Library to Go FAQ
What are eBooks & Audiobooks?
VPL has a number of collections of electronic versions of printed books that can be read (ebooks) or listened to (audiobooks) on a computer. Some titles can be transferred to a portable device such as an MP3 player, ebook reader, or iPod. Some titles can be burned onto a CD.
Audiobooks through LTG can be downloaded on to a computer, transferred to a portable device, or in some cases burned onto a CD. You’ll need the free, downloadable OverDrive Media Console software.
Ebooks through LTG can be downloaded to a computer or transferred to a portable device. There are two formats available: Adobe eBooks and Mobipocket eBooks. Adobe eBooks are text-based titles in PDF format (requiring the Adobe Reader software version 6.01 or higher). Mobipocket eBooks are small text-based files in a special format that can be viewed on a computer or hand-held device (Mobipocket Reader software is not compatible with Macintosh computers).
How do you search for eBooks and Audiobooks?
Library To Go has a variety of fiction and non-fiction books, including popular genres of fiction, language study, self-improvement books and more.
It’s all listed in the Vancouver Public Library's catalogue. You can search for specific eBook or audiobook titles. You can also search by keyword, subject, or author, and then limit to the EBOOK or AUDIOBOOK format. When you’ve located a book you’re interested in, click on the title, and from the title record page, click on the URL that appears under the Subject Headings for that title.
You can also go to the Library to Go website - You can browse books by topic, or search for particular books by title, author, publisher or ISBN. Once you’ve logged in, have a look at their eCatalogue Quick Start Guide.
Either way you search, you’ll need your VPL library card number and PIN number to access the titles you’re interested in. You may search for and check out titles inside or outside the library, but if you’re downloading, you’ll need to do this outside the library.
How do I check titles out?
- After finding a desired title, click ‘Add to Cart’ choose ‘Proceed to checkout’ (or ‘continue browsing’ and then follow these steps when ready to check out).
- Choose your library from the drop-down box and enter your full library card number.
- Click ‘Download’ to download title
A maximum of 5 titles may be in ‘My Cart’ or checked out at one time. Titles will remain in ‘My Cart’ for up to 30 minutes (like a temporary hold) before returning to the collection of available material if it is not checked out.
Once you’ve logged in, have a look at their Check Out Assistance link.
Returning titles:
Downloaded audiobooks are checked out for 14 days and are automatically returned to the library. There are no overdue fines on audiobooks. Unfortunately, you can’t return items early.
Placing holds/requests:
Titles that are checked out by another user may be requested. You can request a maximum of 5 titles at once. When a title becomes available, you will get an email notification, and you have 3 days to check it out.
Take the online tutorial: OverDrive Digital Media Tutorial.
Technical Requirements
Log in to Library To Go (called British Columbia Libraries -- Your Library Without Walls) and click on the Device Resource Centre. Access through the ebooks and audiobooks databases page here or via the VPL web site.
VPL Library Cards
Once you have registered in-person at any VPL branch for your library card, you will be able to access Library to Go within two business days. However, you can only access Library To Go within the city of Vancouver with your VPL card.
BC OneCards:
Not all libraries in BC are participating in Library to Go.
InterLINK OneCards:
Possibly. InterLINK OneCard borrowers are given access based on the participation of their home library in Library to Go. All InterLINK libraries except Pemberton are participating. Be sure to select your home library when logging in to Library to Go, rather than another InterLINK library at which you are registered.
Where can I go for help?
The Library To Go web site provides extensive ‘help’ features, available from the link in the top right corner. See also the Guided Tour and the Getting Started options on the left hand side of the web page.
You can also email us -- the Vancouver Public Library at 604-331-3603 or email the eResources team at eresources@vpl.ca
