OverDrive Basics: PC & Mac

Before you can start enjoying OverDrive eBooks on your computer, you will need to be sure it meets the following requirements:

For Windows:

• Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) or newer
• Updated web browsers - Internet Explorer 8 or newer, Firefox 3 or newer, or Google Chrome
• Adobe Flash Player 9 or 10
• JavaScript enabled in your browser (see here for further instructions)

For Mac:

• Mac OS X v10.4.10 or newer
• Updated web browers - Safari 4 or newer or Firefox 3 or newer
• Adobe Flash Player 9 or 10
• JavaScript enabled in your browser (see here for further instructions)

Next, install Adobe Digital Editions.  Once it is installed, you will need to authorize your computer.  Open Adobe Digital Editions and follow the prompts until you see the 'Authorize Computer' screen.  Enter your Adobe ID* if you have one.  If you don't, click 'Get an Adobe ID online' and follow the instructions.  Return to the activation screen in Adobe Digital Editions, enter your new Adobe ID, and click 'Activate'.

Now you are ready to find and download books!  You can browse and search for items on the OverDrive Library page.  Select the item you would like to download and select ADD TO CART next to the format the appropriate format.  Sign in to your account, then proceed to checkout.  To download the item to your computer click the DOWNLOAD button underneath the title.  When the download is complete, Adobe Digital Editions will launch and automatically open your eBooks.

*If you have multiple devices that you plan to use for reading eBooks, be sure to use the same Adobe ID when authorizing each device.  For example, if you wish to read eBooks on your computer, and also on your iPad or Nook, use the same Adobe ID each time.

To listen to OverDrive audiobooks on your computer, you must meet the following basic requirements:

For Windows:

• Windows XP (or newer)
• Internet Explorer 7 (or newer)
• Windows Media Player 9 series (or newer)
• iTunes v9.1 (or newer) - required to transfer audiobooks to Apple Devices

For Mac:

• Mac OS 10.4.9 (or newer)
• iTunes v7.6.2.9 (or newer)

If you meet the basic system requirements, proceed to download and install the OverDrive Media Console Software.  If you are using a computer running Windows, you will be prompted to complete a security upgrade in order to play protected titles.

Once you have installed OverDrive Media Console, you may begin downloading audiobooks.  Note that if you are using a PC, you can enjoy audiobooks in either MP3 or WMA format.  However, if you are using a Mac, you can download only MP3 format audiobooks.

Find the audiobook(s) you would like to download, and select ADD TO CART next to the format that is appropriate for your computer (if the item is already checked out, you will see the optioin to PLACE A HOLD).  Proceed to checkout, and then click the DOWNLOAD button underneath the title.  Choose to open your file with OverDrive Media Console.  Follow the download prompts, and OverDrive Media Console should launch (if it is not already open) and display your audiobook.  Click on the audiobook that you wish to hear, click the play button, and your book will open up in a separate player window.