What are the different reading options for ebooks on my library's OverDrive website?

Here are the different reading options that may be available on your library's OverDrive website when you borrow an ebook:

OverDrive Read

Read in your browser. No software or downloads are required to read OverDrive Read ebooks.
Reading progress and bookmarks are stored in the cloud, so you can always pick up where you left off on any device.
Most ebooks automatically adjust to fit your screen, but some have a fixed layout (set by the publisher) to better display graphic-heavy ebooks.
Some ebooks (called OverDrive Read-along ebooks) come with professional narration.
OverDrive Read has a lot of options to customize your reading experience.
Learn more about getting started with OverDrive Read.

You can download EPUB ebooks using Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) on a computer or the OverDrive app (limited availability).
There are two types of EPUB ebooks: Adobe and Open EPUB.
- Adobe EPUB
  - Adobe EPUB ebooks are protected by Adobe's digital rights management (DRM) system. You'll need to authorize your computer or device before reading them. Learn more about authorizing your computer or authorizing the OverDrive app.
- Open EPUB
  - Open EPUB ebooks aren't protected by Adobe's DRM system. This means you don't need to authorize your computer or device before reading them.
  - Open EPUBs can be downloaded to any reading app (like iBooks or Play Books) in addition to the OverDrive app or Adobe Digital Editions.
EPUB ebooks automatically adjust to fit your screen. You can change display options like the font size, number of columns, and more.

You can download PDF titles using Adobe Digital Editions. Unlike EPUBs, PDFs aren't compatible with the OverDrive app.
There are two types of PDF ebooks: Adobe and Open PDF.
- Adobe PDF
  - Adobe PDFs are protected by Adobe's DRM system. You'll need to authorize your computer before reading them. Learn more about authorizing your computer.
- Open PDF
  - Open PDFs aren't protected by Adobe's DRM system. This means you don't need to authorize your computer before reading them.
  - Open PDFs can be opened in your device's web browser (like Chrome or Safari) or in a PDF-compatible reading app (not the OverDrive app).
PDFs have a fixed layout, so they don't automatically adjust to fit your screen, and you can't change display options like font size. However, you can zoom in on pages or graphics.
PDFs are often used for graphic novels, illustrated ebooks, textbooks, and other titles with specific layouts.

You can read Kindle Books on any Kindle device or Kindle reading app.
Kindle Books are only available to borrow from U.S. libraries and schools.
They work just like any other Kindle Book from Amazon, but they expire at the end of your lending period like any library ebook.
Learn how to borrow Kindle Books from your library (U.S. only).

Read in your browser. No software or downloads are required to read MediaDo Reader ebooks.
MediaDo Reader is designed to display graphic novels and content that reads right-to-left or top-to-bottom.
Reading progress and bookmarks are saved in your current browser.
These ebooks have a static layout with set page breaks, so you can zoom in and out of pages or graphics.
Learn more about MediaDo Reader's features.

Last Updated: 10 September 2024 01:59 PM