Frequently Asked Questions: Videos and Audiobooks
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A Library2Go audiobook or video title has been optimized for download. OverDrive audiobook and video titles are built using the Microsoft® Windows Media format. Some audiobooks are available in MP3 format.
Try it in 4 easy steps:
- On your home, school, or work PC or Mac, download, install and register the Overdrive Media Console software.
- Select audiobooks & videos to download.
- Check your audiobooks & videos out with your library card.
- Download and enjoy!
Note: OverDrive Media Console for Mac supports OverDrive MP3 audiobooks only, and transfers titles to Apple devices only.
Note: Installing the Overdrive Media Console software may require an upgrade of Windows Media Player. Older MP3 players may have compatibility problems. Check the Overdrive site for your model’s compatibility. Use at your own risk.
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The OverDrive Media Console (available for free on the Library2Go page accessed through the WCCLS website) allows you to download and listen or watch OverDrive audiobook and video titles in high-quality Windows Media or MP3 format on any computer running Windows (Windows Vista®, Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows 98 SE) or Mac (OS® 10.4.9 or newer). Library2Go has more information about compatibility on their site.
OverDrive Media Console also permits you to create and burn CDs of your audiobooks (when allowed by the publisher) for use in your car, home stereo, or portable CD player. With the OverDrive Media Console you can also transfer your audiobooks to supported portable devices.
Note: OverDrive Media Console for Mac supports OverDrive MP3 audiobooks only, and transfers titles to Apple devices only.
Note: Installing the Overdrive Media Console software may require an upgrade of Windows Media Player. Older MP3 players may have compatibility problems. Check the Overdrive site for your model's compatibility. Use at your own risk.
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On Mac ...
- Apple iTunes v7.6.2.9 or newer
- QuickTime v7.4.5 or newer
- An internet connection
Note: OverDrive Media Console for Mac supports OverDrive MP3 audiobooks only, and transfers titles to Apple devices only.
Note: Older MP3 players may have compatibility problems. Check the Overdrive site for your model's compatibility. Use at your own risk.
On Windows ...
- Windows Media Player 9 Series or newer
- An internet connection
To transfer OverDrive MP3 audiobooks to an Apple device ...
- Apple iTunes v7.6.2.9 or newer
- QuickTime v7.4.5 or newer
To transfer OverDrive MP3 audiobooks to a Zune device ... using OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard
- OverDrive Media Console v3.1 or newer
- Zune application v3.0 or newer
- Zune device firmware v3.0 or newer
Note: Before you can transfer OverDrive MP3 audiobooks to a Zune using the OverDrive Media Console Transfer Wizard, you must close any program to which your Zune is connected.
Note: OverDrive Media Console for Mac supports OverDrive MP3 audiobooks only, and transfers titles to Apple devices only.
Note: Older MP3 players may have compatibility problems. Check the Overdrive site for your model's compatibility. Use at your own risk.
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You can check out four audiobooks/videos at a time.
The loan period is fourteen days. They expire from your computer after fourteen days.
You may place up to ten holds on downloadable audiobooks/videos that are currently checked out. You will be notified by email when a copy is returned and you have two days to check it out.
A book can be checked out again if there are no holds on the title.
Note: OverDrive Media Console for Mac supports OverDrive MP3 audiobooks only, and transfers titles to Apple devices only.
Note: Installing the Overdrive Media Console software may require an upgrade of Windows Media Player. Older MP3 players may have compatibility problems. Check the Overdrive site for your model’s compatibility. Use at your own risk.
To find out more information about Library2Go, visit the Library2Go website.
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Yes, you can download MP3 audiobooks with your Mac or iPod.
You will need to have this software:
- Apple iTunes v7.6.2.9 or newer
- QuickTime v7.4.5 or newer
- An internet connection
At this time, you cannot download video using Library2Go to a Mac or an iPod.
Note: OverDrive Media Console for Mac supports OverDrive MP3 audiobooks only, and transfers titles to Apple devices only.
Note: Older MP3 players may have compatibility problems. Check the Overdrive site for your model's compatibility. Use at your own risk.
For information on other options for free downloadable audiobooks, please see the next question.
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Yes, there are a number of websites that offer different types and numbers of audiobooks.The following list is a selection, and is not intended to be complete:
Not all of these resources are free, but many are.
- Librivox
- AudioBooksForFree
- Open Culture Audiobook Podcast Collection.
- Project Gutenburg: The Audio Books Project
- PodioBooks.com
- The Spoken Alexandria Project
- AudioBooks.org
- Audio Books You Just Can't Buy
- StoryNory
- WiredForBooks
- Poetry Online
- AudioBooks.com
For a short description of these resources, visit ResourceShelf.com
