How do I listen to a downloadable audio book?
You can listen to them on your computer or, for most titles, you may transfer the file to a portable MP3 player or burn it to CD.
Who can borrow these audio books?
Any patron with a valid West Hartford Public Library card or anyone with a valid library card from another participating library in the Greater Hartford area.
How do you check out a downloadable audio book?
Browse the online catalog at http://libraryconnection.lib.overdrive.com and add the titles you want to download to your cart. Proceed to checkout when you are ready to download and type in your library card number. You can then download the free software needed to use the audio book and all or part of the book.
How long can I keep it?
All downloadable audio books are loaned for two weeks.
How do I return a downloadable audio book?
There is no need to return it. After two weeks the file is automatically “returned” and you can no longer listen to it. The file will remain on your machine until you delete it, but it is locked and not usable.
Can I renew it if I’m not done?
You may not renew these books, but you can check it out again if it is still available.
What do I need to get started with this service?
A valid library card from a participating library, a computer connected to the internet, and free software downloaded from the website of the hosting company, Overdrive.
What kind of free software?
You need the Overdrive Media Console to download and listen to the books on your PC. Also, you will need Windows Media Player (version 9 or 10) for the Overdrive Media Console to work and to transfer the files to a portable device or to burn them to CDs.
Both these programs are available for free download from http://www.overdrive.com/MediaConsole/download.asp
Some portable devices and CD burners may also require additional software to work with your PC.
What are the minimum system requirements for this software?
• Operating system: Microsoft® Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), Windows 2000 (Professional or Server), Windows Millennium Edition (ME), Windows XP (Home Edition or Professional)
• Processor: A 233 megahertz (MHz) processor, such as an Intel Pentium II
or Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) processor
• RAM: 64 megabytes (MB)
• Free hard disk space: 100 MB
• Sound card: 16-bit sound card
• Video adapter and monitor: Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution
• Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 (or newer)
I have an iPod. Can I use that to listen to these audio books?
Overdrive audio books cannot be directly transferred to an iPod. The files are in Windows Media Audio (WMA) format which is incompatible with the iPod’s FairPlay format. Advanced users may be able to convert the files into a format that does work with iPods, but the library does not assist in doing this. For a list of suggested portable devices go to http://www.playsforsure.com/FindPortableDevices.aspx
Where do I go to learn more about these downloadable audio books?
There are detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips on the Overdrive website at http://libraryconnection.lib.overdrive.com/en/Help.htm including step by step instructions for searching for titles, downloading and listening to them, and transferring the books to portable devices and CDs.
For further information, contact the Reference Department at 860-561-6990