Questions about eBooks

What is an e-book?
eBook is short for electronic book. The content of the book is exactly the same as the printed version but is available digitally. The book is available on the internet can be downloaded and read on a portable electronic book reader. eBooks come in two formats, epub and pdf.

Can I use any eBook reader?
Our system is compatible with most devices, including laptops, smartphones, e-readers and MP3 players. Please note that due to Amazon licensing restrictions, eBooks loaned from the library cannot be used on Kindles in the UK.

Click here to see a list of compatible devices

How do I get eBooks and eAudiobooks?
eBooks and eAudiobooks are can be downloaded from this website.

Click here to browse our range of eBooks. To download an eBook just follow the instructions.

You need to join a library before you can download eBooks. Once you have joined you will need to register on this website for our online services.

Is there a charge for borrowing an eBook?
No it's absolutely free.

Why are you starting this service?
The eBook service is on offer in addition to our printed book lending service. Developments in technology have made it possible for us to offer you the opportunity to borrow our eBooks 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many of our customers have also asked us for eBooks.

Does this mean there won’t be as many printed books in libraries?
No, libraries will continue to stock the same number of printed books.

How many eBooks can I download?
You can download up to 4 eBooks at a time. Once the loan period comes to an end the eBook will automatically remove itself from your device. Like normal books you can renew eBook loans if you’d like them for longer.

Do I have to join the library to borrow an e-book?
Yes you do. You can complete the joining form online and you will then need to pick up your library card from a library.

Can I reserve books?
eBooks can only be loaned to one person at a time. If there is an eBook you want to download, but it is unavailable you can reserve the title, free of charge. If an eBook is not available when you want it you will be given the option to reserve it when you try to download the book. You can reserve up to four eBooks at one time.

When the EBbooks become available you will receive an e-mail informing you that they are ready. You then have three days to download them. If you don't download them within that time they then will become available to other readers.

Can I return an eBook early?

Adobe eBooks can only be returned early using Adobe Digital Editions. To return Adobe eBooks early:

• Open Adobe Digital Editions.
• Select the 'Library View' icon (in the upper left corner).
• The Adobe Digital Editions library is displayed.
• Under the 'Bookshelves' heading, select 'Borrowed'.
• Click the eBook you want to return.
• Click the 'Item Options' arrow (in the upper left corner of the selected eBook).
• Select 'Return Borrowed Item'.
• Click 'Return' to verify that you want to return the title.
• The eBook is returned.

It's not possible to return books early using any other e-reader but you can choose to borrow books for 7, 14 or 21 days. To do this choose an option from the 'lending period' dropdown menu which appears on the page where you check out your eBooks.

Do I have to live in Wirral to sign up for this service?
Overdrive, the US-based company that supplies our eBook and eAudio service, has requested that access is limited to residents of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral only. This decision has been made as a result of UK and US publishers’ concerns surrounding rights and access issues.

However, there are several other UK library authorities offering eBooks access, so if you live outside Wirral we suggest you check with your local council to see if they offer this service.

How do I download an eBook?
We have written some simple instructions that will take you through how to do it.

Do I need special software to download them?
Yes you will need Adobe Digital Editions software. If you don't already have it you can download it here. There are versions for PC and Mac.

What can I download an eBook to?
You can either download them to a PC or Mac, to an e-reader or to an internet enabled phone.

Will I be able to rent an eBook reader from you?
No, we do not rent eBook readers, but this doesn't mean you can't use our service as eBooks can be downloaded to PCs, laptops or mobile phones.

What titles do you have?
We have a collection of popular fiction and non-fiction, including bestsellers. Take a look at our latest catalogue.

How long can I keep them for?
You can keep your chosen eBooks for up to three weeks.

Can I renew them after that time?
eBooks can’t be renewed in the traditional sense. However, if no one else wants the books you can borrow them again at the end of your loan period.

Will I get any fines if I am late in returning my eBooks?
No. You don't even have to return them. The file will simply become inactive after three weeks.

If a library has a printed copy of a book, will it be available as an eBook?
This will depend on whether the publisher has released it as an eBook. Not all titles are available in this format. As this is a new service we won't have as many eBook titles available as we do printed copies within a branch. However as our eBook service becomes even more popular, we will regularly expand our collection.

Can I make a request for an eBook?
Yes, you can request up to three eBooks at one time. When the books are available you will receive an e-mail informing you that they are ready. You then have three days to download them. If you don't download them within that time they then will become available to other readers.

More help with eBooks