Smartphones and Tablets

Instructions: OverDrive | Axis 360 | Enki | Hoopla | Total BooX


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OverDrive - eBooks & eAudiobooks

iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad (iOS) and Android mobile devices
(including Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet/Color/HD)

  • Get OverDrive eBooks right inside your web browser with "OverDrive Read" - Getting Started
  • Get OverDrive eAudiobooks right inside your web browser with "OverDrive Listen" - Getting Started.

    OR
  • Checkout and download eBooks and eAudiobooks with the OverDrive app

OverDrive app

1. OverDrive app - free download through the Apple App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android), Amazon Appstore (Kindle Fire) and Nook App Store (Nook Tablet/Color/HD).

2. Register for an OverDrive account.

3. Add the
Northern California Digital Library (includes the Palo Alto City Library)
in the OverDrive app to get eBooks.

Note: OverDrive eBooks in the EPUB format and eAudiobooks in the MP3 format are supported on these devices,
but not eBooks in the PDF format or eAudiobooks in the WMA format.
The third-party app
Bluefire Reader for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch
will allow you to open and read PDF eBooks downloaded to a computer then transferred via iTunes File Sharing.
Instructions are available from Bluefire.

Apple Watch -
You can use Apple’s “Now Playing” feature to use the OverDrive app with your Apple Watch.
Simply open the app on your iPhone and start playing your audiobook of choice.
Your iPhone and Watch are synced via Bluetooth so you can control your playback options right on your watch.

Windows mobile devices

First, download the OverDrive app for Windows Phone, Windows 8 or Windows Desktop.
Visit the
Devices page to determine which app works with your Windows device.

Then follow the directions for other mobile devices (iOS & Android) above.

Axis 360 - eBooks & eAudiobooks

  1. Get the free Axis 360 app from the Apple app store or the Google Play app store for Android smartphones & tablets, Kindle Fire, Nook & Kobo tablets.
  2. Find the Palo Alto City Library in the app.
  3. Enter your full Palo Alto Library card number.
  4. When you're ready to check out an eBook or eAudiobook, tap Checkout.
  5. You will be able to download the eBook or eAudiobook into the app for offline reading.
  • View or print the iOS handout from Axis 360
  • View or print the Android handout from Axis 360
  • View or print the Kindle Fire handout from Axis 360
  • Axis 360 App Frequently Asked Questions
  • PLEASE NOTE: If you choose to visit the desktop website for Axis 360 to explore the collection and checkout eBooks, you must choose the "Axis 360" format when checking out eBooks.
    eBooks in the "EPUB" format cannot be downloaded and read in the Axis 360 app on your mobile device.

Enki Library  - eBooks
  1. Get the Bluefire Reader app - free download through the App Store or Google Play
  2. Authorize the Bluefire Reader app with a free Adobe ID.
  3. Find eBooks in the Enki Library website.
  4. Checkout with your Palo Alto library card.
  5. Download and open in the Bluefire Reader app. This app is simply an eBook reader for your downloaded Enki eBooks. It does not provide direct access to the eBook collection.
Hoopla Digital - eAudiobooks, eBooks & Comics
  1. Get the free app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play app store (Android)
    Kindle Fire HDX uses SlideMe to install the app.  Details on the Hoopla FAQs webpage.
  2. Set up an account by choosing Palo Alto City Library.
  3. Enter library card number.
  4. Provide an email address & create a password.
  5. Browse or search, then borrow, stream online or temporarily download for offline enjoyment during your checkout period.

Total BooX - eBooks

  1. Get the free Total BooX app from the Apple app store or the Google Play app store for iOS and Android smartphones & tablets, and Kindle Fire.
  2. Launch your browser (PC or tablet) and go to https://www.totalboox.com/libraries/paloalto 
  3. Enter your full Palo Alto Library card number.
  4. Browse our selection of titles. Download as many eBooks and shelves as you like.
  5. Open the app, the eBooks you've chosen will be downloaded immediately for offline reading.
Last Updated: Nov 6, 2015