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eBooks: eReader

Basic Information

Basic Information

  • You can check out up to 6 ebooks per library card at a time, and each eBook has a limit of 1 renewal.
  • All eBooks are free to download.
  • Titles are automatically returned at the end of the borrowing period, so there are no late fees for any digital materials!
  • eBooks can only be downloaded by patrons with a Waukegan Public Library card in good standing (unexpired, fines less than $10).
  • eBooks and other digital materials cannot be checked out or requested from other libraries.
  • If a title is already checked out by someone, you may place a hold on it just like you would with a physical book.

Contact the Reference Department

Need help?  Contact the Reference Department for direct assistance with downloading library materials to your device!

847-623-2041 x238

wkgnref@waukeganpl.info

Not a Waukegan card holder?

You need an active Waukegan Public Library card to download digital materials. If you live in Waukegan and don’t have a library card, get one! If you live outside Waukegan, try contacting your home library to learn about their eBook collection.

Download an eBook

1. Download Adobe Digital Editions

Click this link to download Adobe Digital Editions for free to your computer.  Make sure to download the correct version for your computer (Windows or Mac).

2. Create Adobe ID.

Once the program has been installed, click this link to create a free Adobe ID.  This will authorize your computer to download and transfer eBooks to your eReader in the future.  Click Get an Adobe ID and fill in the required information.

3. Search the eBook catalog.

Once your ID has been created and the program has been installed, visit waukegan.overdrive.com to view the OverDrive eBook collection.  You can search for a specific title or browse for books by subject or collection.

4. Select a book.

When you find a book you want to read, click on the circle to read a sample or get more information about the title, or just click Borrow.

5. Log in and view checked out titles.

Log in with your library card number.  Once the book has been checked out, a blue message will appear at the top of your screen.  Click Loans to view your checked out titles.

6. Select a format.

Click Choose Format and select EPUB eBook.

7. Device Compatability Notice

You will receive a notice that says "Adobe Digital Editions is required for this format on your current device." Click Confirm.

8. Open with Adobe Digital Editions.

Double check that your eBook is set to open in Adobe Digital Editions and click OK.

9. Authorize with Adobe ID

If this is your first time using Adobe Digital Editions, you will be asked to authorize your computer with your Adobe ID. This will only need to be done once.

10. Start reading!

Your book should show up automatically in Adobe Digital Editions.

11. Transfer to eReader.

To transfer an eBook to your eReader, plug your device into the computer.  It should show up on the left side of the screen.  Click and drag the book to your device.

12. Return item early.

To return a book early using Adobe Digital Editions, open the program and right click on the book.  Click Return Borrowed Item.

Need help? Contact the Reference Desk at 847-623-2041 x238 or wkgnref@waukeganpl.info ! If you have a laptop or a mobile device, you can also bring in your device to the Reference Desk for in-person assistance.

Want More Help?

OverDrive has a great support website with helpful articles and how-to videos to help you download eBooks and troubleshoot any issues.

You can also find information about OverDrive specific to your device: