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eBooks & Audiobooks
The library provides access to multiple collections of ebooks and audiobooks, which you can find below. The largest and most popular is our Library2Go collection from OverDrive.
If you’re new to these formats or simply need a refresher, check out our additional information below.
Ebook & audiobook collections
Cantook Station (Bibliothèque numérique)
Offers French-language ebooks and audiobooks from Canadian and international publishers for all ages!
NWPL recognizes the financial support of the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Agreement on French Language Services.
By logging into this resource, you agree to the Vendor Privacy Policy and NWPL Privacy Policy.
Libby
An app for phones and tablets that you can use to access ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines from our Library2Go collection by OverDrive.
Download Libby from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Learn how to get started by 1) following these step-by-step instructions provided by OverDrive or by 2) clicking on the nearby View Tutorial button to watch a series of videos created by Niche Academy.
Libby is also available in a web version for computers and laptops.
By using this resource, you agree to the Vendor Privacy Policy and NWPL Privacy Policy.
OverDrive
The company that provides our largest assortment of ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines, which we refer to as our “Library2Go” collection.
Access this collection via any of the following ways:
- Library catalogue
- OverDrive web portal
- Libby
- Kobo eReaders
For complete details, see How to Borrow and Access eBooks & Audiobooks.
By using this resource, you agree to the Vendor Privacy Policy and NWPL Privacy Policy.
TumbleBook Library
Allows you to read stories and listen to audiobooks on your computer or download the app to your smartphone or tablet!
By logging into this resource, you agree to the Vendor Privacy Policy and NWPL Privacy Policy.
Additional information
Getting started with ebooks & audiobooks
To borrow ebooks and audiobooks, you will need the following:
- New Westminster Public Library Card: You need a library card to borrow most items from the library, including ebooks and audiobooks. Consult our Library Cards page for information on how to sign up for one.
- A personal device: You can access digital books on a variety of devices, whether an eReader, smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, or desktop computer. How you access them on each type of device may differ, however, so you will need to become familiar with the steps to follow for your specific device. Learn more in the following section, How to Borrow and Access eBooks and Audiobooks.
- An Internet connection: You will need to be connected to the Internet at first in order to search for, borrow, and stream an ebook or audiobook. However, if you’re using the Libby app, there is the option to download a book rather than stream it, meaning it would be available to you even when you’re not connected to the Internet.
- New Westminster residency: You must reside in New Westminster to access our ebooks and audiobooks, as per our agreements with vendors such as OverDrive. If you are not a resident, contact your local library to inquire about ebook and audiobook collections available to you.
How to borrow and access ebooks & audiobooks
There are different ways to borrow and access ebooks and audiobooks depending on your personal technological setup and preferences. The following describes the varied ways to borrow from our Library2Go collection from OverDrive, as it’s our biggest and most popular collection by far.
From the library’s online catalogue:
This method works best when you are using a desktop or laptop computer.
- Open up a web browser and go to our online catalogue: https://newwestminster.bibliocommons.com/
- Log In with your library card number and PIN.
- Perform a search using keywords, title, author, or something else.
- Filter the search results by Format, clicking on eBook, audiobook, or both.
- Click Check out to borrow an item.
- Click Access this item, then Read now in browser.
From the library’s dedicated OverDrive web portal:
This method works best when you are using a desktop or laptop computer. It is different than starting from the library catalogue because the portal leads to ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines only — no physical books — so you do not need to filter search results by format.
- Open up a web browser and go to our dedicated OverDrive web portal: https://bcpl.overdrive.com/bcpl-newwestminster/content
- Log In with your library card number and PIN.
- Perform a search using keywords, title, author, or something else.
- Click Borrow to borrow an item.
- Click Read now in browser.
From Libby:
This method works best when using a desktop or laptop computer, a smartphone or a tablet. If you are using a computer, open a browser and go to libbyapp.com. If you are using a smartphone or tablet, download the Libby app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Once you are on the Libby website or have opened the app on your smartphone or tablet, you will need to add your library card number and PIN before you can begin searching, borrowing and reading.
OverDrive, the maker of Libby, has created several resources to help you learn how to use it. For step-by-step instructions, go here: https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/index.htm If you are a visual learner, check out the videos here: https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/videos.htm?tocpath=Home%7C_____18
From an eReader:
This method works best when using a Kobo eReader. Kindle eReaders will not work as only Kobo has established agreements with Canadian public libraries.
Kobo has created a resource to help you learn how to use one of its eReaders to access ebooks and audiobooks from OverDrive via a public library like New Westminster Public Library. Check out the step-by-step instructions here: https://help.kobo.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017677053-Borrow-eBooks-from-the-public-library-using-your-Kobo-eReader
The Advantages of eBooks & Audiobooks
There are many advantages to ebooks and audiobooks. These include:
Accessibility: Adjust the font size or background on an ebook to make it easier to read. Or borrow the audiobook version of a book title if reading is not possible at all. For those with mobility issues, borrowing ebooks and audiobooks minimizes trips to and from the library.
Convenience: Listening to an audiobook frees you up to perform the kinds of activities that you would while listening to music or a podcast, whether that’s driving, exercising, or simply being hands-free so you can enjoy a snack and drink with your book.
Instant access: Ebooks and audiobooks can be borrowed and accessed instantly if they are checked in and “available now.” But even if you have to place a hold, once that hold is ready, you can check out and open a digital title in mere moments.
Portability: Carry numerous book titles with you wherever you go, accessible through your personal device (whether an eReader, smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer) and an Internet connection.
Questions? Contact us.