FAQs • Lafayette, CO • CivicEngage

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Library - Downloading FAQs

1. What app do I use for free eAudiobooks, eBooks, and eMagazines?

Libby and Overdrive (both made by Overdrive) offer the same content; you can even use both apps and your loans will sync across your devices.

If you have a newer smartphone, tablet, Kindle Fire, or newer computer, give Libby a try! If you have an eReader like a Nook or a Kindle Paperwhite, use an older computer, or want additional features like a wishlist or additional language support, try the original Overdrive.

Overdrive (original)

Can use with newer devices, but also supports older ereaders like Kindles and Nooks and old and new PCs.
Can stream video (in addition to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines)

Get started

Smartphones, tablets, Kindle Fires, Windows or Mac PCs: download the app from Overdrive, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, or iTunes; follow prompts to access the Front Range Downloadable Library and link it to your Lafayette, Colorado Library card. Tip: Have it remember your card number.
Kindle Paperwhites or other eReaders: navigate on your device to Front Range Downloadable Library (https://frontrange.overdrive.com), select a title to borrow, then follow steps to log in using your Lafayette Library card. (Don’t choose option to make an Overdrive account; use Library card option, and click choice to have it remember your card number.
Alternate option for ereaders - do the borrowing step above on a PC, and select option to send the loan to your Kindle device.
Use Overdrive from a web browser (or download the program to a PC to use materials offline)
Overdrive Device Help
Overdrive Help

Libby (by Overdrive)

Best option for newer devices. Use with devices running iOS 9+, Android 4.4+, Windows 10 (desktops/tablets/mobile)
Does not stream video, only eAudiobooks, eBooks, and eMagazines.

Get started

Download free app from Overdrive, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, or iTunes; follow the prompts to link it to your Lafayette Library Colorado library account! You can filter for available books or by a specific genre. Use the Borrow button for available items, or Place a Hold. Borrowed titles will start downloading immediately to your Shelf if you are on WiFi. You can change the settings to allow downloads with data if you prefer.
Use Libby on a web browser
Intro to Libby/Download Libby
Libby Help/FAQs

Sora (by Overdrive)

Students at many local schools can borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks from their own school libraries, as well as by connecting their Sora account with their Lafayette Library account to use the Front Range Downloadable Library.

Get started

Ask your school how to link your Sora app to your school’s offerings. To download Library content, get the app, and choose Add a Library. Search for Front Range Downloadable Library, enter your library card number, and you are set!
No card? No problem! Call us at 303-661-1163 and we will make you a library card over the phone and mail it to you!
Sora Getting Started guide

2. How do I stream free video?

The only streaming video currently available to Lafayette Library members is via Overdrive. The app for mobile devices or personal computers will allow limited offline use of downloaded video content. If you do not have Overdrive downloaded, you can stream (but not download) video directly from the Front Range Downloadable Library site.

The other app made by Overdrive, called Libby, does not provide access to streaming video, just ebooks and audiobooks.

Get started: Go to the Front Range Downloadable Library, click on the Collections menu, and you will see a section for Videos. You do not need to set up an Overdrive account, but you will need to log in using your Lafayette Library card number.

3. How does borrowing work for downloads?: Anything you borrow is available for 21-day checkout, and the download will stop playing after your date. You may also return finished items early. You can borrow six items at a time, and place up to five holds. Holds can be modified to be delivered as soon as they are available, or you can freeze your hold for later delivery. View the help within your app for more details.

4. Do I need a library card to borrow downloadable content?

Yes! Your Lafayette Library card number will be used to obtain items from Overdrive’s Front Range Downloadable Library.

If you have an account that needs to be renewed, please contact the Library.
If you are a local resident without a Library account, you call us at 303-661-1163: we will make you a new card over the phone.

Visit our Download & Stream page for all online library options.

5. Can I download and view without a mobile device?

Yes!

You can use the online version of the Libby app to get started on your computer. Or you can use your computer or device, head right to the Front Range Downloadable Library and start browsing. Once you are ready to borrow, it will prompt you to link up your Lafayette Library card to use Overdrive for borrowing. You only need to download Overdrive or Libby if you want access to your loans when you are offline. You can also browse the main Library catalog and find the same online content. Anything borrowed electronically will also show up with your physical checkouts in your main online Library account.

6. Do you have tutorials or more online help?

Yes! Try these resources and videos. You can access help and tutorials right from within your Libby or Overdrive apps as well.