Books on Your Device
You can read or listen to books on most current mobile devices or your computer. They are free to borrow, and expire automatically, so there are never late charges. We partner with several services that provide digital book formats.
OverDrive
OverDrive gives you free access to thousands of e-books and audiobooks with your Library card. You can access OverDrive e-books and audiobooks on your computer or most devices. On this page you can learn how to get started with OverDrive on your device.
- Borrow e-books and audiobooks for three weeks
- Find e-books and audiobooks in our online catalog
- You can download OverDrive's Libby app to explore on iOS, Android or Microsoft devices
- Books expire automatically after 21 days, so there are never late charges
Using OverDrive on your device
How do I get started with my PC or Mac?
eBooks:
Nook, Kobo, Mac Computer and Windows PC Instructions
E-book formats: EPUB & PDF For the Nook HD or Kobo Arc, use the Android instuctions below
- Download Adobe Digital Editions to your computer
- Authorize Adobe Digital Editions with an Adobe ID
- Log into your library account
- Find an e-book you want and check it out (You may need to place a hold on popular items)
- Click on the Download button and choose the EPUB or PDF format. The book will appear in Adobe Digital Editions
- Plug your Nook or Kobo into your computer with its USB cord
- In Adobe Digital Editions, "drag and drop" the e-book into your e-reader
Audiobooks:
Audiobook Instructions for Windows PC or Mac
Audiobook formats: MP3
- Download the OverDrive app to your computer
- Log into your library account
- Find an audiobook you want and check it out (You may need to place a hold on popular items)
- Click on the Download button and choose the MP3 format. The book will download to the OverDrive Media Console
- Transfer to an approved device, by plugging your device into your computer via its USB cable, and clicking on the Transfer button in the OverDrive Media Console
Note: Return e-books early from Adobe Digital Editions
How do I get started with my iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch?
OverDrive App Instructions for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
E-book format: EPUB
- Install the OverDrive app or Libby app to your device
- Authorize the OverDrive app with an OverDrive account
- Add "The Seattle Public Library" to My Libraries
- Log into your library account, find an e-book you want and check it out (You may need to place a hold on popular items)
- Tap on the Download button and choose the EPUB format
- E-books download directly to the app's "Bookshelf" via Wi-Fi
Note: Return e-books early from the OverDrive app
How do I get started with my Android device?
OverDrive App Instructions for Android
E-book format: EPUB
Use for Android devices, including Nook HD and Kobo Arc
- Install the OverDrive app or Libby app to your device
- Authorize the OverDrive app with an OverDrive account
- Add "The Seattle Public Library" to My Libraries
- Log into your library account, find an e-book you want and check it out (You may need to place a hold on popular items)
- Tap on the Download button and choose the EPUB format
- E-books download directly to the app's "Bookshelf" via Wi-Fi
Note: Return e-books early from the OverDrive app
How do I get started with my Kindle? (not including Kindle Fire)
E-book format: Kindle
- Log into your library account
- Find an e-book you want and check it out (You may need to place a hold on popular items)
- Click on the Download button and choose the Kindle format
- You'll be sent to Amazon.com. Log in to the Amazon account associated with your Kindle
- The e-book will sync with your Kindle (or Kindle app) via WiFi
Note: Return your e-book early from your Amazon.com account
How do I get started with my Kindle Fire?
E-book formats: Kindle & EPUB
- Download the OverDrive app to your Kindle Fire
- Authorize the OverDrive app with an OverDrive account
- Add "The Seattle Public Library" to My Libraries
- Using the OverDrive app, log into your library account, find an e-book you want and check it out (You may need to place a hold on popular items)
- Tap on the Download button and choose the Kindle format if available (Note: if a Kindle format is not available, use the EPUB format with the OverDrive app)
- You'll be sent to Amazon.com. Log in to the Amazon account associated with your Kindle
- The e-book will sync with your Kindle Fire via WiFi
Note: Return your e-book early from your Amazon.com account
How do I get started with my Windows Surface?
OverDrive App Instructions for Windows Surface
E-book format: EPUB
- Install the OverDrive app or Libby app to your device
- Authorize the OverDrive app with an OverDrive account
- Add "The Seattle Public Library" to My Libraries
- Log into your library account, find an e-book you want and check it out (You may need to place a hold on popular items)
- Tap on the Download button and choose the EPUB format
- E-books download directly to the app's "Bookshelf" via Wi-Fi
Note: Return e-books early from the OverDrive app
Safari Books Online
Read over 4,000 technology books online with Safari Books Online. Learn development languages, project management, how to run a lean startup and more. Read unlimited Safari Books Online for free with your Library card.
- Read technology books online with standard web browsers for Windows and Mac
- Learn how to develop software and mobile apps
- Print pages for offline access
- You can read online anytime with no due dates or charges
BookFlix
BookFlix pairs animated stories with real world concepts for early readers up to 3rd grade. Animated stories and interactive games keep young readers engaged and help build vocabulary.
- Access BookFlix using an iPad, Chromebook, Windows PC or Mac
- Explore nine themes of stories paired with nonfiction resources:
- Animals and Nature
- Earth and Sky
- Family and Community
- People and Places
- Music and Rhyme
- ABC's and 1,2,3's
- Adventure
- Imagination
- Celebrations
TumbleBookLibrary
Help your child build reading, math and language skills with this fun collection of animated, talking picture books for preschool and elementary-age children. Includes some books in French and Spanish.
- Access TumbleBooks on Windows, Mac, Chromebook and most tablets and smartphones
- Read story books, read-alongs, graphic novels and more for free with your Library card
- Watch videos, do puzzles, play games or learn a language
Hoopla Digital Comics
You can read thousands of comics and graphic novels online for free from Hoopla. Sign in with your Library card from your internet-connected device and start reading now.
If you have a question or need help, Ask Us or call 206-386-4636.