OverDrive is a library vendor that provides digital reading services. Through OverDrive, you can check out eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, and magazines. OverDrive provides mobile access to digital books through the Libby app.
Currently, OverDrive supports MP3 audiobooks through the discontinued OverDrive desktop app. MP3 is a digital audio format used for listening to downloadable audiobooks. The OverDrive desktop app has not been available to install since February 2022. It is only available on Windows or Mac computers that it was installed on before it was discontinued. OverDrive also offers downloadable audiobooks in the OverDrive Listen format.
On November 13, OverDrive will no longer offer MP3s. They will also end support for the discontinued desktop app. You need OverDrive’s desktop app for Windows and Mac to download MP3 audiobooks. This has caused confusion for people who check out MP3s. Without the desktop app, they cannot download or play MP3s.
Downloadable audiobooks will still be available in the OverDrive Listen format.
After November 13, you can listen to downloadable audiobooks in the following ways:
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- Stream in the Libby app on a mobile device.
- Stream on a computer using the “Listen now in browser” format on our OverDrive website.
- Stream on a computer using libbyapp.com.
- Download for offline listening using the Libby app on a supported device. (Check this list of supported Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices.)
Get Help
Find information about listening to OverDrive downloadable audiobooks on OverDrive's website. Read the frequently asked questions below. Or, get help from library staff. Call, email, or chat Ask KCLS.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. OverDrive no longer supports the MP3 digital audio format.
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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.
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You can listen to downloadable audiobooks in the following ways:
- In the Libby app on a mobile device.
- Stream on a computer using the “Listen now in browser” format on our OverDrive website.
- Stream on a computer using libbyapp.com.
- Download for offline listening using Libby on a supported device. (Check this list of supported Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire devices.)
