Online Resources FAQs

  • General Questions

    We license our digital content from a number of companies (library vendors). The vendors require us to only allow our customers to access their products. For most products we are only licensed for the citizens of Edmonton. Your library card confirms your identity for the library vendors websites.

    You’ll still be able to access world-class mysteries, dramas and comedies from Britain through our catalogue, including some Acorn TV content.

    For a complete list of the nearly 100 online resources and databases—including other TV streaming services—you can access for free with your library card, please visit epl.ca/online-resources.

    Tablets, smartphones and Adobe Digital Editions-compatible eReaders can all be used to download and read eBooks. Devices using Windows, Mac, Android and iOS operating systems are compatible and among the most commonly used.

    Below is a list of devices and their compatibility:
    Device Library eBook compatibility DRM software used to transfer to your device
    Kobo Yes Adobe Digital Editions, direct download of OverDrive books on compatible models
    Kindle eReaders (e.g., Kindle Paperwhite, Scribe, Oasis) No Kindle E Ink eReaders are not compatible with Adobe Digital Editions
    Kindle Fire Tablets Yes Libby app through Amazon Appstore, model-specific information
    NOOK Yes Adobe Digital Editions
    Sony Wifi Reader, Sony Pocket eReader Sony no longer supports these devices. While some remain compatible with upgrades to databases this could change at any time. Sony Reader for PC and Mac

    Our eBook collections vary by vendor, but most often support EPUB and PDF files, as well as read in browser options.

  • LinkedIn Learning

    Yes, once you set up your LinkedIn Learning account, you should be able to download the LinkedIn Learning app in the App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play store for Android devices.

    If prompted for a Library ID before entering in your barcode and PIN, use edmontonpublic. If you are prompted for a custom invitation link, use www.linkedin.com/learning-login/go/edmontonpublic., opens a new window

    Yes, anyone 16 years or older can use LinkedIn Learning. Parents and caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of LinkedIn Learning. To learn more about how you may use LinkedIn Learning under their Terms of Service, read the User Agreement.

    Yes, while all of the existing features and functionalities of Lynda.com will be available in LinkedIn Learning, the new platform will look a bit different. It will have an updated interface that is easier to use.

    Your Lynda.com history will be in your new LinkedIn Learning account under your existing card number and PIN. Your data is migrated automatically, so as long as your library card number is unchanged, you can pick up where you left off!

    Please Note: When creating your new account, it could take up to a half an hour for your learning history to transfer over. 

    LinkedIn Learning will place cookies in your browser when you visit LinkedIn Learning or other non-LinkedIn sites that host their plugins as a way to help your browser enable LinkedIn features and functionality. LinkedIn Learning uses two types of cookies:

    • session cookies: last the length of your session that you visit LinkedIn Learning, LinkedIn, or another site that hosts LinkedIn plugins
    • persistent cookies: stay in your browser for up to 30 days and will log your interaction with its services even if you are logged out of your account.

    LinkedIn Learning may use this cookie data to:

    • make your interactions with LinkedIn services faster and more secure.
    • enable functionality of their services and remember information about your browser and preferences.
    • provide more relevant, interest-based advertising on LinkedIn and third-party sites.
    • provide aggregate reports of ads activity to advertisers and websites hosting the ads.
    • help LinkedIn and third-party website and app owners understand how visitors engage with their sites or apps.
    • improve their products.

    You can clear these cookies from your browser under the browser settings. Learn more about LinkedIn’s Cookie Policy.

    No, LinkedIn Learning will only require your library card number and PIN. They will not ask for your email address, and nothing will appear on your profile unless you proactively share an update on it. You will not be identified. Without identifying you, LinkedIn Learning will make your learning data available to EPL for reporting purposes at the aggregate level. No personally identifiable information will be shared.

    To learn more about LinkedIn and your data privacy, visit the LinkedIn Privacy Policy.

    If you lose your library card and/or have to change your library card number, your learning history will not be accessible. If you are issued a new library card number and PIN, your learning history will not transfer over. In the event that you’ve forgotten your library card number and PIN, please reach out to EPL for support.

