How do I borrow OverDrive ebooks on a Kobo ereader?

Last Updated: Jun 28, 2024 Views: 3849

Many newer Kobo models include built-in OverDrive support, which lets you add your library card and read ebooks directly on your Kobo ereader. Learn more and see which devices are supported on Kobo's "OverDrive: Common questions" page.

If you have a Kobo with built-in OverDrive support, here are your browsing and reading options:

You can browse, borrow, and read directly on your Kobo. This is the best way to borrow books from your library.
You can browse and borrow books in Libby (on a supported device), then read on your Kobo. Compatible books will appear on your Kobo when you sync your Kobo over Wi-Fi. For this option to work correctly, make sure you're signed into OverDrive on your Kobo with the same library card you use in Libby.

Get started

From the Kobo Home screen, tap the menu in the top-left corner.
Go to Settings > OverDrive. Note: If you don't see OverDrive, you'll need to add a billing address to your Kobo account.
Tap Get started.
Select Sign in to OverDrive.
Find San Francisco Public Library on the Find a public library page. Tap it to sign in.
Sign in with your 14-digit SFPL card or an OverDrive account.
Select Browse to start exploring Kobo's catalog, or select Search to find a specific title.
Tap an ebook to open its details page, then tap More to borrow it or place it on hold (if owned by the Library).

Borrowed ebooks will appear in the My Books section of your Kobo, just like purchased ebooks. Library ebooks are automatically returned at the end of the lending period, so you never have to worry about late fees.

Additional Features

In addition to borrowing ebooks from your Kobo, you can:

Filter the Kobo catalog so you only see ebooks your library owns.
Browse the Library's featured collections.
Read OverDrive ebooks you've borrowed elsewhere (if they're available in the Kobo catalog).
Renew library ebooks using the Request again option (in the book actions menu). This will let you borrow the ebook again immediately after its lending period expires (if there are no existing holds), or place you on the title's wait list (if there are existing holds).
Return library ebooks before the end of the lending period.
View holds you placed on your Kobo and borrow them when they're available.

Older Kobo Devices

For older Kobo devices, you can add books you've borrowed with the Libby by OverDrive app to your Kobo using Adobe Digital Editions. Learn more about transferring books to an ereader from Libby or visit Kobo's "Add eBooks with Adobe Digital Editions" page for additional information and device-related troubleshooting.