OverDrive is pleased to announce that Amazon® Kindle compatibility with your U.S. public or school library’s eBook collection is here. See the press release. This update, which is included at no additional cost to OverDrive partner libraries, allows most existing eBooks in your library’s collection to be read on all Kindle devices or by using free Kindle apps for iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ and other mobile devices.
OverDrive is quickly updating all U.S. public and school library partner websites to support Kindle compatibility and will complete this update as soon as possible. Sections of your website, including My Help wizard, Help pages and FAQs, will also reflect these changes and help new Kindle users.
Here is the process for checking out a library eBook for Kindle:
- Visit your library’s ‘Virtual Branch’ website
- Browse and check out a Kindle book.
- Click the ‘Get for Kindle’ button. This opens the Amazon.com website. You may be required to sign in with your Amazon.com account if you are not already logged in.
- Select a Kindle device or Kindle reading app. Click the ‘Get library book’ button and sync your device or app to download the book, or choose to send it to your device via USB.
- An active Wi-Fi connection is required for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. If your Kindle is not Wi-Fi capable or you do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, read Amazon’s instructions for transferring files via USB.
Kindle compatibility with library eBooks also takes full advantage of Amazon’s Whispersync technology. If you check out the eBook again at a later date or choose to purchase the eBook from the Kindle Store, all of your notes, bookmarks and highlights will be preserved. The last page read will also be synced between your Kindle and free Kindle reading apps.
For more details, please check the Help pages and FAQs on your library’s web site.
Brianne Carlon is a public relations specialist at OverDrive.
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Hi Alison, at this time you will need to check out a title with your library card using a desktop or laptop computer. The Kindle book will then be transferred wirelessly to your Kindle (with Wi-Fi) or Kindle Fire after you ‘Get for Kindle.’ -Brianne
My husband loves audiobooks and I have taught him how to get them to his iPod. I got him a Kindle Fire for Christmas. I cannot get a clear answer if he will be able to get audiobooks on the Fire. Can you help?
Hi Jennifer, the Kindle Fire does list MP3 as a compatible format. However, these may not be compatible with your OverDrive service at this time. I hope this helps. -Brianne
I have been unable to get Overdrive’s eBooks to download directly to Kindles that have keyboards at the bottom (Kindle Basic). Once I get to the point that moves from Overdrive to Amazon (Get it on Kindle) it says that multiple browser pages are not supported. Is there a way to get around this?
I have successfully downloaded things onto Kindle Fire. Our other patrons with Kindles, however, are understandably upset that they would have to use a computer. Many of our patrons bought their kindles to use instead of computers. Also is there any word on when other eReaders will support direct downloads?
I am so excited! Just received my Fire and downloaded an audiobook! Thrilled!!! Yes, it is MP3
Hello Autumn, I have sent the details of your issue to our support team who should be contacting you with a solution. Patrons with a Kindle Fire can browse, check out and download on the device be simply visiting your library website in their browser. The Sony Wi-Fi also supports direct downloads. -Brianne
I have been unable to get Overdrive’s eBooks to download directly to Kindles that have keyboards at the bottom (Kindle Basic). Once I get to the point that moves from Overdrive to Amazon (Get it on Kindle) it says that multiple browser pages are not supported. Is there a way to get around this?
Brianne, I hope I am not asking a question you have already answered. I have a Fire, and cannot find an Android app for Overdrive. Is it coming soon? Is there a workaround to get a library book down to my Fire? I want eBooks, not audio files.
Can you get in touch with the Grand Prairie, Texas public library and get your service started with them – they seem to be lagging at this time.
Thanks
Is there a timeline of when Library ebooks will be available in Canada for the kindle?
Is the Kindle Fire compatible for audio books? If so, how can you get them?
Hi Lisa, at this time there is no solid date for releasing Kindle books outside the US. Please continue to check back for updates. -Brianne
Hello Lzach, I apologize for the inconvenience. I have sent your query to our support team, and they will reach out to you with a response shortly. -Brianne
At this time, the OMC for Android app is not supported on the Kindle Fire. You can download Kindle formats to your device by taking the following steps:
1. Visit the website of a U.S. library that offers digital services from OverDrive.
2. Check out a Kindle book (library card required).
3. Click on “Get for Kindle.” You will then be directed to Amazon.com to redeem your public library loan. You may be required to login to your Amazon.com account — or create a new account — if you’re not already logged in.
4. Choose to read the book on your Kindle device, free reading app, or Kindle Cloud Reader.
For additional information, please visit:
- http://www.amazon.com/help/kindle/publiclibraries
Seconded on the earlier comment about kindle support in Canada. What’s the timeline looking like for that?
Hello Acelin, At this time there is no news on Kindle books being provided outside the US. Please check back for updates. -Brianne
The Library kindle ebooks not available in canada.
Reference : http://www.canadaereader.ca
Is there a procedure to do audiobooks from my home library, thru overdrive.
I received a Kindle Fire for Christmas and have placed holds on library ebooks, checked them out, read them and returned them all directly from my Kindle Fire device.
I’m very happy with the large selection of ebooks available from my library in Kindle format ( using Overdrive).
It was a little tricky to figure out the process at first, but my library emailed me step by step instructions on how to place holds, check out, and return Kindle editions. I love my Kindle Fire!
How do I check the Kindle book back in after I finish reading it?
Is there a work around available for Kindle basic users to download ebooks directly using wifi (ie. not via their computers). I saw this issue brought up several times, but wasn’t sure what the final answer was. I’m a librarian and would like to better help my patrons. Thank you!
How can I download canadian library books to my Kindle
Hello – Kindle compatibility with library eBooks is only available in the U.S. We have no further information at this time for Kindle compatibility in other countries.
Hi Lydia-
As you’ve discovered, Kindle basic users currently must browse and check out titles using a computer-based browser before downloading to their device. We’ll keep you posted on any updates.
Best,
Mike
Good question, Nancy. To return a Kindle book, log in to you account at Amazon.com, select “Your Account,” then select the “Manage My Kindle” link under Digital Content. From there, choose the drop-down menu next to the appropriate title and select the option to return to library. (It’s not yet possible to return titles directly from Kindle.) ~Mike
I was able to download a book from our local library (Lincoln City Library) , but I am told “cannot open file” The file has a .odm designation. What should I be using to open it? How do I get an app for this?
Thanks,
RuthAnn
Hi RuthAnn. Check out this Help article about getting started with Kindle. If that doesn’t do the trick, try contacting support via your library’s “Help” link. Good luck! -Mike
I own a kindle and live in Canada. I want to be able to access books through my local library on my kindle. How do I do it. It is easy for Kobo but says it is not possible on the kindle. ?????
Hi Brenda- Kindle-format eBooks are currently only available to library patrons in the United States. We hope that the success of the Kindle program for U.S. libraries will allow us to build out to international partners. Unfortunately, we do not have further details at this time. Best, Mike
How to return a kindle/ Overdrive eBook before the “automatic expiration?”
Why worry? I cannot check out another book during the 14-30 days even if I delete the book from Kindle.
Hi Paul, if you go to “Manage your kindle” at amazon you can, in fact, return the title. This will enable you to check out another title. Be sure to click return and not simply ‘Delete’. Cheers, Adam.