    No, a LinkedIn account is not required. You will only need your EPL library card number and PIN to access content. In fact, if you already have a LinkedIn profile, you will not be able to connect your LinkedIn Learning account to it.

    As of Wednesday, March 24, you won’t be able to access your Lynda.com profile. Please visit LinkedIn Learning and activate your new account. It may take up to 30 minutes for your learning history to transfer over. 

    LinkedIn has purchased Lynda.com and is now integrating features of both companies into a new platform: LinkedIn Learning. This new platform gives you access to LinkedIn Learning’s complete catalogue of over 16,000 courses in seven languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese.

  • Libby App

    Visit our The Palace Project App FAQ, opens a new window to learn more about using The Palace Project App with Libby by OverDrive titles. 

    OverDrive is the parent company of Libby and several other online resources including Kanopy. Initially, OverDrive’s eContent platform and app for ebooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and streaming videos were called “OverDrive.” In early 2023, the “OverDrive app” was discontinued, and replaced by the “Libby by Overdrive App”, which has since been shortened to just "Libby." Since then, OverDrive has been gradually phasing out its “OverDrive” branded econtent and references to these products. That is why you might see some links and econtent referred to as OverDrive, Libby by OverDrive, or simply Libby. 

    The legacy OverDrive site for Edmonton Public Library currently retains OverDrive branding. 

    There are a few ways for you to look for and suggest titles that are not in EPL’s Libby collection:  

    • You can submit a suggestion for purchase through our website on a  Suggest an Item for Purchase page.  
    • If you search for a title, author or series and it returns no results in Libby, Libby will automatically expand into a “deep search” to display relevant titles that are not yet in the EPL collection but are available in the wider Libby catalogue. From there, you can apply a Notify Me smart tag to be notified if we add the title to our collection. Read more about the Notify Me tag by visiting the Libby Help website.  

    Please note: Adding a Notify Me smart tag does not guarantee purchase by EPL due to budgetary constraints.   

    Libby is available to download through the Amazon app store on newer Kindle touchscreen tablets and smart phones. If you have an older APK version of Libby on your device, you can continue to use that or switch to the Amazon Appstore version.  

    Libby is not available for direct download or file transfer for any Kindle eInk devices.  

    See Libby’s list of compatible Kindle devices.  

    Some audiobook titles offer supplementary bonus content in the form of a PDF eBook (with illustrations, maps, diagrams, etc.). Please note that such supplemental content is not currently available in Libby, but remains available for applicable titles from EPL’s OverDrive website, opens a new window.  

    Yes. If you use a Kobo eReader, you can download Libby titles to a computer then use Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) to transfer them to your device. This option is available from libbyapp.com. 

    Visit the Kobo site for detailed instructions.

    Additionally, many Kobo devices are compatible with direct borrowing of Libby ebooks (e.g., Kobo Libra, Libra H2O, Clara, Clara HD, Elipsa, Sage, Nia, Aura editions 1 & 2) through the Libby feature.  

    Libby can be downloaded on: 

    If you have a Windows computer, Mac computer, or a Chromebook, you can use Libby in your web browser at libbyapp.com. We suggest using the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. 

    The MP3 download option for eAudiobooks was discontinued by OverDrive on November 13, 2024 and is no longer available on EPL's OverDrive site.

    Support for the OverDrive Desktop App for Mac and Windows has also ended and the app is no longer available to download.

    To continue enjoying Libby by OverDrive eAudiobooks:

    On Oct. 8, 2024, a Libby security update is being applied for EPL customers.

    • Libby checkouts and holds will no longer be impacted when a library card is lost.
    • The update improves customer digital privacy.

    EPL customers using Libby will be asked to re-enter their library card number and/or PIN the first time they place a hold or checkout a title once the update is applied.

    Do you sync Overdrive titles to your Kobo eReader? Are titles not syncing as expected?

