eBooks & Audiobooks FAQs

  • General Questions

    Even though eBooks are digital, libraries can’t offer unlimited copies. In most cases, we can only license eBooks from publishers; we do not own them outright. Each license usually allows only a limited number of checkouts or a limited period of access, so when all copies are checked out, you’ll see a waitlist—just like physical books. 

    We do purchase additional copies of high-demand titles when the budget allows—but eBooks are much more expensive for libraries than for individual consumers. On average, an eBook or eAudiobook costs the library almost three times what you’d pay on Amazon, and the license may still expire after 1-2 years or 26 checkouts. 

    Because of these high and recurring costs, we have to carefully balance requests for more copies with our overall collections budget. 

    Publishers decide how much libraries pay and how long we can use the content. Common pricing models include: 

    • A set cost for 26 or 52 checkouts, or
    • A set cost for 1 or 2 years of access

    Once that limit is reached, the license expires, and we must repurchase it—often at the same high price. We don’t get to choose these terms; we must work within what publishers offer. 

    In some cases, publishers choose not to license certain eBook or eAudiobook titles to libraries at all, even though those same titles are available for consumers to buy.  

    Since 2021, Glenview Public Library has seen a 72% increase in digital checkouts. We’ve shifted more of our collections budget toward digital content to keep up and lower wait times. 

    However, because eBooks are so expensive and licenses expire, growing demand puts ongoing pressure on our budget. We’re constantly working to stretch every dollar to serve as many readers as possible. 

    While using Libby, try these tips: 

    • Return eBooks early if you finish before your due date. 
    • Suspend your hold if you’re not ready yet—you’ll keep your place in line. 
    • Cancel your holds if you no longer need them. Help the Library better gauge demand and keep the hold line moving. 
    • Check Libby’s Lucky Day collection for instant, no-wait titles. 

  • hoopla

    • Download the hoopla app from your device’s app store, or go to hoopladigital.com.
    • Follow the steps to create your account, selecting Glenview Public Library when prompted. You’ll need an email address and your library card number.  
    • Once the account has been created, sign in with your email address and password. 

     

    • Browse titles or search for a specific item. Click on a title image, then tap Borrow to check out the item.  
    • Click the Play or Read button to access the item. On the app, you can download the item to access it offline.  

    Borrow up to 10 items per month. Borrowing limits reset on the first of the month.

    Borrow movies and TV shows for 3 days, music for 7 days and eBooks, comics, and audiobooks for 21 days.

  • Libby

    • Download the Libby app from your device’s app store or go to dlil.overdrive.com.
    • Follow the prompts to select the Glenview Public Library and enter your library card number. 

     

    • Browse the catalog by format, curated collections, or by searching.  
    • Click on a title to select. Click on Borrow and your library card will display. Select your loan period from the drop-down menu. Click Borrow again and the title will be added to your loans. 
    • If the Borrow option does not display, you may tap Place a Hold to be notified when the item is available.  
    • Tap Open to read your title. 

    Borrow up to 10 titles at a time for up to 21 days. Magazines are checked out for 14 days and do not count towards account limits.

    Click on an item from your loans page, and click Manage Loan to return items early. The renew option will appear 3 days before the due date. If the item cannot be renewed, it will be placed on hold.  

    Titles must be borrowed or renewed within 3 days. If no action is taken, the hold is suspended for 7 days. If no action is taken after this suspension, the hold is cancelled automatically.  

    Libby’s Lucky Day collection features popular titles that are available to borrow right now—no waiting list. If you see a Lucky Day title you’re interested in, grab it! It’s your lucky day. 

  • Kindle

    • Access the library’s collection from the Libby app or dlil.overdrive.com.  
    • Sign in using your library card number.  
    • Search the collection of Kindle eBooks and either borrow or place a hold on an item.  

    • Once an item is checked out, click on “Read Now with Kindle”.  
    • You will be redirected to Amazon.com. Log in with your Amazon account information. 
    • Click “Get Library Book” and select which device you would like the title delivered to.  
    • Your eBook will be available on the Kindle the next time you sync the device. If the device is connected to Wi-Fi, this usually happens immediately.

    Currently, there is no Libby app in the Kindle app store. You can use the Kindle app as an eReader for books checked out via Libby or dlil.overdrive.com.

    Borrow up to 10 titles at a time for up to 21 days. 

    You can return items from the Libby app or dlil.overdrive.com. Items are automatically removed from your device after the loan period expires, though they may still appear in your reading history.