Help with E-Books & E-Audiobooks

Help by Device

You can enjoy our e-books and e-audiobooks on your favorite devices. Here are links to instructions:

Amazon Kindle | Google Android | Apple iOS | Other

E-books & e-audiobook Web sites and apps

Our e-books can be read on the Web or by downloading e-reading apps, including:

SimplyE

The Library’s free e-reader app gives access on iOS and Android devices to thousands of e-book and e-audiobook titles, and offers hand-picked staff recommendations, items in world languages, and more.

OverDrive

E-books and audiobooks for use with PCs, and Macs are available via OverDrive's Web site. The Libby app provides access on mobile devices and tablets. To get started, follow the link above and "Help" should get you started.

cloudLibrary

Bibliotheca's cloudLibrary offers a selection of e-books and e-audiobooks for use on PCs, Macs, and many other devices. To get started, follow the link above to get instructions for your preferred device.

Borrowing E-Books

With your own computer, phone or tablet, using our Catalog, SimplyE, or other apps, you can read or listen to thousands of titles! Keep in mind that the demand for NYPL's e-books and e-audiobooks is high, so to maintain the best possible service for the greatest number of users, we limit the number of online checkouts and holds you can have at any one time. This has been shown to increase the number of books available and reduce wait times for all patrons.

Returning E-Books

You can return downloaded content directly from the SimplyE, OverDrive, cloudLibrary, Kindle, and Adobe Digital Editions apps. If you have not yet downloaded the item you can also select "Check In" in the library's catalog, browse.nypl.org.

Kindle: Visit amazon.com/myk
Adobe Digital Editions: Right-click on the cover and select "Return Borrowed Item."
Libby: Go to your "Shelf", then "Manage Loan", and finally select "Return Early".
cloudLibrary: Go to “My Books” and click on the “return” button.
SimplyE: Go to "My Books" page and tap the "Return" button.

There are never fines or fees associated with downloadable content. If you do not return items, they will automatically expire on their due date.

Reading E-Books While Traveling

When traveling outside the United States, download your book before leaving if possible. Once loaded to your device, your downloaded e-books can be read most everywhere you travel.