Digital Content FAQs

  • General Questions

    Many of the services and resources on our site are managed by third-party vendors. This includes:

    • Your catalog account where you can find due dates and place holds.
    • eBook and streaming services such as OverDrive, hoopla, and Kanopy.
    • Databases that you log into with your library card, such as Consumer Reports.
    • Online tutoring such as Brainfuse.

    Each time you use any of these services, you're leaving our site. You're also visiting a separate website managed by a different third-party vendor.

    Since these sites are not connected, we don't have a way to log you in to different types of services at once. This is why, even if you've logged in to your account in the catalog, you still need to log in to databases.

    You can log in to more than one database with a single sign-in though. When you log in to a database with your library card, you are logging in with a proxying service. A proxying service manages access to databases by checking login permissions. A single sign-in to databases will give you access to all of the resources that use a proxying service. You won't need to sign in to databases again for up to 8 hours.

    We wish this was more seamless! In the meantime, we'll continue to explore ways we might be able to help simplify the log in process.

    Related FAQ:

    Why is there no option to pay fees using my PayPal account?

    Did you apply for a library card online and does your account number start with 9? If you answered yes to both questions, chances are you have an eCard account. Contact Ask KCLS for help with your account.

    Need help with another type of library account? Find out who to contact.

    Get help using digital content on each service’s help site:

    You can also contact Ask KCLS.

    All eBooks and downloads return automatically at the end of the borrowing period. The process for returning a title early varies by service, device and format. For more information, see the FAQs for OverDrive and hoopla.

  • Borrowing Limits and Loan Periods

    A full-access King County Library System (KCLS) library card in good standing may borrow:

    All items except downloads Maximum of 100 items
    OverDrive eBooks and downloadable audiobooks 25 items
    OverDrive magazines No checkout limits
    hoopla digital music, movies, TV, and comics 10 items per month
    Kanopy streaming movies 10 tickets per month. No holds. Learn more about Kanopy tickets.
    Estante Infinito streaming movies and performing arts 99 tickets per day per person
    Estante Infinito streaming TV No checkout limits

    KCLS is not responsible for damage to equipment that occurs while using library-owned material.

    Patrons who have reached the maximum number of physical checkouts are not able to log in or borrow items from OverDrive or hoopla.

    Versión en español:¿Cuántos artículos me puedo llevar prestados?

    No. Magazines do not count toward checkout limits.

    Yes. You will have the option to renew a magazine within 3 days of the end of the lending period. Or you could borrow it again with no waiting. 

    When we buy an eBook or downloadable audiobook, we are buying a license to lend the title. We don't own the file the way we own physical items. Every publisher or content owner sets different restrictions for their licenses.

    eBooks and audiobooks are available to us in two ways.

    • One copy per user. Many publishers limit the library to lending each digital "copy" to one person at a time. This is why you need to place holds on digital titles.
    • Metered Access. Some publishers limit the library to lending copies that expire at the end of a loan period. The publisher sets the loan period. They decide if titles expire after a period of time, a number of checkouts, or both. For example, some copies expire after 26 checkouts. Others expire after 52 checkouts or 24 months. When a title expires, we need to buy more copies to continue to make the title available to library users.

  • Estante Infinito

    Visit Estante Infinito in a web browser and register with your active library card and an email address. 

    We recommend that you use the Google Chrome browser or Safari on Apple devices.

    Click the question mark at the bottom of the page or contact Estante Infinito customer support if you need more help.

    Yes. You can add favorite movies. Choose “watch it later” underneath “play now” and it will be saved in your watchlist.

    Yes, you can register here with your library card and information to access content.

    Movies and performing arts are ticketed with 99 tickets per day for each user. Each title uses one ticket. Kids content doesn’t require tickets.

    Movies, TV series, soap operas, music, games, podcasts, kids animated shows and even theater and opera performances!

  • hoopla

    If you've replaced your library card or updated your PIN/password you'll need to update your Library Settings in hoopla.

    Titles return automatically at the end of the lending period.

    To return a title early, click return now, located next to the date the title expires on the title information page. Please note that returning a title early does not give you additional borrows for the month.

    hoopla works on a pay-per-checkout model, which means that the library system pays a small fee each time a title is checked out. Limiting checkouts to 10 per month helps us stay within our collection budget.

    If you are using the hoopla app on a mobile device, you can download titles for offline access. If you are using hoopla in a web browser on a computer, you must have an internet connection to access titles.

    To check out video, music, or comics through hoopla, you need the following:

  • Kanopy

    To check out streaming videos on Kanopy, you need the following:

    • A King County Library System card in good standing
    • Internet access
    • For mobile devices, the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast, or Roku
    • For PC or Mac users, any current web browser (Supported browsers)
    • A Kanopy account (You can create a Kanopy account on the Kanopy login page.)

    Please visit the Kanopy site for more instructions or contact Ask KCLS for help.

    Kanopy uses tickets to check out videos. You will receive 10 tickets every month. Each title displays how many tickets are required to view and how long you have to watch a show. 

