Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I find an eBook?
You can access OverDrive either through the library catalog or from our OverDrive website, http://cobbcounty.lib.overdrive.com.
To log in to the OverDrive site please enter your library card number and PIN. Don't know your library card number and PIN? Contact us for assistance »
I got an error saying my privilege has expired. What does that mean?
This message indicates that your library card has expired (which happens every two years for library cardholders). Renewing your card is easy. Just stop by any Cobb County Public Library System branch, pay any fines you may have, and show proof of residency in Cobb County. (Get more information about a card renewal here.) If you have questions about this (or believe that you are receiving this message by mistake), please contact our Customer Service Department.
Can I be put on a holds list if the item I want isn't available?
Yes. You can place a hold on a digital book if the one you want is checked out. You’ll get an email notice when it is available.
Which devices are compatible with the library's downloads?
For more information on which devices are compatible with the OverDrive services, please visit http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/.
Will these books work on my Kindle?
Yes! OverDrive has partnered with Amazon to offer Kindle versions of eBooks to our patrons. Search the collection to find Kindle-compatible titles here.
You'll need to have your wireless turned on to download books directly to your Kindle. You can find instructions on how to do that here.
Can I return my eBooks early?
If you're reading eBooks on a non-Kindle eReader, you can return your eBooks early through Adobe Digital Editions. To return the eBook, you open up Adobe Digital Editions, viewing the books in “library view,” right-click on the title you want to return to display the title options. Click on the option to “Return Borrowed Item” and then confirm that you want to return the item.
If you've downloaded the book using the OverDrive app on a smartphone or tablet, you can use the app to return the item.
If you've downloaded the item to your Kindle, follow these easy steps:
- Log into Amazon.com and click on “Your Account.”
- Under Digital Content select “Manage Your Kindle.” You may get asked to verify your password before getting into the account.
- Find the library eBook in your account, click “Actions” and select “Return this book.”
Can I return my eAudiobooks early?
You can return eAudiobooks early on certain devices. Find more information about that on the OverDrive Help site.
I'm not able to transfer WMA files to my Android device or iPhone. Why not?
Certain audiobook titles are only available as WMA files. Titles that are in this format cannot be transferred to Android devices because they aren't compatible. Some titles in WMA format can be transferred to Apple devices throught the PC version of OverDrive Media Console. Find more information here.
How do I transfer audiobooks to my iPod?
- Connect your Apple device to your computer.
- Open iTunes.
- In iTunes, locate the device in the left vertical navigation panel
(under heading 'DEVICES'), and click the device.
- The 'Summary' screen is displayed.
- If it is not already checked, place a checkmark next to the option
'Manually manage music...'. Note: For users with an iPod shuffle®, the setting that needs to be selected is
'Enable Disk Use', rather than 'Manually manage music...'. This setting can be
found on the
'Summary' screen of iTunes.
- Click the 'Apply' button.
- The iTunes 'Summary' screen refreshes, and the changes are saved.
- If desired, close iTunes.
How do I set up AAC import settings in iTunes?
-
In iTunes, go to Edit > Preferences…
- The iTunes Preferences dialog box is displayed.
- Click the 'Import Settings…' button.
- The 'Import Settings' dialog box is displayed.
- In the 'Import Using' field, select option 'AAC Encoder'.
- In the 'Setting' field, select 'Spoken Podcast' if transferring audiobooks
or 'High Quality' if transferring music.
- Click the 'OK' button to apply your changes and close the 'Import
Settings' dialog box.
- Click the 'OK' button to close the iTunes Preferences dialog box.
- (Optional) Once you have completed this transfer, return to iTunes to
restore your original settings.
Are you ordering new eBooks?
Yes! We order new ones when we can (and as the budget allows). You can always check the OverDrive site to browse our new titles.
Are there other sources for eBooks?
In addition to the digital downloads available through our OverDrive collection, you can also search the following sites for free eBooks:
- eBooks on EBSCOhost: Nonfiction and fiction eBooks are available. You'll need your library card number and PIN to access this database.
- Project Gutenberg: A place where you can download over 33,000 free ebooks to read on your PC, iPad, Kindle, Sony Reader, iPhone, Android or other portable device.
- Google Books: This site has both free eBooks and eBooks for sale.
- ManyBooks.net: Has free eBooks for download.
- Internet Archive: A 501(c)(3) non-profit that was founded to build an Internet library. Its purposes include offering permanent access for researchers, historians, scholars, people with disabilities, and the general public to historical collections that exist in digital format.
I got an error 0x80070057. What do I do?
Something may change with your computer's settings that causes the Digital Rights Management (DRM) software to malfunction. If this occurs, you will need to reset your Windows DRM to listen to or watch OverDrive titles. Microsoft has solutions you can try.
I cannot run the Windows Media Player Security Upgrade through OverDrive Media Console. Why not?
OverDrive has a solution to run the security upgrade using Internet Explorer directly from the Microsoft website here:
http://help.overdrive.com/article/0027/How-to-run-the-Windows-Media-Player-Security-Upgrade.
I have a question that isn't answered here. Can you help me?
We'll do our best. Please contact us and include your name, library card number, and the information about the problem you're having. We'll try to help you resolve your issue as quickly as we can; you can generally expect a response within three business days, excluding any observed holidays.
OverDrive Help is another resource for you. You can find how-to guides,videos, articles, answers to frequently asked questions, and more. Visit OverDrive Help today!
