FAQs and Help Guides

From the library catalogue:

  • Search for an eBook by title, author, subject, or keyword.
  • Use the Format filter on the left-hand side to limit your search results to eBooks.
  • Individually check each item on the list by clicking the 'Check Availability' section.
  • If available, click the item's 'Available for Checkout' link.

From the Digital Media Catalogue on OverDrive:

  • Search for an eBook by title, author, subject or keyword.
  • Use the filters on the left-hand side to limit the results to both eBooks as well as what's available.

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.

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.

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. 

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 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.