Visit the eLibrary page! This page has updates and quick links to our most popular digital content.
Online Resources FAQs
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General Questions
Returning digital books or audiobooks you've borrowed from our library varies depending on the eBook platform you used. In all cases your title will automatically be returned on the due date.
- How to return a title in Libby
- How to return a title in Boundless
- How to return titles saved on your Kindle eReader
If the platform your eBook was borrowed from isn't listed or you encounter difficulties, please contact our support team for assistance.
We offer services that cover a range of formats, including Audiobooks, eBooks, Movies & TV, Music and Newspapers & Magazines.
View the full list of online resources.
Visit the eLibrary help page for assistance with services like Hoopla, Libby (Overdrive), Boundless (Axis 360), and others.
Many people assume that because eBooks are digital files they can be checked out at any time to any number of library card holders.
This is not always true and depends on the restrictions placed on the files by publishers and eLibrary service providers. In some cases, access models match the print model, where each digital file is a unique object that must be paid for.
The Library subscribes to these services and pays for the digital content as the subscription service provides, meaning we often have limited access to digital content.
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Supported Devices
Here is a list of all eBook services compatible with Android devices.
Use the drop-down menu on our A-Z pages to view Apple or Kindle compatible apps too!
Here is a list of all eBook services compatible with Amazon Kindle.
Use the drop-down menu on our A-Z pages to view Apple or Android compatible apps too!
Here is a list of all eBook services compatible with Apple devices.
Use the drop-down menu on our A-Z pages to view Kindle or Android compatible apps too!
Can I upload library eBooks to my Kindle or other eBook readers?
Yes! However, the process to upload depends on A) the eBook file format you have and B) the specific type of Kindle you’re using.Kindle Types
If your Kindle has a color screen, the simple solution is to download and install the specific eBook app(s) made for Kindle. This delivers eBooks directly to your device.If your Kindle has a black and white screen, you will typically "borrow" the eBook to your Amazon account first, and then from Amazon's website tell it which Kindle has access to that borrowed book. This extra step is designed for people with more than one Kindle device, because you can only read that library eBook from one device at a time.
eBook Formats
It's possible to convert open eBook formats like .epub into a file format your Kindle can read, like .mobi or .kindle, and most .pdf files can be uploaded directly to your Kindle. To learn more, check out the Send to Kindle website or schedule an appointment with an eLibrary staff member.Yes! Although the list of compatible eBook formats is smaller with this earlier version of Kindle, meaning you may not have access to the library's full collection of eBooks, you can still follow our instructions for the Kindle Paperwhite to read from your device.
Confused by all this? Schedule an eLibrary help appointment or contact Amazon Customer Support.
We recommend the following workflow for Kindle Paperwhite devices, which at this time do not have access to eBook vendor specific apps the same way other versions of the Kindle do.
Step 1 - Perform Updates
Make sure your device is updated to the latest Kindle OS version and is linked to your Amazon account.
Step 2 - Borrow the eBook
Some eBook collections, like Libby (Overdrive), include a Kindle specific download link which will take you to Amazon.com and "digitally checkout" the eBook to your Amazon account. Other offer an eBook download option.
If Kindle checkout is available, use that option to "check out" to your Amazon.com account. Make sure to select the "Get Library Book" button on the Amazon.com page which follows the "Read now on Kindle" button.
Step 3 - Download the eBook
In step 2 we you made the eBook available to a Kindle linked to your Amazon account, but it is not not automatically synced with your device. You will still need an internet connection to download the eBook to your Kindle.
Still confused? Schedule an appointment with library staff or contact Amazon customer support.
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Boundless (Axis 360)
You can check out up to 8 items with Boundless (Axis 360).
For loan period, please read how long can I check out items.
- If you need help to get started, watch the Tutorial video for Boundless (Axis 360) from Palo Alto City Library.
- Check out the extensive Help section with answers to the most common questions.
- Feel free to contact the eLibrary staff if you need additional help.
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Enki
In 2024 the Enki eBook collection moved to a new platform called BiblioBoard. This platform uses your location data (IP address) to see if you are located in California. You do not need a library account to access.
Feel free to contact the eLibrary staff if you need additional help. This site does not require a library account to access.
There's no limit! Enki borrowing is not linked to your library account.
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Flipster
There is no checkout limit with Flipster.
For loan period, please read how long can I check out items.
- If you need help to get started, watch the Tutorial video for Flipster from Palo Alto City Library.
- Check out the extensive Flipster User Guide for the most common questions.
- Feel free to contact the eLibrary staff if you need additional help.
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Freegal Music
In June 2025 our subscription to this online music service ended, however we have many other music streaming services available through your library card!
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Hoopla
You can check out up to 3 items per month with Hoopla.
For loan period, please read how long can I check out items.
- If you need help to get started, watch the Tutorial video for Hoopla from Palo Alto City Library.
- Check out the extensive Hoopla Help site for the most common questions.
- Feel free to contact the eLibrary staff if you need additional help.
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Kanopy
You can check out up to 3 items per month with Kanopy.
Note: When in the Kanopy Kids section, kids content does not count toward the 3 items unless designated as 'capped.'
For loan period, please read how long can I check out items.
- Watch the Kanopy Tutorial online to get started.
- Check out the Kanopy Help site for the most common questions.
- Feel free to contact the eLibrary staff if you need additional help.
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Libby (Overdrive)
To add your library inside Libby:
- Click the Libby icon (shown below) and then > Add Library.
- Find your library:
- Use the search box to find your library by name, city, or zip code.
- Tap Map Of Libraries to look for libraries near you.
- Tap the library to open its collection.
- Follow the prompts at the top of the screen to add a library card.
Current loans and holds from the OverDrive app will be added to Libby as soon as you add your library card. Reading progress and bookmarks from the OverDrive app won't sync to Libby when you switch.
Learn more about switching to Libby on their FAQ page or visit our eHelp page for more info.
You can check out up to 8 items with Libby (Overdrive).
For loan period, please read how long can I check out items.
- If you need help to get started, watch the Tutorial video for Libby (Overdrive) from Palo Alto City Library.
- Check out the extensive Libby (Overdrive) Help site for the most common questions.
- Feel free to contact the eLibrary staff if you need additional help.
These instructions recently changed! Please read Libby's FAQ page for full details. Managing your Kindle loans now happens on your eReader devices or the Amazon website.
OverDrive, the company behind Libby, discontinued support for MP3 audiobooks in November 2024. After this change, you can still listen to audiobooks using the following options:
- In Libby (available for Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices or at libbyapp.com in a web browser).
- On your library's OverDrive website using the Listen now in browser option.
If you have multiple cards from the same library, you can switch between them at any time:
- Tap, the Libby icon (shown below) then cards +.
- If needed, switch libraries.
- Tap the Activate button on a card to make it active.
- Click the Libby icon (shown below) and then > Add Library.