How to use the Kobo Vox to download TPL eBooks

The Kobo Vox is one of the latest offerings of the many available eReader/Tablet devices.  To access and read library materials through the Vox you must use the OverDrive app since, as an Android tablet, it does not currently support Adobe Digital Editions.

Installing OverDrive Media Console on the Kobo Vox:

• Make sure your VOX is connected to a Wi Fi network
• Tap the Home icon
• Tap All Apps
• Tap Browser
• Navigate to OverDrive Media Console for Android™ Version 2.3   (http://www.overdrive.com/software/omc/AndroidEULA.aspx)
• Agree to the terms at the bottom of the page - the download will start
• After the download is complete open the notifications bar by dragging down from the top, or tap the Menu icon and tap Notifications
• Tap on the Overdrive download (ODMediaConsoleSetup.apk) in order to install
• Tap Install
• Tap Open once the installation is complete
• Tap Close in the About OverDrive Media Console window
• OverDrive is installed in the All Apps section

Once you have the application installed you will have to register your OverDrive Media Console for Android. See Instructions for Registering your Device.

For more information on using OverDrive Media Console, please see the OverDrive Support Pages.

Date and Time Settings

Another important aspect of using this device is that users should ensure that they have set the proper time zone.   When it is not set correctly, you may have problems opening ebooks since your device may report that new items have already expired.

To change the date and time:

• Tap the Home button
• Tap the All Apps
• Tap Settings
• Scroll down and tap Date & time
• Tap Set date
• Enter the current month, date, and year
• Tap Set to save your settings.
• Tap Select time zone
• Select the time zone youʼre currently in (GMT-5:00 EST)
• Tap Set time

Library eBooks - not on Kindle in Canada yet - Updated Dec. 19, 2013

Update: December 19, 2013

With the exception of the Android-based Kindle Fire tablet, Amazon's Kindle eReaders (including original Kindles and the Kindle PaperWhite) are not compatible with eBooks from Canadian libraries.

Kindle eReaders require eBooks to be in a proprietary format unique to Amazon. Amazon has not made this format available through OverDrive (the library's eBook provider) in Canada, so Canadian libraries do not have the option of lending eBooks that work with Kindle readers.

See our Kindle Fire library eBook user guide (PDF) for help getting started with OverDrive on your Kindle Fire, or check out our guides for other devices you can use with library eBooks.

September 22, 2011

You may have seen news coverage about libraries offering Kindle-compatible eBooks through the OverDrive service. Kindle-compatible eBooks for libraries are a new service that just launched yesterday (September 21, 2011) in the U.S. only.

Unfortunately, Kindle-compatible eBooks are not yet an option for Canadian libraries.  

Toronto Public Library will continue to monitor developments in this area. In the meantime, the EPUB eBooks available through our OverDrive service are compatible with a range of eReaders, tablets, and smartphones, including:

• Kobo
• Sony Reader
• iPad
• iPhone
• Android phones and tablets
• Blackberry

See the complete list of compatible devices on OverDrive’s site.