    • The security update may require you to remove and re-add your library card from your Kobo. You may see a generic error message about a problem with your library card when trying to sync or borrow a title on your Kobo.
    • To resolve this, tap on More (three lines icon), then Settings, then Overdrive. Remove the library card. Re-add your library card entering your library barcode and your PIN.
    • Visual instructions can be found on Kobo's website.

    Yes, you can have multiple cards set up in your Libby app if you are using a shared device. Libby will let you set up and manage multiple cards from the same library and switch between them at any time. You can learn more about how to manage multiple cards in Libby on the Libby Help website.

    Please note: using multiple cards in Libby on a shared device means that your reading and borrowing history will be visible to everyone using that device. If you don’t want your reading and borrowing history to be visible to other people, you can use the Reset Everything function. This will log you out of Libby and will permanently delete your downloaded data (including tags and timeline). You can learn more about removing library cards from Libby app and resetting the app on the Libby Help Website.

     

    Yes, visit libbyapp.com to browse, search, read or listen and more on your computer. 

    On mobile devices, Libby automatically downloads loans for offline reading when you’re on Wi-Fi (to reduce data usage) by default. Download settings can be adjusted in the app to better suit your needs. 

    Note: Offline reading is not available when you access Libby in your web browser at libbyapp.com.  

    Learn how to change your download settings on Libby Help. 

    Yes. If you use a Kobo eReader, you can download Libby titles to a computer then use Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) to transfer them to your device. This option is available from libbyapp.com, opens a new window or EPL's OverDrive website.

    Additionally, many Kobo devices are compatible with direct borrowing of Libby ebooks (e.g., Kobo Sage, Libra 2, Clara HD, Elipsa, Forma, Libra H2O, Nia, Aura Edition 2, Aura H2O Edition 2, or Aura ONE). This functionality will continue to work as expected.

    OverDrive has a dedicated Libby Help website, opens a new window where you can find all kinds of information about Libby, including troubleshooting tips!  

    Libby is designed to support screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice control and other assistive technologies. Every interactive element is expressively labeled, described, logically arranged and has an appropriate tap (or click) target area.

    OverDrive’s goal is to achieve and maintain compliance with the applicable WCAG 2.1 Level AA Success Criteria. They will continue to update Libby’s usability with assistive technologies through experience testing and user feedback. More information about Libby’s accessibility is available in OverDrive’s accessibility statement.

  • Fiero Code

    Fiero Code runs in a web browser on modern laptop or desktop Windows and Mac computers, Chromebooks and tablets, such as the iPad. If using a tablet, a keyboard is recommended. 

    There isn’t an app for Fiero Code at this time. 

    No, Fiero Code includes a coding workspace (or integrated development environment [IDE]) that runs inside the browser on the Fiero Code website. Bluetooth connectivity may be required for tools like Sphero or Ozobot. 

    When a participant is under 13 years old, Fiero Code will ask for a caregiver’s email address to be provided during the registration process.  

    No, Fiero Code does not include social networking features. There is an option where you or your child can copy a link to their project for sharing outside Fiero Code. It’s recommended that caregivers supervise their child’s use of Fiero Code.  

    Fiero Code runs a coding contest three times a year, and each contest is based on a different creative theme. Participants are drawn from across North America. Prizes may include gift cards or gadgets. There are three prize categories: 1-3rd place for ages 8-12, 1-3rd for ages 13-18, and 1st place for age 19+. 

     

  • The Palace Project App

    The Palace Project is a set of tools and services for public libraries developed by a non-profit, library-focused initiative. The Palace Project App can incorporate multiple digital collections into one interface–EPL customers will have access to select Audible titles and to the Libby by OverDrive eBook and eAudiobook collection through The Palace Project App. Customers can borrow, place holds, read or listen, and return titles from The Palace Project App. 

    Audible, an Amazon company, is an American online eAudiobook and podcast service that is best known for allowing customers to stream and purchase eAudiobooks through its paid membership program. Audible publishes thousands of eAudiobook titles annually. 

    Not at this time – EPL’s Audible titles are made available exclusively through The Palace Project App. 

    Edmonton residents, L-Pass cardholders, and persons living on an Indigenous Reserve or Métis settlement. Please see EPL’s membership information, opens a new window for more details on eligibility. 

