OverDrive READ Format on a Second Generation Kindle Fire

Kindle Fire users can enjoy the OverDrive READ format on their second generation device. The first generation Kindle Fire doesn't seem to handle the format as nicely.

The OverDrive READ format loads the entire eBook into the tablet's browser. Kindle Fire users might have less use of this format, since the Kindle Fire is a, well, Kindle. But there are times when a title isn't yet available in the Kindle Book format through OverDrive and might be available in the OverDrive READ format. Here's how it works:

Using the web browser of your Kindle Fire 2, log into the service. Browse to find and borrow an eBook that is available in OverDrive Read format.

You'll be brought to the bookshelf once you've tapped the "Borrow" button. Select the "READ In Your Browser" button to open the eBook in OverDrive READ format. 

Through the magic of HTML 5, the eBook loads in your browser. The READ eBook will always open to a tutorial. Follow the "Next" steps to learn more or close the tutorial. 

After finishing or closing the tutorial, you will see the book cover image. Flip through a few pages by tapping the right side of the screen or swiping from right to left with a single finger. Note that you might enjoy the reading experience more in portrait view. 

If you find the font too small for your liking. (It always is for me!) Find the font settings by dragging the screen downwards and tapping the small "paragraph" icon for font settings. 

Tap on "Book Default" next to font size to select a specific size font. 

Tap elsewhere on the screen to close the settings. Note the small star icon at the bottom right of the screen. Consider bookmarking the title to add it to your favorites. 

Thanks for the use of your Kindle, Di!

Microsoft Surface Tablet & OverDrive READ Format

Hints from a librarian with a Microsoft Surface Tablet on the OverDrive READ format:

The touch screen on both RT and Pro does not work with the OverDrive READ format's font settings buttons, but the keypad mouse does work to set them.  

If the user did not buy a keyboard, the workaround is to use the Windows 8 browser’s charm for Internet and slide the Zoom button to change font size. This will reformat the pages of text very nicely.

Thank you, Nancy!

Read More

• The OverDrive READ Format on a Nexus 7
• Returning the OverDrive READ eBook Early
• If the OverDrive READ Doesn't Load on an iPad
• Checking Out an OverDrive READ eBook on an iPad

READ eBook Format on a Nexus 7

The OverDrive READ eBook format is the easiest way to get reading on a mobile device! There are no apps to install or additional logins needed (aside from what is necessary to log into our NHDB site). The READ eBook is opened directly in your Nexus' web browser. Here's how to read a READ eBook:

• Log into the NHDB site with your library card. 
• Visit "Account >> Bookshelf" to find an eBook you've checked out or browse for a new eBook to borrow. 
• From the Bookshelf, check if the title is available in READ format. 
• If you see a "READ (in your browser) button, tap the button.

• The READ eBook will open in a new browser tab and present a half-page tutorial.
• Press "OK" to close the tutorial.

• Pull downwards to get to the reader options.
• Pull the reader options from right to left to see the options to change the font sizes.
• Tap "Book Defaults" buttons to see the options.  

Note: Don't be alarmed if the text doesn't appear nicely spaced out. Adjust the line spacing and the font normalizes. 

Adding a Bookmark

The entire eBook has now been downloaded to your Nexus' web browser and can be read offline -- no internet access required. Add a bookmark to the device's home screen to remember to read your book! 

• From the address/search box, tap the small star to add a bookmark. 
• Choose the "Mobile Bookmarks" folder to save your eBook.

• Find your bookmark by tapping the small "settings" button in the upper-right corner of the device's screen. 

• From "Bookmarks" you'll select "Mobile Bookmarks."

• See your bookmark?
• Tap and hold the bookmark until additional menu items appear. 

• Visit the home screen and see your new bookmark. 

Returning an OverDrive READ eBook Early

The OverDrive READ eBooks can be returned to the collection early from Account >> Bookshelf.

Note: Once you select an additional format for that title (Kindle Book or EPUB), the "Return Title" option will disappear from your bookshelf. Instead, you will need to return the Kindle Book from Amazon.com >> Manage Your Kindle or the Adobe EPUB eBook from Adobe Digital Editions (if used) or the OverDrive Media Console app. 

If OverDrive READ Doesn't Load on iPad

Here's what to do if the OverDrive READ format does not load properly on your Apple device:

• Close Safari and open the Settings app.
• In Settings, browse for Safari.
• Tap on Safari...
• Clear History.
• Clear Cookies and Data. (You will lose your saved web logins!)
• Turn off Private Browsing.

Close the Settings app and reopen the Safari app. You will have to log back into the NHDB website. Return to your account and open the title again in the READ format. The title should fully load now.

eBook Instructions for iPad in EPUB Format

Download the EPUB instructions to use the OverDrive eBooks on your iPad or iPhone.

So let me openly acknowledge the counter-intuitive nature of downloading an eBook to learn how to use eBooks. <smile> The files listed here contain no DRM (Digital Rights Management) and can be easily opened using iBooks (or any other app that allows you to read DRM-free EPUB eBooks.)

These handouts are also available in PDF format from the "Getting Started with eBooks" page.  

Reading OverDrive READ eBooks on an iPad

Reading EPUB eBooks on an iPad

Reading Kindle Books on an iPad

The links lead to Box.net, a file hosting site. Click the "Download" link on the Box.net website and select iBooks to open the file. The eBook will open in iBooks.

Checking Out the OverDrive READ Format on an iPad

The new OverDrive READ format uses HTML5 technology to save the entire eBook in your browser. How is this different from using the Kindle or OverDrive Media Console app?

• No registration needed
• No additional app needed
• No Adobe ID needed (OMC app only)
• No Amazon account needed (Kindle app only)
• The OverDrive READ book opens in a new tab on your browser!

Of note: The OverDrive READ format works better in some browsers than others. In some cases, like with the Nook Tablet I experimented with, it was more enjoyable to read the book in the Adobe EPUB format in the OMC app than in the new READ format. Experiment yourself and share your results with your local librarian! 

Log into the site and browse for eBooks as you would on a desktop computer. Narrow your results by format by selecting "OverDrive READ" from the Format section. See: Browsing for eBooks. 

Check to make sure the eBook is available in the OverDrive READ format.

Click the "Borrow" button...

Click the "Read (in your browser)" button. A new tab will open with the eBook. 

(Click on any image to enlarge...)

After the file finishes loading, look at the tips panel and tap "OK" to get rid of it. Pull the page down to see reader options. 

More options can be found by swiping from right to left... 

You can either bookmark the site (book) or save the site to your home screen. Adding an icon to your home screen is a great way to remember the book!

Now you have an icon to remind you to start reading!