As our existences turn increasingly virtual, there are a few general things you need to remember. TPL will continue to keep you covered with plenty of online program options, we’re happy to entertain your library related queries over any of our social platforms, and we have several e-resources for you to enjoy, all free with your library card. Ok, so those weren’t general at all, but it doesn’t make them any less valid.
As we continue to safely serve your in-person needs, it’s also important to see that you’re making use of all the mediums your library has to offer. Unlike larger libraries, we have to space our e-resource plugs out a bit more to imply quantity. Like, today we’ll promote OverDrive/Libby. And then tomorrow we’ll promote OverDrive/Libby, but on a Wednesday. We may even break it up and refer to OverDrive and then Libby and then you’re all, “Oh cool. So that’s two things?” and we’ll have to be like, “Nope. Still just the one”. It’s a really good one though. Libby. And also OverDrive.
OverDrive Inc. is our digital distributor of e-books, audiobooks, and streaming video titles and Libby is the accompanying app that makes the whole user experience that much more efficient. Logging on to either, you’ll note that some titles are currently Available while others have a status of Wait List. Wait list is just a fancy way of saying you’ll need to place that item on hold because it’s already checked out to another user. Ok, maybe it’s not that fancy after all.
Much like our physical collection, popular e-resource titles often have a lengthy holds list. This is because library e-book licences have to be purchased for one user at a time. In addition, there are often restrictions on the number of readers a book can have per year. Some of our collection is sourced as part of the Ontario libraries download centre and the rest of the collection is purchased in-house. With larger releases and more popular titles, we often buy our own second copy to keep the line moving and wait times below the dreaded ‘over 6 months’ indicator.
Through your virtual library shelf, you can keep up to date on loan information, wait times, your place in line, how much you’ve read, and the number of copies circulating for each title. It’s also a good idea to return early whenever possible (found under Manage Loan) to allow the title to move on to the next person in line. If you don’t return early, your title will automatically disappear on its due date. Yep, even if you had only 5 more pages to go. It’s ruthless like that.
You can search OverDrive/Libby for a desired title, browse through what’s available/new/most popular/etc., or check out some of the specially curated lists such as Indigenous Voices, Ontario Authors, or Giller Longlist. One of our favourite OverDrive/Libby features is the Lucky Day/Skip the Line option, available in both the browser and the app. Each day you’ll see a new selection of 3-7 popular releases– oftentimes ones with a lengthy wait list. You can borrow one title at a time for an express checkout of 7 days and bypass the entire holds system while simultaneously moving it along for other readers. Sort of like magic.
Similar to our physical collection, our online e-books and audiobooks cover all your bestseller hotlists, fiction, nonfiction, picture books, teen titles, graphic novels, and anything else you’d expect to find in your more traditional library experience. We recommend a healthy blend of both. If you’re not sure a title is for you, you can also read a sample of up to 10% of the text for all titles. It’s a good way to see if it’s worth adding to your holds as you are allowed only a max of 10 wait list items at all times and those spots are highly sought after in the virtual TBR pile book battle universe.
All you need to get started with OverDrive/Libby is your local library location (that would be ours) and TPL barcode. If you don’t have a card yet (hold for gasps), you can now apply for one online.
After your application is submitted, you’ll receive your new card number and PIN via email within a few business days. Visit our website at www.thoroldpubliclibrary.ca.
For all your in-person needs, we are now open 6 days a week, returning to regular hours starting October 5 th . You can always call us for the latest updates at 905-227-2581.
