Skip to Main Content

eBooks: OverDrive

OverDrive

OverDrive provides a collection of popular fiction and nonfiction e-book and audiobook titles. It is compatible with Kindle, iPad, and a variety of mobile and non-mobile devices.

View recent additions to our OverDrive collection!

Need help getting started?

Libby app is now available!

Libby app

Libby, the popular OverDrive app used by public libraries across the country is now available for Gettysburg College users! This free app offers an intuitive interface for reading ebooks or listening to audiobooks checked out on OverDrive. 

First time Libby users:
  1. When prompted if you have a library card, select Yes.
  2. Click I'll Search For a Library and enter "Gettysburg College." We should be the first result!
  3. To add a library card, click Enter Library Account Details. You'll be directed to a page to sign in with your campus ID.

Now you're free to browse our collection in the app! 

Existing Libby users (you've already signed up through a public library):
  1. Select the Libby icon in the top right corner.
  2. Click Add a library.
  3. Perform a search for "Gettysburg College" and follow the instructions to enter your campus ID.

If you are unsure how to navigate the Libby app, try visiting the Libby Help site for basic instructions: https://help.libbyapp.com/

If you're still stuck, feel free to contact Klara Ramnath or Kerri Odess-Harnish for more guided support.

Borrowing OverDrive ebooks

  • Use your Gettysburg College network username and password to check out OverDrive ebooks and audiobooks.
  • The checkout period is 28 days. Titles will automatically expire after this time period. 
  • Up to 5 items can be checked out at a time.
  • Renewals are available if no other users have placed a hold on the title. The renew option will appear in your bookshelf three days before the title is scheduled to expire. If the book is on hold, the borrower may be added to the hold queue.
  • Books may be returned prior to the 28 day loan period
  • Place holds on up to 5 ebooks.
  • A high-contrast option for visually impaired users is now available on the "Settings" page of each user's account. 

Overview of Downloading Process

The following is a general description of the steps for downloading an OverDrive ebook.  

1. Browse for a book.

2. Borrow the book

  • Click on the book's Borrow button
  • Sign in with your Gettysburg College username and password when prompted

3. Download the book

  • Select your format, and download the book.  
    • Kindle users (unless using the OverDrive app on a Kindle tablet), will select Read Now with Kindle. You will be prompted to sign in with your Amazon account before downloading the Kindle version. If browsing on Libby, you will be prompted to select either the Kindle app or the Libby app after borrowing. 
    • Users of other e-readers should select EPUB format.
    • Some older e-readers may require Adobe Digital Editions to view the EPUB book. Visit OverDrive's Getting Started page and select your specific device for more information. 
    • Libby app users can choose to read directly within the app itself.

4. Return a book

  • Books are automatically returned at the end of a checkout period.
  • If you would like to return a book early, you can do so by logging in to OverDrive (using your Gettysburg College login) and clicking on Return Title in your personal bookshelf. 
  • Kindle users can log in to their Amazon accounts and select Manage Kindle.  Use the Actions drop-down next to a book title and select Return this book.