    Currently, up to 15 holds can be placed across The Palace Project App’s Audible titles and the Libby by OverDrive collection. 

    No, you will need to wait until your checkouts are below 15 or your holds are below 15. The Palace Project App counts items already loaned through Libby by OverDrive towards its total checkout limit of 15 and hold limit of 15.  

    No. Libby continues to be available to use. 

    You have reached the 15 item checkout limit for Audible and/or Libby by OverDrive titles through The Palace Project App. Return a title or wait until a title expires and try again. 

    Your library card may have been marked lost or there may be another issue preventing your use of the collection. Contact your branch library for details. 

    Your library card may not be eligible for borrowing online resources from Edmonton Public Library. Check with your local library for title availability. 

    Ensure that you are entering your library barcode number with no spaces and your PIN. If you have forgotten your PIN, you can use our self-serve reset process., opens a new window If you recently updated your PIN, you may need to remove and re-add your library card number with your new PIN within The Palace Project App. 

    This usually occurs when The Palace Project App hasn’t been opened in a number of days or longer. It may take up to 15 minutes for changes to My Books to sync. If the issue persists, try removing and re-adding your library card in The Palace Project App’s settings. 

    A Libby by OverDrive title may take up to 15 minutes to sync over to The Palace Project App when borrowed. 

     Note that Libby by OverDrive magazines and “Lucky Day” 7-day loan titles are not currently compatible with The Palace Project App and won’t be displayed. 

    The Palace Bookshelf is a collection of free open access and public domain titles. The collection is curated by librarians at the Digital Public Library of America. 

     By tapping on the Palace logo in the top left corner of the app, or under Settings – Libraries, The Palace Bookshelf appears first when you tap Add Library. The logo is then used to switch between The Edmonton Public Library’s collection and the Palace Bookshelf collection. 

     On iOS (with Appearance set to Dark): 

    On Android (with Display set to Light theme): 

    Some bestseller and new release Audible titles have yet to be licensed for Canadian public libraries to purchase through The Palace Project marketplace. We’re continuing to monitor title availability as this initiative develops. 

     See our Suggest an Item for Purchase page for more general information on suggesting titles for EPL to purchase. 

  • Libby by OverDrive Hold Limit Change

    Starting Tuesday, Aug. 19, EPL is reducing the number of holds customers can place on Libby by OverDrive from 30 to 15 items.

    No, your existing holds will remain in place. However, when you have 15 or more holds, you won’t be able to place new ones until you’re below the limit.

    This change will help EPL reduce wait times and ensure more equitable access to popular titles as the demand for digital titles continues rise.

    One factor driving this change is the huge increase in the popularity of eAudiobooks. In 2019, our customers checked out 467,853 eAudiobooks. Five years later in 2024, that number has grown to 1.2 million eAudiobook checkouts – an increase of 163%.

    In the same five-year time period, our digital collections are also more heavily used. For example, the number of holds placed by our customers in Libby by OverDrive has almost tripled from 597,476 in 2019 to 1.5 million in 2024. However, 87% of our users have 15 or fewer holds.

    With growing usage, waiting times have increased greatly for many popular titles. Long holds queues for specific titles can be challenging for us to address fiscally when we are collecting many titles broadly to address the wide-ranging interests and needs of Edmontonians. By reducing the total number of holds that can be placed by each customer, waiting times will decrease for the majority of our customers.

    Yes. You may encounter the new holds limit when borrowing in the Libby App, the EPL catalogue, OverDrive.com, or The Palace Project App. The new holds limit is consistent across these platforms for digital titles.

    Yes! You can still borrow titles as usual. The holds limit only applies to the number of items you're waiting for.

    We recommend using the tags in the Libby App to help keep track of items you’d like to read. Tags can be used to quickly create a list of items you’ve saved and can be narrowed by format or availability. If you prefer to keep track of items in EPL’s catalogue, we recommend adding titles to the "For Later" shelf.

    You can speak with EPL staff at any branch, or reach out through our Contact EPL page.