Q&A: How to Find an eBook to Read

I want to read eBooks from the Boston Public Library. Where do I even start?

Most of our eBooks come from two sources: Libby, which is owned by a company called OverDrive, and Hoopla. Which one should you start with? It depends!

With Libby, we have over 105,000 eBooks, and we’re always adding more! Since we purchase individual “copies” of these eBooks, you might have to join the waitlist for some of our more popular titles. If you’re looking for new and noteworthy titles or bestsellers across a variety of genres, and you don’t mind a potential wait, our collection on Libby is your best bet. You can also browse a large collection of currently available eBooks and eAudiobooks on Libby. Pro tip: your BPL library card lets you check out eBooks in Libby from every major public library system in Massachusetts! If our copy of an eBook is checked out, you might be able to find an available copy through another library system.

With Hoopla, we have over 150,000 eBooks, and you never have to wait for a book. If you want to discover hidden gems and read them immediately, check out our collection on Hoopla. We don’t purchase individual titles for Hoopla, so it’s less likely that you’ll be able to find a specific book you’re looking for, but their popular eBooks page is always worth a look. I like to use Hoopla for graphic novels, specialty cookbooks, and indie titles. Whatever you choose to read, note that you can only check out seven titles a month on Hoopla! Pro tip for parents: Hoopla has a “kids mode,” a kid-friendly setting for finding eBooks, videos, and music.

How do I access eBooks online at the BPL?

If you like to read on your phone or tablet, get started by downloading the apps for Libby and Hoopla. If you prefer to read on a Kindle device that does not have the ability to download apps, there’s a few things to keep in mind:

• Most, but not all, Libby eBooks can be sent to Kindle. You will need to check out your eBook on a different device and choose the “send to Kindle” option. If the eBook you’re interested in is not compatible with Kindle, you can still read it in the Libby app on a different mobile device.
• Hoopla eBooks cannot be sent to Kindle.

If you prefer to read in your computer browser, you can search the BPL’s online catalog to find eBooks from both Hoopla and Libby. You can also check out Hoopla’s catalog directly at hoopladigital.com, and Libby’s at libbyapp.com/library/bpl.

Are there any specific BPL webpages I should know about that could help me in my quest for eBooks?

• To check out Libby, Hoopla, and other eBook resources, visit our online resources for eBook, Audio, and Video
• To browse new eBook additions to our catalog, visit our eBooks page

Do you have any suggestions or tips and tricks to help me find something great?

• Staff Picks: These are the titles that various members of BPL staff personally recommend.
• Shelf-Service: Get personalized book recommendations from a librarian. You can specify that you are only interested in recommendations that are available as eBooks!
• Booklists with eBooks: Browse staff-created booklists to find your next great read.
• NoveList: Their Recommended Reads lists are wonderful! Try out their appeal mixer to find titles based on mood, characterization, writing style, or storyline.

I can't find a specific eBook through BPL. Any tips? 

If you're looking for a specific eBook that we don't have, the BPL also has a reciprocal digital borrowing agreement with many other public libraries in the Commonwealth. This means that you can set up an account with them in Libby and check out their eBooks, too! Our partner libraries are CLAMS, CW Mars, Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, Minuteman Library Network, NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange, Old Colony Library Network, and SAILS Library Network. You can read more about adding Partner Libraries to your Libby account in our FAQs.

If there are titles that you want as eBooks that we do not have, you are always welcome to submit a Purchase Suggestion. We will try to procure the item for you! However, there are some titles that we cannot get in your chosen format due to publication contracts. You can also use the "Notify Me" tag. If you search in Libby for a title, you may find that it's in the app but the BPL doesn't own it yet. Apply the "Notify Me" tag to that title! If the BPL buys it later, you will get a push update to your device letting you know that it's in our catalog now. The "Notify Me" tag does not function as a purchase request, just a notification system.

Where else can I read eBooks for free?

• BookBub – Limited-time offers for free books in over twenty genres, from both traditional publishers and independent authors.
• Digitalbook.io – an eBook and audiobook content discovery platform that searches across multiple platforms to help you find free reads.
• Internet Archive – Some books can be freely read and downloaded. Others can be borrowed and read in the Internet Archive’s online book reader.
• Open Library – Over 100,000 eBooks available for borrowing and reading in-browser or on mobile devices using Adobe Digital Editions.
• Project Gutenberg – This is an excellent resource for older titles whose US copyright has expired, including top hits such as Frankenstein, Pride and Prejudice, and Moby Dick.

Can I get help with this from a real live librarian?

We always recommend coming in person for one-on-one assistance. At the Central Library in Copley Square, you can come to the New & Novel desk for in-person eReading help anytime the library is open — no need for an appointment. Your local branch may be able to help as well, but call ahead to check their availability. If you are not able to come in person, you can always email ask@bpl.org for any inquiries.

What else can I do with my library card and how do I get one?

You can learn more about what you can do with your BPL library card on our webpage, Your Library Card. Apply for an eCard on our website or visit your local Branch for a physical card. Remember to bring photo ID and proof of residency! For more information, read our FAQs on Getting a Library Card.