Frequently asked questions about eBooks
Frequently asked questions about eAudioBooks

Frequently asked questions about eBooks

What is an eBook?

eBook is short for electronic book. The content of the book is exactly the same as the printed version but is available digitally. eBooks come in two formats, epub and pdf.

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.

Does this mean there won’t be as many printed books in libraries?

No, libraries will continue to receive the same number of printed books.

Is there a charge for borrowing an eBook?

No it's absolutely free.

Do I have to be a member of the library to borrow an eBook?

Yes you do, but you can join the library online at any time and can borrow a title immediately.

Do I have to live in Surrey to sign up for this service?

Overdrive, the US based company who supplies our eBook and eAudio service, has requested that access is limited to Surrey residents 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 Surrey 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?

You will need Adobe Digital Editions software. If you don't already have it you can download it here. There are also versions for PCs 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 will not rent eBook readers, but this doesn't mean you can't use our service as eBooks can be downloaded to PC's, 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 many eBooks can I borrow at one time?

You can have three eBooks on loan at one time.

How long can I keep them for?

You can keep your chosen eBooks for two 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 two-week 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 two weeks.

Will I be left with anything on my hard drive after my books have expired?

Yes, a file will remain which you will have to delete. We have written some simple instructions to help you to do this.

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 email 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.

Will you be having eBooks for children?

Not at the moment. We are initially focusing on titles for adults but may later look at expanding the service to include eBooks for children.

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Frequently asked questions about eAudiobooks

What is an eAudiobook?

eAudiobook is an audiobook that has been optimised for download. They come in two formats, WMA and MP3.

Does this mean there won't be as many audio books in libraries?

No, libraries will continue to receive the same number of audio books.

Is there a charge for borrowing eAudiobooks?

No, it's absolutely free.

Do I have to be a member of the library to borrow an eAudiobook?

Yes you do, but you can join the library online at any time and can borrow a title immediately.

Do I have to live in Surrey to sign up for this service?

Overdrive, the US based company who supplies our eBook and eAudio service, has requested that access is limited to Surrey residents 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 Surrey 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.

How do I download an eAudiobook?

There are simple instructions on our download pages that will take you through how to do it.

Do I need special software to download them?

You will need to download and install Overdrive Media console software.

What can I download an eAudiobook to?

You can download them onto a PC or a Mac if you want an MP3 version. eAudiobooks can be transferred onto a phone or MP3 player. Currently WMA versions are not available for a Mac.

What eAudiobooks do you have?

We have a collection of popular fiction and nonfiction, including bestselling titles and authors. Take a look at our latest catalogue.

How many titles can I borrow at one time?

You can have three eAudiobooks on loan at any one time.

How long can I keep them for?

You can keep your chosen eAudioBooks for two weeks.

Can I renew them after that time?

eAudiobooks can not be renewed in the traditional sense. However, if no one else wants the books you can borrow them again at the end of your two-week loan period.

Will I get any fines if I am late in returning my eAudiobooks?

No. You don't even have to return them. The file will simply become inactive after two weeks.

Will it leave anything on my hard drive after it has expired?

Yes, a file will remain which you will have to delete. We have written some simple instructions to help you to do this.

If a library has a printed copy of a book, will it be available as an eAudiobook?

This will depend on whether the publisher has released it as an eAudiobook. 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 eAudiobook service becomes even more popular, we will regularly expand our collection.

Can I make a request for an eAudiobook?

Yes, you can request up to three eAudiobooks at one time. When the books are available you will receive an email 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.

Will you be having children's titles?

Not at the moment. We are initially focusing on titles for adults but may later look at expanding the service to include eAudiobooks for children.