FAQs and Help Guides

eBooks are available from the Ottawa Public Library in English, French, and Chinese depending on their platform.

You can use eBooks and eAudiobooks from third parties on both OverDrive and Cantook as long they are in a specific format, usually EPUB or MP3. Please visit the individual app for more information.

If you have updated the system and the app is not working, the app may need to be updated as well. Check your app store for an update. If the app is updated and not working, try shutting down the device completely (not sleep mode) and restarting it after half a minute. If this does not work, you may need to delete and re-install the app on your device.

Most Downloadable Audiobooks come in multiple files. In order to receive the complete Audiobook, you need to wait until all the files are downloaded, you can check this by clicking on the "show files" option of your app's menu.

The most likely cause is that your device has not been authorized by your Overdrive Account or your Adobe ID. Verify this by selecting Settings or Account from your app menu, or by selecting Authorization Information from the Help menu of Adobe Digital Editions on your computer (in the case of E-readers).
There are various error messages you may encounter, requiring different solutions. To find the solution, access http://help.overdrive.com and search for the specific error message in question.

If you have downloaded an eBook or eAudiobooks to your device, you can travel with them anywhere. However, if you are using OverDriveRead or OverDriveListen, you will need a consistent internet connection.

A wishlist is used to add titles to a list that you may wish to check out at a later time. It does not check out the item nor place a hold on it.

Each platform has its own restrictions regarding renewals.

OverDrive (Libby app): You can renew an item within three days of the expiry date, as long as there are no holds on the title.

TumbleBook Library: No checkouts or renewals required.

CloudLibrary Express: No renewals.

CloudLibrary French eAudiobooks: No renewals.

Cantook (Canook app or Aldiko app): No renewals.

Toutapprendre: No checkouts or renewals required.

Hoopla: A renew option will appear 24 hours before a title is due on the title details page. While you do not need to redownload a title you have renewed, renewing it title will take a borrow from your monthly limit.

If you have an appointment at the library to learn about using E-books and Downloadable Audiobooks, you will need your Ottawa Public Library card, the device(s) you are using, and the relevant power cords. If you have an E-reader, you will also need the USB cable and computer (laptop) with which to you connect your E-reader.

In a browser, select Print or Ctrl + P from the browser menu. To proceed with your print job, follow the prompts on the screen to send your print job to the print release station.

Go to the print release station and login with your library card number and PIN. Select the document(s) and the number of copies you would like to print. Once you have confirmed your job(s), your account will be deducted accordingly ($0.10/page), and the job(s) will print from the print release station. Please note, only black and white printing is available.

The apps that come pre-loaded on the Chromebooks are all Google based, such as: Chrome, Chrome Web Store, Google Search, YouTube, Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, Google Drive (which includes Docs, Sheets, Presentations, etc.), Files, Google Play Music, Google Play Books, and Google Play Movies.

Accessing OPL's Flipster e-magazines

On your computer or mobile device, click or tap on the Flipster link from OPL's website.  If accessing it from outside the library, you will be asked for your library card number and pin.  Next, search or browse for the magazine you wish to read.  The magazine will open in your browser. 

Offline Access is available for mobile devices only

Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Kindle Fire are available.  To download the magazine for offline reading you must:

  • Open your browser and tap on the Flipster link from OPL's website
  • Choose the magazine you wish to read and open it
  • Tap on the menu icon in the upper left corner and choose Open in App
  • The app should automatically open and the magazine should start downloading

Please note that some magazines have due dates when reading offline.  If it expires, simply repeat the above instructions if you wish to download the same edition again.

Are back issues available?

Yes.  To access them, open the most recent magazine and you will find an All Issues button.  If accessing on a mobile device, this option will be in the menu in the top left corner.

Can I search within a magazine?

Yes, both the desktop and mobile versions of Flipster support keyword searching within a magazine. The app does not have a search option.

What happens when a magazine expires?

You will need to delete the magazine from the app.  Simply tap on the Trash Can icon located on the cover of each magazine to delete.

Are there any limitations on access?

Some magazines have a limit on how many customers can access it at one time.  If this limit is reached, you will need to check back later.

More information

http://support.epnet.com/knowledge_base/detail.php?topic=999&id=7364&page=1

 

Database
Flipster eMagazines

Registration is now open for the July programs! Registration for the August programs starts on July 21 at 10:00 am.

We require a juvenile (child’s) library card to register for online children’s programs at OPL.This requirement is in place for the safety of all program registrants.

Please contact OPL’s InfoService by phone or email:

  • If you have never had a card before, click here to sign up for one.
  • If you have a card but need to renew, please contact InfoService at infoservice@biblioottawalibrary.ca or at 613-580-2940
  • If you are an Ottawa resident without a library card, and you do not have internet service, please contact InfoService at 613-580-2940 and our staff will walk you through the steps of registration.

Sometimes the link to the program will be in the program listing. If it isn’t, it means you need to register for the program so we can send you the link in an email. Registrants will receive the link by email at least 1 hour before the program start time. 

If the program is about to start and you still haven’t received the link, please follow these steps in order:

  1. Verify the program date and time; links are sent at least 1 hour before the start time.
  2. Check that you are registered for the program. 
  3. Look in your junk mail folder for the link
  4. Make sure you are looking at the email account that was used for the program registration
  5. Contact us at programs@biblioottawalibrary.ca, including in the email your library barcode number, your name (or your child’s name, if their card was used to register for the program), and the name of the program.

If you have been contacted with a link to a virtual program, we ask that you donot share the link. Programs are created with a specific number of registrants in mind –many unexpected extra attendees will diminish the value of the program for all who have registered.