There are several reasons we might not have digital copies of a book that we own in print. First, not all print books are made available in digital formats. Second, while the public usually pays less for e-books and audiobooks than their physical counterparts, library licenses usually cost much more than the retail price. And […]
Downloads & Streaming FAQ
Why is there a waitlist for the title I want in cloudLibrary?
Most publishers restrict library e-books and audiobooks so they mimic physical books. Each copy of an e-book or audiobook can be loaned to only one person at a time, just like a physical book. While library staff monitor holds each week and strive to ensure there are no more than six holds for each copy […]
Why does Flipster say that all copies of the magazine I want to borrow are in use?
Some publishers put limits on how many people can access a given issue of their magazine at the same time. You may see a message saying all digital copies of the issue are in use. If so, check back in a few days to see if a copy has become available.
I was reading a Flipster magazine on my computer, but when I open my shelf in the app, it’s not there. What’s going on?
If you borrow an issue on your mobile device, it will be saved on your shelf, and you can pick up where you left off later. However, the desktop browser version of Flipster doesn’t let users make a shelf. Checkouts and reading progress don’t transfer from one mobile device to another.
Is there anywhere I can find eBooks and eAudiobooks that I don’t have to wait for?
Try hoopla! The books offered by hoopla are always available and never have a waitlist. That’s because the library doesn’t directly own licenses to any of the books in hoopla. Instead, your library card provides access to hoopla’s entire catalog, and the library pays hoopla each time you check something out. If you prefer cloudLibrary […]
The title I want isn’t available in Hoopla. Can the library buy it?
The library can’t add titles to the hoopla collection because it doesn’t directly own licenses to any of the titles in hoopla. Instead, your library card gives you access to hoopla’s catalog, and the library pays hoopla every time you check something out. Hoopla regularly negotiates new contracts with publishers and their catalog is always […]
Why can’t I send the eBook I borrowed to my Kindle?
Amazon strictly controls which e-books can be accessed on Kindle e-readers and doesn’t allow cloudLibrary to lend e-books to most Kindle e-readers, except for the Kindle Fire. You can email kindle-feedback@amazon.com and request that Amazon allow compatibility with cloudLibrary books. All Pennsylvania residents are eligible for a digital library card through the Free Library of […]
How long can I borrow digital materials from the library?
You never have to worry about fines because digital items automatically return on the due date. Here are the loan periods for each platform. cloudLibrary Borrowing period: 14 days for all materials Renewals: If there are no holds on your item, you’ll have the option to renew it starting three days before the due date. […]
Are there limits on how many digital materials I can borrow?
CloudLibrary allows you to borrow up to 10 items at any given time and place a hold on up to 10 items at any given time. Hoopla allows you to borrow up to 4 items per month. Flipster has no borrowing limit.
I suddenly can’t log into cloudLibrary. What’s going on?
Your library card may be up for renewal. This happens every few years so that library staff can verify your address. You can check with your local library to see if your card is up for renewal. If so, you’ll need to present proof of identity and Bucks County residency, such as a driver’s license.
