by the lending library, then you will be charged any applicable loan and return postage fees.
There are 2 ways to access ILL submissions.
- From the home page, click on the drop down for your profile (usually Username), then click on “My Ottawa Public Library”.
- From the catalogue, click on your profile (usually Username), then under MY EVENTS AND BOOKINGS, click on My ILL requests.
Once you get to the profile page, you now have 2 options, you can either click on ILL Submissions tab, this will bring you to a page that displays all ILLs and statuses, messages etc. OR you can scroll down and click on “Pending ILL Submissions”, this will show you only active ones.