The below instructions are only for reading newspapers and magazines offline using the PressReader app. In addition, if you are visiting one of our library branches, you do not need to create a PressReader Account to download to the app. This is only if you wish to download for offline use from outside the library. If accessing PressReader through a web browser, simply click on the link on our website, choose a magazine or newspaper and start reading.
Account Set Up for Offline Reading
Setting up a PressReader Account is completely optional and allows you to save your personalized experience including bookmarking articles, setting up email alerts and downloading newspapers / magazines for offline use through the app.
- Log into PressReader from our website using your library card
- Close the PressReader HotSpot pop up
- Click on "Sign In" in the upper right hand corner
- Click on "New User? Sign up now"
- Enter your email address, password and name
- Please read the terms of use and privacy policy before continuing then click Done.
Downloading for Offline Use
- Follow the “Account Set Up” instructions as above
- Download the app for your device: https://care.pressreader.com/hc/en-us/articles/204520009-Download-the-Latest-App
- Open the app and sign in using the PressReader account you created then click Authorize.
- Click on the circle with three lines in upper left hand corner to browse selection. Choose your newspaper and click on download/open.
Please note that once the PressReader app is authorized, it gives you full access for a limited amount of time. Once this expires, you must do the following:
- Open your web browser, return to our website and click on the PressReader link.
- Once on PressReader, check that you are still logged in with your PressReader account.
- Open the app. You should now have another window of unlimited access.
For further information, the Help Center has several videos on how to use PressReader: https://care.pressreader.com/hc/en-us
Support
Ottawa Public Library customers can now borrow eBooks and eAudio from five Ontario public libraries through OverDrive’s reciprocal lending agreement. OPL has partnered with Hamilton Public Library, London Public Library, Burlington Public Library, Mississauga Library and Kingston Frontenac Public Library to provide access to each other’s OverDrive digital collections.
How does it work?
With your OPL library card, you now have access to OverDrive’s eBooks and eAudio from the participating libraries. While you should always start your search in the OPL OverDrive collection, if the title you are looking for is not there, you may borrow, and place holds on, titles at other participating libraries.
How do I add participating libraries to Libby?
For both IOS and Android users:
Open Libby and tap on the Libby icon at the bottom of the screen. Under ‘Your Libraries’ select ‘Add a Library’. Search by the name of any of the three participating libraries. Once the library has been selected, tap on ‘I’m visiting from another library’. Ottawa Public Library should appear among the list of libraries. Select it and enter your library card number and PIN.
How do I access them on the OPL Overdrive website?
You will see a link to the Partner libraries in the top right corner. Click on it and select the library collection you’d like to browse. When signing in, select Ottawa Public Library.
Where are the titles I’ve checked out?
If you are using the OverDrive or Libby app you will see a consolidated listing of all your borrowed and downloaded books from OPL and all partner libraries.
If you are using the OverDrive website, when you borrow from a partner library, the item(s) will not be listed in your OPL OverDrive account. You will need to look on the loans shelf in your visitor account through HPL, BPL, ML, LPL or KFPL.
How do holds work?
You can place holds on titles from participating libraries, however each library system will give first priority to their own customers if there is a holds list for a book in their digital collection.
What am I able to borrow?
You can borrow any eBook or eAudio title with the exception of Express loan selections.
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://forms.biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/digital-collection-support-0.
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.
This depends on the platform you are using to access your eBook or eAudiobook.
OverDrive (Libby app): you can use up to 6 separate devices to read or listen to digital items from OverDrive, as long as the devices are authorized with the same OverDrive account or Adobe ID.
TumbleBook Library: No limitations.
CloudLibrary Express: No limitations.
CloudLibrary French eAudiobooks: No limitations.
Cantook (Canoo app or Aldiko app): Not specified.
Toutapprendre: No limitations.
Hoopla: Can use any number of devices but only one at a time.
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.
- 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.