    Once you press play on a title, you will use the number of tickets required to view. To avoid using tickets unnecessarily, consider watching the trailer on YouTube first. 

    Kanopy Kids titles do not cost any tickets to view. 

    The checkout period depends on how long the series is.

    Length of Show Checkout Time
    1-4 hours 3 days
    4-10 hours 5 days
    10 or more hours 7 days

    Kanopy is changing the checkout times because content providers want shorter checkout periods. Content providers sell movies and series to Kanopy to offer on their platform. Kanopy cannot offer these shows unless they shorten the checkout time.

    Tickets are issued on the 1st of each month. Once you have used your ten tickets, you will not be able to play any films until the new month starts. 

    Titles return automatically at the end of the lending period.

    No, films cannot be downloaded to a computer or device; they only stream through the internet.

    Kanopy works on a pay-per-checkout model, which means that the library system pays a small fee each time a title is checked out. Limiting checkouts helps us stay within our collection budget. 

    You do not need to use your monthly tickets to access Kanopy Kids content. 

    Find titles that you’ve started watching on the My Lists page. Select the Continue Watching tab. My Lists also include your watchlist and custom playlists. 

     

    If a video is still within the viewing period, you'll find the amount of time left.  

    Hover your cursor over a title you'd like to add to your watchlist. When the title card appears, click Add to My Watchlist.

    You can add a title to your watchlist from its title details page by selecting Watchlist. Select Watchlist again to remove the title from your watchlist. You can find your watchlist or remove titles from it on the My Lists page. Learn more about the My Lists page. 

    You can also create and share playlists of videos using the playlists feature. 

  • OverDrive - Getting Started

    OverDrive discontinued the OverDrive app. Do you use a Kindle Fire? You’ll still be able to use the OverDrive app on Kindle Fire. You can download the Libby App for Kindle Fire in the Amazon app store here.

    To check out eBooks or downloadable audiobooks from OverDrive, you need the following:

    Yes. You can suggest titles in Libby by using a Notify Me tag. Find out how.

    Yes. You can still borrow eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, and other digital items. You can also use online resources such as databases.

    You will need to pay that balance down to $75 or less before you can check out physical items again.

    After receiving notification that a hold is available, you can do one of the following: 

    • Borrow the title within 3 days. 
    • Suspend the hold by selecting “deliver later.” This option passes the book to the next person in line while keeping your place on the waitlist. You'll set the suspension period, and can borrow the book when the next copy is available.  
    • Cancel the hold. 

    If you take no action, your hold will automatically be suspended as a one-time courtesy for 7 days. If no action is taken a second time, your hold will be canceled.

    No. Hold redelivery is a feature that gives you more control over your digital holds. When you don't have time to read a hold it can go to the next person. You'll suspend the hold and keep your place on the waitlist.

    Yes, you can have a hold delivered later if you’re not ready to read it. Find out how to have holds delivered later.

    Did you apply for a library card online and is your account number is your phone number? If you answered yes to both questions, you have an OverDrive only account. Contact OverDrive via email at privacy@overdrive.com for help with your account.

    Need help with another type of library account? Find out who to contact.

    Holds can be rescheduled through the Libby app or the OverDrive website. Follow these steps.

    It is not possible to reschedule through the library catalog.

    If you don’t have automatic checkout enabled, you have 96 hours to check out an OverDrive hold.

    Unfortunately, at this time, screen readers are not compatible on Libby.
    OverDrive is looking into it and hopes that Libby will be compatible in the future.

    At the top of our website, click or tap "Online Library." From the Formats menu, choose "eBooks."

    You can also search the site to find eBook services by name. Click "Search" on the right side of the screen. Choose "website" from the  menu at the left side of the search box. Enter the name of the eBook service you're looking for.

    You can also go directly to the OverDrive eBook service by typing kcls.overdrive.com in your browser.

    OverDrive titles become available for renewal 3 days before the end of the lending period. You will only be able to renew a title if there are no other patrons waiting for the title. For detailed instructions on how to renew an OverDrive title, visit the OverDrive, opens a new window help page, opens a new window.

  • OverDrive Audiobooks

    No. OverDrive no longer supports the MP3 digital audio format.

    MP3 audiobooks could only be played in the OverDrive desktop app for Windows and Mac. OverDrive discontinued the OverDrive desktop app in February 2022. This caused confusion for people who would check out MP3s but could not download or play them.

    If you’re looking for a specific digital title that we do not have, you can use a Notify Me tag in Libby. Notify Me will alert you if the library buys the title. However, not all publishers sell their content to libraries in digital format. If you cannot find a title in Libby’s catalog, then we cannot buy the item. You can learn how to use Notify Me with this tutorial or video.

    eBook and audiobook rights are subject to separate publishing agreements that do not always match the print publishing agreements.

    If you’re looking for a specific digital title that we do not have, you can use a Notify Me tag, opens a new window in Libby. Notify Me will alert you if the library buys the title. However, not all publishers sell their content to libraries in digital format. If you cannot find a title in Libby’s catalog, then we cannot buy the item. You can learn how to use Notify Me with this tutorial, opens a new window or video. 

