eBook FAQs

• What are some catalog search tips for eBooks and eAudiobooks?

  Here are some strategies for searching for eBooks and eAudiobooks in our catalog.

  Basic Search

  Enter your search term along with the name of your preferred service (Libby, Freading, or Hoopla) in the search bar, then click the magnifying glass icon (blue background with white outline).

  Here is a sample result. Clicking the link indicated by red arrow in the screenshot below takes you to the vendor's website where you can download the title.

  Direct Search Through the Vendor

  If you prefer to use a particular service (Libby, Freading, or Hoopla), you may want to search directly through that service. For direct links to our eBook and eAudiobook services, please visit our Stream & Download page.

  Questions?

  Please contact our Virtual Information Center by phone at 513-369-6900. Our staff will be happy to assist you.

• How do I check out an eBook?

  Learn how to borrow an eBook from the Library on your computer or mobile device.

  Your library card gives you free access to three eBook services: Overdrive, Hoopla, and Freading.

  What you need:

  • A library card
  • Internet access

  How to check out an eBook using our website:

  1. Search our catalog and find the eBook you would like to check out.
  2. If the eBook is available, click the link to exit the Library's website (see blue arrow in screenshot below) and open the selected eBook service. You need to log in to the eBook service's website using your library card number and PIN.
  3. Once you have checked out the eBook on the service's website, you can select from multiple viewing options, including reading the eBook directly in your web browser or downloading the eBook for offline use.

  How to check out an eBook using an app from one of our eBook services:

  1. Download the apps for your desired service: Libby, Hoopla, or Freading and log in using your library card.
  2. Search for your desired eBook directly through the app or through our website catalog. Note: If you are searching inside the app (such as Hoopla), your search is limited to the Library's catalog for that service only (such as the Library's Hoopla catalog).
  3. Check out the eBook through the app.

  Please contact us by phone, 513-369-6900, or use our chat service, opens a new window if you need assistance with this process.  

• Are apps available for my digital devices?

  Yes, whether you're on your phone, tablet, eReader, or even TV, there's a Library app to help make digital borrowing quicker and easier.

  Please note, the Overdrive app phased out in early 2023 and fully transitioned to Libby. Both apps access the same digital collection and Libby provides even more features to explore. Libby allows for simple, customizable reading, the ability to export notes and highlights (perfect for book clubs), tags to track your favorite reads, wish lists, and more.

  Visit our Stream & Download page for links and descriptions. 

• How do I check out books and other physical materials during COVID-19?

  You may browse and check out physical materials at any of our locations. We're open and offering in-person service.

  You may also place a hold through our online card catalog. Here's how to do so.

  1. Search our catalog to find the book or other physical material you would like to borrow.

   

  2. Click the green "Place a Hold" button next to the item.

   

  

   

  3. Select one of our open locations where you want to pick up your book or other physical materials.

   

  4. You'll be contacted by our staff when your items are available for pickup. Read about safety at the Library during COVID-19.

   

  5. When you visit us to pick up your hold, the book or materials are available for you to check out.

   

  For a complete list of open locations, available services, and hours of operation, please visit our Library Restart page.

• Once I've checked out an eBook, how do I access it?

  The Library offers a wide variety of eBooks and eAudiobooks through several different vendors. Each service works a bit differently. You'll find directions for getting started on their websites:

  • Libby, opens a new window
  • Hoopla, opens a new window
  • Freading, opens a new window

  Please contact us by phone, 513-369-6900, or use our chat service, opens a new window if you need assistance with this process.  

• Can I recommend digital titles for purchase?

  Freading 
  

  No, Freading does not accept recommendations.  

  Hoopla 
  

  No, Hoopla does not accept recommendations. 

  Libby (Previously Overdrive) 
  

  While you can't recommend titles to your library in Libby quite yet, Libby is working on a feature that will let you express interest in any title in the OverDrive catalog. If a title you're interested in is purchased by one of your libraries, you'll receive a push notification in Libby.

  This feature will be released in 2023.

  Recommending physical titles for purchase 
  

  The Library accepts up to 20 physical title purchase requests per month, per customer account. (You also may request eBooks and eAudiobooks through the Library’s website.) Please visit this FAQ page for more details. 

• Do I accumulate overdue fines?

  No, you will not accumulate overdue fines on digital titles. Digital titles are returned automatically.