How Do I . . . Download Ebooks and Audiobooks from BRIDGES?
The Barlow Library participates in BRIDGES: Iowa's eLibrary, offering eBooks and audiobooks available to download for FREE any time, anywhere. Library card holders can check out and download digital media by or by going directly to the Bridges website to look for materials. The Bridges eLibrary collection has fiction and nonfiction titles, as well as books for children and teens. Bestsellers and classics, history and humor, business, self-help and more. Barlow Library members have access to more than 16,500 eBooks and 7,500 audiobooks.
From the Bridges website or your Mobile Device using the Overdrive Mobile App or the Libby Mobile App, you will browse or search for a title you’d like to borrow, log in with your library card number, and download the title to your computer/device. You can then listen (e-audiobook) or read (eBook) the book on your computer, and/or transfer to a compatible external device (e.g. Kindle, iPod, iPad, tablet or smart phone).
From the Bridges website or your Mobile Device using the Overdrive Mobile App or the Libby Mobile App, you will browse or search for a title you’d like to borrow, log in with your library card number, and download the title to your computer/device. You can then listen (e-audiobook) or read (eBook) the book on your computer, and/or transfer to a compatible external device (e.g. Kindle, iPod, iPad, tablet or smart phone).
Download up to three items for up to 14 days - NO late fees!
Bridges Help
Mobile Devices (phones, tablets, etc.) – Can be used for OverDrive eBooks, eAudiobooks and eVideo.
Instructions for using the OverDrive App on Mobile Devices
Instructions for using the Libby App on Mobile Devices
Note: You may need to create a free Adobe ID one-time in order to use the OverDrive app.
Kindle – Kindle (non-Fire) can be used for eBooks. Fire can be used for eBooks, eAudio or eVideo.
BRIDGES Kindle AND Kindle Fire Instructions – For Kindle-format eBooks ONLY. To use your Kindle Fire for eAudio or eVideo from OverDrive, use the instructions above for Mobile Devices.
Nook – Basic Nook can be used for eBooks in conjunction with (free) Adobe Digital Editions. Nook Tablet can be used for eBooks, eAudio or eVideo.
Nook (basic Nook) help – Use the BRIDGES Nook NOT Color or Tablet instructions.
NookColor and Nook Tablet – Use the Instructions for using the OverDrive Media Console App on Mobile Devices to use the OverDrive app – you will get the app from the Nook app store.
As the regular Nook uses Adobe Digital Editions on your computer, these instructions may be useful as an addition: BRIDGES Adobe Digital Editions. If you’re familiar with its use, you can also go directly to the Adobe Digital Editions download site.
Note: You will need to create a free Adobe ID one-time in order to use Adobe Digital Editions with any Nook or to use the OverDrive Media Console App with Mobile Devices (see below). This same ID can then be used for any time you need an “Adobe ID”. If you already have one, use that.
Links for Additional Help
Getting Started With OverDrive (link to OverDrive Help for All Devices)
Installing Adobe Digital Editions on a Mac (link to OverDrive Help)
Digital Renewal Instructions (OverDrive Website)
Taken and adopted from West Des Moines Public Library