    In the Libby app.

    No. Instead, you’ll get a notification. 

    Supplementary content is bonus content that comes with certain titles, often in the form of a PDF eBook (with illustrations, maps, diagrams, etc.). A title with supplementary content will say "includes supplementary content" on its details page.

    To download supplementary content:

    • Go to kcls.overdrive.com on a desktop computer.
    • Go to your Loans page (under books icon).
    • Select the paperclip icon next to the borrowed title.
    • Select Download.

    The supplementary content will download separately from the title. Most PDF supplementary content needs to be opened and read on a computer with Adobe Digital Editions. 

    If you don’t have automatic checkout enabled, you have 96 hours to check out an OverDrive hold.

  • OverDrive eBooks

    Some Kindle titles are exclusive to Amazon and not available through Overdrive. We purchase Kindle editions whenever possible. If a Kindle edition is available through Amazon, we can submit a request to OverDrive. This does not guarantee that we'll be able to add the Kindle edition.

    Please contact Ask KCLS if there is a Kindle edition showing on Amazon.com.

    If you’re looking for a specific digital title that we do not have, you can use a Notify Me tag in Libby. Notify Me will alert you if the library buys the title. However, not all publishers sell their content to libraries in digital format. If you cannot find a title in Libby’s catalog, then we cannot buy the item. You can learn how to use Notify Me with this tutorial or video.

    eBook and audiobook rights are subject to separate publishing agreements that do not always match the print publishing agreements.

    If you’re looking for a specific digital title that we do not have, you can use a Notify Me tag, opens a new window in Libby. Notify Me will alert you if the library buys the title. However, not all publishers sell their content to libraries in digital format. If you cannot find a title in Libby’s catalog, then we cannot buy the item. You can learn how to use Notify Me with this tutorial, opens a new window or video. 

    Publishers do not always offer eBook versions of titles in the early part of a series. In some cases, individual titles in a series become available over time. In other cases, they remain unavailable due to publisher restrictions. If you notice a series title is unavailable in Libby, you can use a Notify Me tag, opens a new window to get a notice if we buy it. 

    In the Libby app.

    No. Instead, you’ll get a notification. 

    Yes. From the Setting Page, go to "Display Options" and select “Dyslexic Font” to turn on.

    When this setting is enabled:  

    • Each letter is designed to be unique so they’re easier to differentiate. 
    • Letters and words have extra distance between them to help reduce reversal. 
    • Capital letters are bolder to help make it easier to find where new sentences begin. 

    Find complete instructions on OverDrive’s help article, How do I enable dyslexic font?

    If you don’t have automatic checkout enabled, you have 96 hours to check out an OverDrive hold.

    To increase the font size in the OverDrive app on iOS 10, you'll need to use the Libby app, as it's the recommended reading platform. Within Libby, you can adjust the font size by tapping the screen to reveal the menu, then tapping the "A" icon to access font options and adjust the text scale. 

     
    Here's a step-by-step guide:
    1. Open the Libby App: Libby is the OverDrive app for reading ebooks and audiobooks. 
       
    2. Open the ebook: Browse your loans and open the ebook you want to read. 
       
    3. Access the menu: Tap the center of the screen to display the navigation bar and timeline. 
       
    4. Adjust font options: Tap the "A" icon (usually near the top of the screen). 
       
    5. Adjust text scale: Use the slider to increase the font size. 
       

    Choose font style: You can also select different font styles, including a dyslexic-friendly font. 

    By following these steps, you can easily customize the font size and style to suit your needs while reading ebooks and audiobooks in the Libby app, which is the recommended OverDrive app experience for iOS 10. 

    Kindle, EPUB, OverDrive Read, PDF, and MediaDo are different file formats used for eBooks.

    • Kindle eBooks will only work with Kindles devices or the Kindle app.
    • EPUB eBooks work in the Libby app and Adobe Digital Editions.
    • OverDrive Read eBooks are designed to be read in a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, or FireFox.
    • PDF eBooks can be only be read in Adobe Digital Editions.
    • MediaDo eBooks are designed for graphic novels and can only be read in a web browser- they won't show up in Libby.

    More information on eBook file formats is available on the OverDrive help site, opens a new window.

    If you have checked out the wrong eBook format (i.e. you are using an iPad but you downloaded the Kindle version), please contact Ask KCLS, opens a new window for assistance.

  • OverDrive Magazines

    Instead of audience levels, magazines are organized by subject.

    Yes. Magazines will now check out for 21 days.

    Libby users can add the Notify Me tag to a magazine. Libby will notify you when new issues come out.

    Send an email or chat us the magazine title.

    We'll submit your suggestion to OverDrive for consideration. They are continuing to work on adding more magazines.

    No. Magazines do not count toward checkout limits.

    Yes. You will have the option to renew a magazine within 3 days of the end of the lending period. Or you could borrow it again with no waiting.