Prefer to talk to a person about getting started? Call us (708) 246-0520 or stop in any time the library is open.
We’re here to help.
Read on for some of the most frequently asked questions.
Can I read library books on my device?
YES! Through our downloadable book service, Media On Demand, you can download ebooks, audiobooks, and more to read, listen to, or view on your device.
What do I need in order to get books?
Use your library card number and your SWAN PIN to log in.
I don’t have a SWAN PIN. Or do I?
If you don’t have a PIN for your SWAN (Library catalog) account, you can create one or reset it. If neither of these options works for you, call us (708-246-0520) and we can help over the phone.
Can I use my device?
Probably! Nooks, Sony Readers, Kindles, iPads, iPods, Kobos, and more are all supported. The e-books and audiobooks available are in PDF, EPUB, Kindle, WMA, WMV, and MP3 format. Read more about supported devices and formats.
How do I get the books onto my device?
This varies by type of device. See below for the most common methods.
iPad, iPad mini, iPod, iPhone:
Download the free Overdrive App from the iTunes App Store. This will allow you to checkout, download, and read or listen directly from the app. Once the app is installed, it will prompt you to enter or create an Adobe ID which will manage the lending of your library checkouts. This is also free, and you will only need to enter this information once. You can also browse and checkout using your computer if you prefer, then download from your account using the app.
Kindle
Use Media On Demand to browse and checkout your books. Be sure to check out the Kindle version of the book. After checkout, click on Get For Kindle, which will take you to Amazon. Log in to your Amazon account, which will manage your library checkouts. Your book will sync to your Kindle via the WiFi and appear on your device. Note: some books and publishers will require that you to connect your Kindle with the usb cord and transfer the books manually.
Kindle Fire
You can use the method above for Kindles, or download the Overdrive Media Console for Android, log in to your account, and download content directly to your device. Note: some books and publishers will require that you to connect your Kindle with the usb cord and transfer the books manually.
Nook Classic, Nook Simple Touch
On your computer, download Adobe Digital Editions which will manage your library checkouts. This is a free program which will prompt you to create a free ADE ID. On your computer, use Media On Demandto browse and checkout and download your books. Be sure to choose the EPUB or PDF version of the book. Your book will download into ADE. Connect your Nook, which will show up as a new shelf on ADE, then drag and drop your book onto the device.
Nook Color, Nook Tablet, Nook HD
Download the Overdrive Media Console App, which will allow you to log in, browse, and download directly to your Nook. Once the app is installed, it will prompt you to enter or create an Adobe ID which will manage the lending of your library checkouts. This is also free, and you will only need to enter this information once. You can also browse and checkout using your computer if you prefer, then download from your account using the app.
Sony Reader WiFi:
These readers that may be checked out from the library. Use the “Public Library” button on the home screen to log in and download books directly to your device. You may also browse and checkout using your computer if you prefer and then download from your account using the reader on wifi.
I found an e-book book in SWAN but when I clicked though the site looked different and I couldn’t log in. What happened?
TFML is part of one of three e-book buying groups that use the SWAN catalog. As a TFML cardholder, you will only be able to download from our group, Media On Demand. To find these books in the SWAN catalog, limit the location field of your SWAN search to Thomas Ford Memorial Library instead of All Libraries.
Why can’t I find this author or title?
Our e-book collection is new but growing, and the way e-book publishers are working with libraries is changing. Some publishers and authors have restricted their work and will not allow it to be available digitally through libraries, in which case we are not be able to add these books to the collection. Please give us your suggestions for books for our digital library, and we will consider them.
Why isn’t this book available in Kindle format?
Amazon will only permit library lending of a book that it also sells as a Kindle book, so you will find some items as EPUB or PDF but not Kindle.
I want an e-reader but I don’t know which one. What does the library recommend?
This depends on what you want in an e-reader. See below for some attributes to consider. The library circulates Sony Reader WiFi because they have the smoothest interface for library borrowing of the e-ink readers. Several staff members have Nook products for personal use. Additional reviews to consider:
Consumer Reports has reviewed e-readers
Tech Media Network’s Configurator suggests a reader that best matches your needs, based on a series of questions.
PC World has an e-reader buying guide and reviews.
What’s should I look for in an e-reader?
The main factors to consider are:
Screen type
Some readers like the Nook Simple Touch or the Sony Reader Wifi use e-ink. This is a non-reflective black and white screen that is easy to read in bright light and causes minimal eye strain, similar to paper. Other readers have color LCD displays similar to your computer screen. These screens are great for full color uses like comic or picture books, magazines, web browsing, movie viewing, or game playing, however they do not display well in sunlight and cause more eye strain than an e-ink reader.
Use
Do you mainly want your reader for reading books, or would you like to have the functionality of a tablet? Do the books you are interested in have full color illustrations?
Battery life
Color LCD displays correlate with a shorter battery life. An e-ink display uses far less battery power and will keep a charge up to a month or more.
Cost
E-readers are available at just about any price point. Consider your budget and look at the readers within that range.
My question isn’t here. What should I do?
There are several resources that might answer your question.
Media On Demand has a very helpful My Help! feature on its site which will guide you through the process of using your device to read or listen to the books you’re interested in. They also have an extensive help section which may answer your question.
The New Hampshire Downloadable Books Blog has a lot of good information about troubleshooting, devices, and formats. Be aware that some of their information, such as new items added, is specific to their location and is not necessarily applicable to Thomas Ford patrons.
And we are always happy to help. Let us know if we can help you any further with your new e-reader or with downloading books.
Happy Reading!
