Make sure to open your NetLibrary file before you try to sync it to your portable device.
Research & Resources
Digital Books - NetLibrary FAQ
Go directly to NetLibrary
This FAQ will provide answers to the most common questions about NetLibrary digital books.
On this page:
- Quick list of NetLibrary features
- How do I find NetLibrary digital books?
- What do I need to get started?
- How do I create my NetLibrary account?
- How long does it take to download an audiobook file?
- Can I download NetLibrary eBooks?
- Can I download the same audiobook multiple times?
- How do I return the downloaded audiobooks?
- What happens to the digital books after three weeks?
- Can I return the audiobooks early?
- Can I burn NetLibrary files to CD?
- Which MP3 players can I use?
- Why doesn't NetLibrary work with iPods?
- Can I use NetLibrary on my Mac?
- Can I download digital books at the library?
If your question is not answered here, you may call NetLibrary at 1-800-848-5800.
Quick list of NetLibrary features
- Check out period = 21 days.
- Maximum number of items checked out at one time = 10.
- Allows audio book downloads.
- Does not allow eBook downloads. EBooks must be read online.
- Offers 2 sound qualities - CD or Radio.
- Allows transfer to a portable device.
- Does not work with iPods.
- Does not allow burning to CD.
- No need to place reserves, because there are unlimited quantities of each title.
- Titles may be renewed one time.
- Titles are automatically checked in, and cannot be checked in early.
- Titles must be downloaded all at one time. Cannot download by chapter or section.
How do I find NetLibrary digital books?
All digital books are listed in our catalog, so you can search for your favorite title, author or subject in the catalog. NetLibrary also allows you to browse their collections. If you want to browse, go directly to NetLibrary.
What do I need to get started?
To get started, you'll need your library card, a computer at home or work, and free software. Software requirements for audio books are:
Windows Media Player version 9+, Musicmatch Jukebox version 8.2+ OR Nullsoft Winamp version 5+
NetLibrary doesn't require any special software to view eBooks.
How do I create my NetLibrary account?
You must create a username and password for NetLibrary. This does not have to be your name and library card number, but it should be something you can remember. There is a "Create a free account" link beneath the login box, in the top right corner of the NetLibrary screen.
How long does it take to download an audiobook file?
Download times will vary with the length of the book, the speed of your Internet connection, and the audio quality you select. "Radio Quality" files load faster, but if you are going to transfer the audiobook to your MP3 player, you will need CD Quality. If you are on a dial-up connection, you should expect download to be slow.
Can I download NetLibrary eBooks?
NetLibrary eBooks cannot be downloaded. They must be viewed online through the NettLibrary web site.
Can I download the same audiobook multiple times?
Yes. NetLibrary allows you to download the file five times. However, once you open the file on your computer, you can only play it on that one computer.
How do I return my digital audiobooks?
You do not have to do anything to check your audiobooks back in. After 21 days, your NetLibrary audiobooks become unplayable, and are then no longer considered to be checked out.
What happens to the digital books after three weeks?
After the check out period expires, the digital book is automatically checked back in. You don't need to do anything to return the book. A copy of the digital book file will remain on your computer and any device if you have transferred it. The copy will not open or play after three weeks. You can delete the copy just like you would delete a file from your computer.
Can I return my audiobooks early?
No. You can delete the files from your computer at any time, but they will still be considered "checked out" to you for 21 days.
Can I burn NetLibrary files to CD?
NetLibrary does not allow copies of their files to be burned to CD. If you burn a title to a CD, the built-in digital rights management will make the CD unplayable.
Which MP3 players can I use?
Here is a web site that explains which MP3 players work with NetLibrary digital books (Click on Tested Players). Make sure your MP3 player can handle subscription downloads.
Why doesn't NetLibrary work with iPods?
The Digital Rights Software that protects the copyright on Netlibrary audiobooks is incompatible with iPods. Right now there are no digital book download systems available for libraries that work with iPods.
Can I use NetLibrary on my Mac?
Although some Macs can run Windows Media Player, NetLibrary does not work with Macs because it uses Windows Media Rights Manager version 2.x, while Windows Media Player for Macs uses version 1.3
Can I download digital books at the library?
No, not at this time. To download from home or work, all you need is a computer with Internet access and your library card.