Digital Resources

Providing eBooks and eAudiobooks for the community is something we are very proud to do, but we face many challenges in doing so.

Some frequently asked questions about eBooks and eAudiobooks: 

Why doesn’t the library have more of the titles I want?
To start, not every book ever written has been made into an eBook. We try to add classics and popular titles to our collection when we can. Also, eBook vendors have set very high prices and restrictive limits for libraries. Libraries pay more than 3x the cost for an eBook than an individual consumer pays. eAudiobooks are even more expensive. And eBooks and eAudiobooks expire–the libraries don’t own them forever.

Why can’t I get eBooks via Inter-library Loan (ILL) like I can with print books?
Libraries would love to be able to share their eBooks with other libraries, but the eBook publishers do not allow us to do so. Libraries don’t actually own digital copies of the books, but rather pay for access to the books through platforms such as Libby. These platforms are set up to only allow SBL cardholders to access SBL’s eBook and eAudiobook collections — other town library cards can’t log in to SBL’s eBook platforms, and SBL cardholder’s can’t log in to other libraries’ platforms.

Will these rules ever change?
CT Librarians are working with legislators to pass bills that would end these restrictive and expensive practices. You can read more about this here.

What can I do to help?
Contact your legislators and tell them how important library eBooks and eAudiobooks are to you.
And keep checking out eBooks and eAudiobooks!

 

The Saxton B. Little Library offers a variety of free resources for our patrons.
Please contact the Library for further information on any of these resources.

 

• • Libby (an app through OverDrive)
    • eBooks and eAudio titles
    • 3-week checkout with no overdue fees
    • Compatible with most eReaders, tablets, smartphones, and computers
    • Must have a Columbia, CT library card to access
    • Log-in with your SBL Library Card number [username] and the last four digits of your phone number [PIN]
    • OverDrive website
    • Download the Libby app
    • Libby & Overdrive instructions
    • Libby & OverDrive tutorial

 

• • The Palace Project
    • eBooks and eAudiobooks
    • Must have a CT library card to access
    • Use it through an app on your smartphone or tablet
    • Content provided by the Connecticut State Library
    • Search your device’s app store for “The Palace Project” to get started
    • Log-in with your SBL Library Card number [username] and the last four digits of your phone number [PIN]
    • Learn more about The Palace Project

 

• • researchIT CT
    • Health, business, and legal information, research databases and articles, major U.S. newspapers, popular magazines (including Consumer Reports), academic journals, eBooks, videos, history and genealogy resources (including Ancestry.com), and more!
    • Provided by the CT State Library
    • Access researchIT CT

• • Freading
    • eBook titles across a variety of genres
    • 2-week checkout with no overdue fees
    • Compatible with most eReaders, tablets, smartphones, and computers (some devices require Adobe Digital Editions to download)
    • Access Freading
    • Log-in using your Library card number and password (usually the last four digits of your phone number)

Questions? Contact the Library at 860-228-0350 or staff@columbiactlibrary.org