Cook Memorial Public Library District currently provides access to a special collection of eBook and eAudiobook titles from NetLibrary. Our previous, ED collection of eBooks, has been merged into the new NetLibrary collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. This service will only be available through mid-2009.
eBooks are electronic books which can be previewed and read on the Internet or downloaded from the Internet onto a computer or PDA and read offline. eBooks are a convenient way to read anywhere you connect to the Internet or have access to the downloaded file.
Web Browser
The NetLibrary web site and the online reader (used for full-text eContent) require one of the following listed browsers.
Cookies
Cookies must be enabled on your web browser. Cookies are small data files that NetLibrary writes to your hard drive.
NetLibrary uses a session cookie to store your member ID, and to identify where
you are in the site. We do not store any of your personal information in
cookies.
Online Viewing Requirements
To use the NetLibrary online reader, in addition to one of the recommended browsers, you may need a plug-in to view some full-text eContent. If additional software is required to view a title, a link to the software is provided on the Details page. These are the plug-ins that may be required for some titles.
Offline Viewing Requirements
Adobe Reader 6.0 or higher is required in order to download and view PDF formatted eBooks on your personal computer or Palm OS handheld devices. For more information see Downloading eBooks (NetLibrary username and password required) or from within Adobe Reader, choose Help > How To > Read eBooks.
Get Started
View a short, self-guided demonstration that provides a good overview of searching and reading NetLibrary's eBooks.
1. Create a NetLibrary Account
To read eBooks from outside the library, you must first create a NetLibrary account. It is not necessary to create a NetLibrary account to read any of the free, public domain eBook titles on a public PC at a Cook Memorial Public Library District location (list).
Cook Memorial Public Library District card holders may create an account from home, at Cook Memorial Library, or at Evergreen Interim Library.
- Visit the NetLibrary Create an Account page.
- If you are at home, enter your library card number without spaces in the form that appears.
- Fill out the Create an Account form.
- Write down your username and password. You will need each time you access NetLibrary from home.
Card holders from other libraries must visit Cook Memorial Library or Evergreen Interim Library to create an account. Bring your library card and use one of our public PCs to create an account using the directions above.
2. Find an eBook
Access the NetLibrary eBook collection at www.netlibrary.com. NetLibrary offers a Basic Search and an Advanced Search (more). eBooks can be identified by the red (eBook) next to the title.
To browse through a list of Cook Memorial Public Library District's eBooks, view the In Our Collection are a on the right side of the NetLibrary Home page and click the eBooks link .
You can also find eBooks in our Online Catalog. Search for a specific title or the keywords, electronic books. Narrow your search even more by including the title or author's name in your search (for example, Barbara Delinsky electronic books).
View an eBook's details and checkout options by clicking the Show Details link or view the eBook immediately by clicking the View this eBook link.
3. Read an eBook.
For detailed reading tips, see NetLibrary's Reading Full-Text eContent Tips (NetLibrary username and password required).
To read an eBook online
- Click the View this eBook link. Required software will be listed with the eBook Details.
- "Page" through the book using the Previous and Next buttons, or use the Contents tab on the left to jump from chapter to chapter.
To Check an eBook Out
- Click the Show Details link.
- To check out the eBook to read online, click the Checkout for 21 Days link. You will have exclusive access to the eBook for 21 days.
To check out the eBook to read offline, click the Checkout and Download this eBook link. Download information displays, which includes information on the download time
and system requirements.
Click on Download this eBook to download the file to your personal computer;
click on Cancel to cancel the download.
- Adobe Reader 6.0 or higher is required in order to download and view PDF formatted eBooks on your personal computer or Palm OS PDA.
For detailed help, view the Details and Viewing/Listening Tips help page in NetLibrary's help section. (NetLibrary username and password required).
Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit NetLibrary's Frequently Asked Questions page for an extensive list of common questions and their answers (NetLibrary username and password required).
Can I return an eBook before the expiration time?
Yes, eBooks can be checked in before the expiration time. Login to NetLibrary, and click My Checked Out Items in the upper right corner of the screen. Then click the Check In link next to the desired title.
Why can't I check out a NetLibrary eBook to read offline?
NetLibrary's free, public domain eBooks (list) cannot be downloaded and read offline. However, Cook Memorial Public Library District's collection of almost 200 eBooks is available to check out and download. To view this list, click the What's Available tab, then click View all eBooks.
Can I print an eBook?
Yes, eBooks can be printed, although they are best viewed on a computer screen.
Can I adjust the font size of the text on the screen?
Yes, when reading an eBook Online, "zoom in" to increase the size of the text using the magnifying glass or Zoom drop-down menu above the e-book.
Can I place a hold on an eBook?
Traditional holds are not available for the eBook format; however, you can request an e-mail alert when an item is available for checkout. Checkouts are on a first-come, first-served basis so there is no guarantee that the book will still be available when you return to the NetLibrary site.
Can I read an eBook at the library?
eBooks can be read online but not downloaded on public PCs. eBooks cannot be read on dedicated Online Catalog stations.
Is the eBook file deleted from my computer at checkin?
No. After 21 days the downloaded file is encrypted and unreadable but remains on your computer. You can delete the file from your computer by following the directions below.
- In Adobe Reader, click the eBooks button.
- Click My Bookshelf section of Adobe Reader.
- Right-click the desired book.
- Click Delete from Bookshelf.
Where are the files saved for a downloaded eBook?
The default location for eBook files in Adobe Reader is My Documents/My eBooks.
Can I request the library district purchase a specific title?
Although not all titles are available in eBook format, we are always happy to receive purchase suggestions. Please share any suggestions you have with a librarian or use the ILL/Purchase Request form in the My Account section of our Online Catalog.
How do I read an eBook on my PDA?
To download and read eBooks on a PDA, Adobe Reader for your device must be installed on your PDA. Download Adobe Reader for PDAs free at www.adobe.com/svg/viewer/install/main.html.
eAudiobooks are digital versions of audiobooks that are available through the Internet. They can be played on a computer or portable device with compatible software and may be transferred to a wide range of compatible portable devices. Learn more about eAudiobooks offered by Cook Memorial Public Library District.
