e-Reader & Computer Help!

E-Reader Help

Kindle Help

>> Borrow Overdrive e-books with a Kindle
>> Free Project Gutenberg e-books
>> Help from Amazon

Nook

>>Borrow Overdrive e-Books with a Nook

iPad

>>Borrow Overdrive e-Books with an iPad

Ayuda en Español para e-Books

Ayuda para Kindle

>> Descargando Libros Electrónicos en su Kindle

Ayuda para Nook

>>Descargando Libros Electrónicos en su Nook

Ayuda para iPad

>>Descargando Libros Electrónicos en su iPad

E-Book Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check out e-books?

Our e-materials (e-books and digital audio-books) are checked out using a unique program called Overdrive, which has its own separate website and catalog. You can use Overdrive to browse and check out our e-books and digital audiobooks.

How do I know if my e-reader is compatible with Overdrive?

Check your device’s name against the list of Overdrive compatible devices.

How long may I check out my e-books?

You may choose to check e-books out for either 7 or 14 days.

How many e-books may I have checked out at a time?

You may check out 6 e-materials at a time. This includes the digital audio-books that are also available through Overdrive. The computer makes no distinction between the two for your item limit. For instance, if you check out 4 e-books, then you may only check out 2 more items. These can be either digital audio-books or e-books. These materials do not count against the number of physical items you can check out (DVDs, books, music CDs, etc.)

Can I renew e-books?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot renew e-books.

Can I return my e-books early?

Each device has its own way of accomplishing this task.  If you have an iPad, Nook, or smartphone, you can do this within the Overdrive app. If you have a Kindle, you can do this through your Amazon account. All other e-readers do this through Adobe Digital Editions.

Is there any way to add my name to a waiting list for an e-book?

Yes! If you see an e-book with a link to Join the Waiting List, then there are people already waiting for this title. Click that link to add your name to the list. Fill out the form with your e-mail address and click on submit. You are allowed up to 4 holds at a time on e-materials.

How will I know when my request has arrived?

You will receive an e-mail when the book is ready for check out. You will have 72 hours to check the book out from the catalog.

How do I check out the e-book I requested?

Sign in to Overdrive. Click on My Waiting List. There will be an Add to Cart option under the cover of the book. Click on this to check the book out. The waiting list will show all of your active holds.

What is a wish list and how does it differ from a waiting list?

The Wish List is for items you would like to download sometime in the future but are not interested in checking out at this moment. The Waiting List is for items that you have on reserve. Your Wish List can contain as many items as interest you, while you are restricted to four items at a time on your Waiting List.

How do I know what e-books I've read? Do you keep a list?

The best way to do this is to give the titles you have read a star rating. You can then view all the titles you've rated by clicking My Account, and clicking Rated Titles.

How do I change my e-mail address for my waiting list?

Visit at http://pplc.lib.overdrive.com
Click Sign In.
Click My Waiting List.
Click Edit next to the title.
Modify your e-mail address.
Click Join the Waiting List.
Repeat this process for all books on your waiting list.

Do you have any instructions on how to download e-books?

Use the cheat sheet above specific to your device. Additional information is available from Overdrive at http://help.overdrive.com. We also offer in person e-reader assistance at our Computer Help sessions at all of the Clearwater Public Library System locations. Check http://bit.ly/cplscomputers for listings of class times.

Where are the instructions for my Sony Reader?

The instructions for using the Nook should be almost exactly the same. Please let us know if you need additional assistance.

I accidentally downloaded a Kindle version of an e-book when I wanted the ePub. Help!

While we can't convert the e-book to the correct format, we will be able to get it off your account for you. You can do this yourself if you have an Amazon account (even if you don't have a Kindle) following the directions above. If you don't have an Amazon account, contact us.

If you have a question you don't see answered here, please email or call us.

Computer Help! Schedule

Computer Help! classes are available without an appointment. Meet one-on-one with a friendly computer tech to work on your computer problems, learn how to use your new e-reader, and apply for e-gov services.

Computing Guides

Here are some printable guides we created to help you get started on the computer.

Creating a Gmail Account
Creating a Yahoo Account
Creating a Hotmail Account
Creating an AOL Account
Word 2007 Basics
Create a Resume Using Word 2007
How to zoom in to make text larger in Internet Explorer
Create a strong password

Helpful Websites

Introduction to Computing

New Computer User Tutorial

The very basics of what you're looking at from the mouse to the keyboard to your screen.

Microsoft Digital Literacy curriculum

A structured computer basics course, including the Internet, computer security and privacy, and an overview of available software

Wifi, Bandwidth and Speed

Wifi, bandwith and networks explained in lay terms

Computer Basics (GCF Learn Free)

Great, easy to follow introduction to the parts of the computer

Using the Mouse

New to using the mouse, touchpad or trackball? These websites will improve your skills and build your confidence.

Mousing Around

Basic information about the mouse

Mousercise

Practice clicking and moving the mouse

Draw With Your Mouse

This allows you to draw lines with your mouse or touch pad, showing you how the mouse moves and helping you gain control.

Basic Typing and Keyboarding

Elementary Keyboarding Skills

Resources for elementary keyboarding

Typing Lessons

A series of free typing lessons to improve your skills

TyperShark

A game designed to improve your typing skills (click "Click Here to Continue With TyperShark Basic")

Typing Web

Other Computing Skills

Highlighting, Copying, Cutting and Pasting

Cutting and pasting used to be something you did in kindergarten. Now, it's something you can do with words and images on your computer. Here's a tutorial on how to highlight and copy text.

Taking Screenshots

A screenshot is a picture of a screen, such as your computer screen, tablet, or mobile phone. Learn to capture screenshots on several different devices.

Digital Delight

Computing Tips from the Tampa Bay Library Consortium

Completing Forms Online

Using Microsoft Office

Tutorials, videos, and how to's from Microsoft

 

Printable Quick Reference Guides

for all MS Office products and many other Microsoft products

Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcuts

Privacy and Cyber-Security

Daring Librarian's How to Create a Super Safe Password

A comic book style guide to creating safer passwords