Save Money with Library eBooks
The Libby, cloudLibrary, and Hoopla apps are great alternatives to Amazon and Audible. Enjoy 24/7 access and borrow digital items, all free with your Lake Forest Library card.
Find the apps in your device’s app store or visit www.lakeforestlibrary.org/apps
Easy eBook Etiquette
How can you get library eBooks and eAudiobooks faster?
By following these five tips!
- Check cloudLibrary and Hoopla, where titles are often available with no waiting. (Note that these apps do not work with eInk devices.)
- Check Hot Picks/Lucky Day titles in Libby. These copies of popular items can’t be placed on hold, so if you find a title you want, you can borrow it immediately.
- Place a hold in Libby even if the wait list is long. You’ll likely get the title sooner than you think.
- Cancel unwanted holds.
- Return borrowed eBooks early.
Following these tips helps your neighbors get their library eBooks faster, too.
Why the Wait for Some Library eBooks?
You may be surprised to learn that publishers charge libraries significantly more for eBooks than they charge individuals, and libraries don’t get to keep their eBooks forever. Why? Publishers are concerned that library eBooks won’t generate as much profit as physical books (which need to be replaced when they wear out or age).
As a result, libraries are mindful to balance physical and digital collection costs, which means that you might experience long wait lists in the Libby app.
If the wait list is long for the title you want, place it on hold anyway. Your Librarians have purchased special extra copies of popular titles that are prioritized for Lake Forest patrons, meaning that even though it may not be obvious in Libby, you might jump the line! Placing a hold also lets us know that a title is highly desired, which helps us decide when to purchase additional copies.
When you cancel holds that you no longer want or need, and return borrowed eBooks early, you help move the title along in the queue faster.
For help with eBook apps, visit a service desk or go to www.lakeforestlibrary.org/ebooks.