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Libby and OverDrive

eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eComics from Libby/OverDrive

What are Libby and OverDrive?

OverDrive is one of our providers of digital books and magazines which you can access online. Libby is an app created by OverDrive. Libby makes it easier to use OverDrive eBooks, eComics, eAudiobooks and eMagazines on a mobile phone or tablet.

  • You can borrow up to 8 eBooks, eAudiobooks and eComics at a time.
  • Borrow as many eMagazines as you want at any time.
  • You can borrow items for up to 21 days, and return them early.
  • You can renew items a few days before they are due - unless there is a waiting list.
  • Reservations of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eComics are free.
  • Some titles can be borrowed by more than one person at a time - great for reading groups.
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How to use Libby and OverDrive

Log in to our OverDrive catalogue home page with your library card number and PIN.

In the Libby app, search for Cambridgeshire Libraries and log in with your library card number and PIN.

You need Wi-Fi or data to search and borrow from the Libby app, but once your title has downloaded, you can read or listen without an internet connection.

Our OverDrive home page and Libby app home page both feature a number of themed bookshelves. These are useful for browsing, particularly if you don’t have a specific book or author in mind. You can also browse the catalogue by subject or collection.

To search for a specific title or author on OverDrive, use the search bar at the top of the page.

Compatible devices

OverDrive and its Libby app work with:

  • PCs
  • tablets
  • mobile phones
  • some eReaders

You can listen to eAudio books on any device that plays MP3 files, such as:

  • iPods
  • tablets
  • smartphones

using OverDrive's app, Libby.

Using a tablet or smartphone

For reading or listening on your tablet, Kindle Fire or smart phone, download the Libby app.

Download and install 'Libby, by OverDrive'

Get the Libby app

Libby app on the Apple App Store

Libby app on the Google Play Store (Android)

Libby app on the Windows Store

Setting up the Libby app

When using the app for the first time you will need to add your library card.

  1. Click on 'Find My Library' and search for 'Cambridgeshire Libraries.'
  2. Once it has found the right library service select ‘Add a Library Card.’
  3. Enter your library card number and PIN.

The OverDrive website has more information.

Downloading eBook or eMagazine titles to your PC

To download eBooks or eMagazines to your PC, you will need Adobe Digital Editions installed on your computer.

  1. Install the Adobe Digital Editions program on your computer
  2. Go to the OverDrive website and download an eBook to your PC. The file name will end ‘.acsm’
  3. Open the eBook in Adobe Digital Editions
  4. The first time you do this Adobe Digital Editions will prompt you to enter your Adobe account details. If you don’t have an Adobe account, follow the link to set one up.

Using an eReader

You can connect your eReader to your PC to transfer eBooks.

Compatible eReaders:

  • Kobo
  • Nook
  • PocketBook
  • Tolino

Please note OverDrive and Libby do not work with Kindle eReaders.

Some eReaders have OverDrive available on the device. Open OverDrive and enter your library card details to start borrowing eBooks.

If your eReader doesn’t have OverDrive on it, you can connect your eReader to your PC to transfer eBooks on to it.

  1. Plug your eReader into your computer
  2. Install the Adobe Digital Editions program on your computer
  3. Go to the OverDrive website and download an eBook to your PC. The file name will end ‘.acsm’
  4. Open the eBook in Adobe Digital Editions
  5. The first time you do this Adobe Digital Editions will prompt you to enter your Adobe account details. If you don’t have an Adobe account, follow the link to set one up.
  6. Your eReader will appear under the ‘Device’ heading. Drag and drop your eBook to copy it on to your eReader.

With OverDrive Listen, you can borrow audiobooks and listen to them right in your web browser with a single click. There are no downloads or software required. OverDrive Listen is a streaming audiobook player that works on computers, tablets, and mobile devices with compatible web browsers.

You will need to stay connected to WiFi or mobile data while listening.

To get started:

  1. open your web browser
  2. borrow an eAudiobook in the OverDrive Listen format from our OverDrive website.
  3. click the Listen now in browser button

How to see which formats are available for a title - OverDrive website

Further information and help

You can find information on getting started on the OverDrive website.

There is also an OverDrive troubleshooting webpage which includes advice for different devices.

Some libraries have a digital buddy who can help you to access eBooks and eAudio books.

You can also contact our customer service centre: