Library Services?

Calenorn · 12-01-2023, 02:08 PM

Okay, please forgive such a basic question from a technophobe:

Will Kobo ereaders be able to use public library borrowing services like Libby or hoopla? As far as I can tell these services want you to use their website or download an ap to phone or tablet, etc. If I understand that correctly, I don't think a non-tablet ereader will be able to use those services. Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.

IanScuffling · 12-01-2023, 04:37 PM

All Kobo models can borrow using a valid library account. For some models, you can borrow directly in the reader, using Overdrive. For others (older models), you need to first check the book out to your PC or Mac, and then transfer the book to your readers using a free program, Adobe Digital Editions. I do it with my PC so I don't need to use the Wifi on my reader.

John F · 12-01-2023, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calenorn

Okay, please forgive such a basic question from a technophobe:

Will Kobo ereaders be able to use public library borrowing services like Libby or hoopla? As far as I can tell these services want you to use their website or download an ap to phone or tablet, etc. If I understand that correctly, I don't think a non-tablet ereader will be able to use those services. Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.

Libby, yes. Hoopla, no. Cloud Library, yes. Freading, yes.

I use ADE and a PC.

As for direct borrowing from a Kobo, it also depends on your country. When I tried direct borrowing from a Kobo, I found the UI tedious. You can also borrow using an Overdrive (and maybe libby) website, at least for a majority of titles, I believe.

Cootey · 12-01-2023, 07:10 PM

Re: Libby. You can log into Overdrive using your library card on your Kobo ereader if your library supports Overdrive. Then you have the option of borrowing most ebooks present in your local library catalog while you browse the Kobo store on your Kobo ereader. However, it truly is easier to do that from the Overdrive website or Libby app linked to the same library card. I’m simplifying things here, but whatever book you borrow from Overdrive on the web or Libby from your mobile device will sync to your Kobo ereader if Kobo has a matching ISBN for it in their catalog.

Sometimes you will bump into books that are Kindle only or have a different ISBN than the one you borrowed from Libby. It’s infrequent, but it does happen. I borrowed a slew of manga of one series the other day, and all but the most current volume synced to my Kobo Elipsa. It’s nonsensical and frustrating, but you can just send the ebook over to a Kindle app and read it there, if you have it installed. You can also read such books with your Libby app. But, I must emphasize that it’s infrequent. I bump into it maybe once a year, and I borrow a lot of ebooks for my Kobos through Libby.

12-01-2023, 02:08 PM	#1
Calenorn Brash Fumbler Posts: 1,203 Karma: 9224939 Join Date: May 2013 Device: NST, Kobo Mini	Library Services? Okay, please forgive such a basic question from a technophobe: Will Kobo ereaders be able to use public library borrowing services like Libby or hoopla? As far as I can tell these services want you to use their website or download an ap to phone or tablet, etc. If I understand that correctly, I don't think a non-tablet ereader will be able to use those services. Am I missing something? Thanks in advance.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Does your public library have: Electronic Devices Lending Services?	tomereader	General Discussions	7	01-24-2011 02:21 AM

12-01-2023, 04:37 PM	#2
IanScuffling Enthusiast Posts: 47 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Washington DC Device: Kobo Aura HD	All Kobo models can borrow using a valid library account. For some models, you can borrow directly in the reader, using Overdrive. For others (older models), you need to first check the book out to your PC or Mac, and then transfer the book to your readers using a free program, Adobe Digital Editions. I do it with my PC so I don't need to use the Wifi on my reader.

12-01-2023, 07:10 PM	#4
Cootey Absentminded Reader Posts: 1,324 Karma: 7387565 Join Date: Apr 2017 Device: Kobo Mini, Libra Colour & Elipsa; Kindle Paperwhite 3 & 4; iOS apps	Re: Libby. You can log into Overdrive using your library card on your Kobo ereader if your library supports Overdrive. Then you have the option of borrowing most ebooks present in your local library catalog while you browse the Kobo store on your Kobo ereader. However, it truly is easier to do that from the Overdrive website or Libby app linked to the same library card. I’m simplifying things here, but whatever book you borrow from Overdrive on the web or Libby from your mobile device will sync to your Kobo ereader if Kobo has a matching ISBN for it in their catalog. Sometimes you will bump into books that are Kindle only or have a different ISBN than the one you borrowed from Libby. It’s infrequent, but it does happen. I borrowed a slew of manga of one series the other day, and all but the most current volume synced to my Kobo Elipsa. It’s nonsensical and frustrating, but you can just send the ebook over to a Kindle app and read it there, if you have it installed. You can also read such books with your Libby app. But, I must emphasize that it’s infrequent. I bump into it maybe once a year, and I borrow a lot of ebooks for my Kobos through Libby.

Advert