What do you know about your library’s digital collection? If you’ve browsed the titles in the collection, you know how extensive it is. It includes audio books, e-books, magazines, and videos for all ages and across all genres. If you have not browsed the collection, I cannot imagine why you don’t look and see what it has to offer.

I prefer print books to digital. But, I prefer digital audio books rather than books on CD (because I don't like changing CDs while I’m driving)! In addition, your library’s digital magazine collection offers far more choices than local libraries or supermarkets offer. Unless you try digital material, you’ll never know for sure whether something might appeal to you or not.

Here are some tips for getting started and for making the most of your experience if you already enjoy digital material from your library.

To get started you’ll need a library card number. If you do not have a library card, go get one! Just do it for heaven's sake! If you have a card, but don't remember your card number, call your library.

Although you can sign up for an instant digital card from your library’s website, I don’t recommend it. It’s great if you are housebound, your library is closed, or you are in a huge rush! It was wonderful during COVID. However, you need a local mobile phone number to sign up for an instant digital card. In addition, the instant card expires in 6 months. Plus, a library card gives you access to SO much more than a digital card.

Once you have a library card number, make sure you login before you begin browsing. More titles may be available to you without a wait if your library owns a copy.

There are two ways to borrow digital material. If you’re new, Libby is a great way to start. Libby is a free app that allows you to borrow eBooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines. You can stream titles or download them for offline use to read anytime, anywhere.

Libby was created by Overdrive, who also developed the classic OverDrive app. Both apps let you borrow the same free digital content from your library. However, Libby was designed to make the experience easier. On the other hand, Libby doesn’t yet have all the features that the OverDrive app does, such as the ability to recommend a title to your library.

Most of this information came from the Libby and Overdrive help screens. The most important tip is to use them. Most librarians will be happy to offer tech support for our digital collection as well. I certainly am.