Show All Answers

1. When I try to enter my library card number to sign in, OverDrive tells me I can't. What's wrong?

You will not be able to use this service if your library card has expired.

2. Can I return materials early?

Yes, by viewing the instruction guides, you will find steps for returning materials early.

3. I can't find a title I'm looking for. Can the library get it for me?

Yes, by making a Purchase Request to the library. Materials will be added to the collection within 24 hours of purchase. The only time we are unable to fill a request is if the item is not available for purchase.

4. I attempted to download an item multiple times because it wasn't working properly. Now it says I've reached my download limit. What do I do?

If your item failed to download, email the Abilene Public Library and provide your library card number and the title of the item. Staff may reset your download limit to try again. By phone, you may contact a supervisor at any branch library:

• Main Library
  Phone: 325-677-2474
• Mockingbird Branch Library
  Phone: 325-437-7323
• South Branch Library
  Phone: 325-698-7565

5. Can I checkout on multiple devices?

Yes, you may download an item on up to three devices per checkout.

6. A hold has become available for me. Where do I find it to check it out?

When notified via email, your title will automatically checkout to you. Sign in to your account, access your loans page under the account settings, and your available holds will be listed there for you to download to your device.

If you do not want to use the Automatic Holds Checkout feature, access your OverDrive account and adjust your personal settings. Then, when notified it is available to checkout, you will have 72 hours (from the time of delivery of the email) to checkout your title and download. Items not checked out in this time frame will then go to the next person in line.

7. Can I renew OverDrive items?

Yes, 3-days before an item is due, you will be given an option to renew the item as long as it does not have any outstanding holds.

8. What happens to my items when they expire?

The next time you try to access the item(s), you will receive a message that the title has expired and it will delete itself from your PC or device.

9. An eBook I'm reading appears to be missing pages. What's wrong?

If the file successfully downloaded and it is missing pieces, this may be due to an error in the file. Email the Abilene Public Library to report the issue and we will contact OverDrive to look into the matter.

10. Do you offer a class on using OverDrive?

No, but we do offer a service called Book-A-Librarian where you can signup for 1-on-1 help for a librarian to show you how to use OverDrive. You may also take advantage of the TECH Time sessions hosted from 2 to 4 pm on Mondays at the South Branch Library and Thursdays at the Main Library.

The Main Library is located at:
202 Cedar Street
Abilene, TX 79601

The South Branch Library is located at:
1326 N Mockingbird Lane
Abilene, TX 79603

11. Why do I need to register (or get) an OverDrive account to checkout books?

Registering for an OverDrive account is needed to authorize your device for accessing and downloading the un-encrypted eBook and audiobook files.

12. Can I listen to audiobooks on my Kindle?

You may download and listen to audiobooks only on Kindle Fire devices.

13. I checked out a title for my Kindle, but it's not showing up. What do I do?

If a title doesn't show up on your carousel immediately, verify you are connected to WiFi, then access your menu options to sync you device with Amazon. It should then detect the item you checked out, download it, and then you will be able to find it on your carousel.

14. I don't live in Abilene, but I have a TexShare Card. Can I get a library card for free to access your OverDrive collection?

Yes and no; Texas residents, residing outside of Taylor County, may access OverDrive by obtaining a non-resident library card for an annual fee of $10. Although you may acquire a library card for free through the TexShare program, these accounts do not grant access to the OverDrive collection.