Online Resources

FAQs

• Can the library help me learn to use my eReader or other device to read and listen to eBooks?

  Yes. Staff at the information desk can help you with this if you come into the library or call 780-410-8601. We can also book an hour-long one-on-one appointment to go through the processes in-depth.

  You will also find self-guided tutorials about downloading eBooks and other digital library content at Online Resources and Tech Help. 

• Can I access the library's databases and eBooks from anywhere?

  For most of our digital content, yes, you can log into a database, download an eBook, or stream a movie from wherever you have an internet connection. However, some of our resources are only available inside the Library (ALLDATA and Ancestry).

• How do I download eBooks or audiobooks to my phone / tablet / iPad?

  Libby is the app for the library’s largest collection of eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and digital magazines. With Libby (which is made by a company called OverDrive) you can download books, audiobooks and magazines directly to your mobile device. Freading and hoopla are two other library apps that offer digital material for mobile devices.

  The basic steps for this process are:

  1. Download the app (Libby, hoopla or Freading) from the App Store/Google Play Store.
  2. Authorize your app with your library card number and PIN. Freading and hoopla require you to create an account with an email address, but Libby does not.
  3. Check out a book from our collection within the app.
  4. Read your eBook from the shelf in the app.

  See our detailed instructions for using Libby or contact us for more assistance.

• I’m connected to the ME Libraries system because I'm a member of another Alberta public library. Can I use it to access your online resources / catalogue?

  No. eBooks and databases are not included in the ME Libraries materials-sharing agreement due to electronic licensing restrictions. Use your membership with your local library to access its digital collections.

• Why do I have to put a hold on an eBook? Can't you make unlimited copies since it's digital?

  For some services, eBooks and other digital content require no holds and are available to everyone at any time (e.g., hoopla). For others, the library gets access to just a certain number of copies (e.g., OverDrive). This also varies from book publisher to publisher.

  The library must legally abide by the terms of use and the distribution model set out by publishers, which in most cases means one digital copy loaned out to one person at a time.