eLending and streaming

When it comes to online entertainment, Randwick City Library has it covered with a range of eLending options to choose from: eBooks, eAudio, eComics and eMagazines - plus on-demand film, tv and documentary streaming.

eReading: getting started

Your Library ID is all you need to access thousands of eBooks to read online, or download to your own device. eBooks and eMagazines are available online 24/7 and can be accessed in the Library or from your own computer, compatible eBook reader or mobile device. Downloads are free for members. Titles automatically expire at end of the loan period and do not need to be "returned".

For smartphone and tablet users

For Apple and Android users there is an app available for BorrowBox, Libby, Hoopla and indyreads on your app store or through Google Play. For Kindle Fire users there is an app for BorrowBox and the older OverDrive app though Amazon.

For PC and Mac users

eBooks and eAudio can be enjoyed using a desktop or laptop. You will have two options for accessing content this way:

Downloading: For Libby by OverDrive, BorrowBox and indyreads by Odilo users, you will need to download the Adobe Digital Editions software to enjoy titles. OverDrive (Libby) offer a guide on how to do this.

Streaming: using a modern browser (safari, chrome, firefox) you can stream  BorrowBox, Hoopla, indyreads by Odilo and Libby by OverDrive titles directly from their respective websites. This means you don't need to worry about additional software, but will need an internet connection.

Using an eReader

First, a word on Amazon Kindle: As the Kindle Fire eReader is based on the Android operating system, it can run BorrowBox, and Overdrive apps. Unfortunately due to Amazon's licensing restrictions, Randwick City's eLibrary service is not compatible with any other Kindle e-Readers.

Kindle eReaders are designed and manufactured by Amazon, and are intended for browsing, purchasing and downloading media from Amazon.com. As it has not been made available to us, Australian Public Libraries are not able to offer a Kindle eBook lending platform. To give Amazon feedback about their Australian Kindle policy, feel free to send them a message via the Amazon Australia Facebook page.

If you are using an eReader (not a Kindle) you will need to first download titles to Adobe Digital Editions to transfer. A guide from OverDrive which can be used for BorrowBox and indyreads by Odilo is available here.

Another option if you have a Modern Kobo (Kobo Libra H2O, Forma, Aura ONE, Aura H2O Edition 2, Aura Edition 2, or Clara HD) you can borrow Libby/OverDrive titles directly to your device. A guide for this is available here.

eReading Resources

Borrowbox Click to access

Featuring Australian and international best-selling fiction for adults, young adults and children, titles can be enjoyed on the computer or downloaded to a supported portable device. Reserve or borrow up to 10 eAudiobooks and up to 10 eBooks every 3 weeks.

Download the BorrowBox mobile app from the App Store for your Apple device or from the Google Play Store for your Android device. If you are using a PC or transferring to an eReader, you will need to download Adobe Digital Editions. If you are using a Kindle Fire, click here for info on how to get set up. For more information, access the BorrowBox Help page.

Choice Online In-library access only

Information for Australian consumers on products for the home, babies and kids, computers, food, cars, health, money, and more.

Comics Plus No longer available. Comics available via Hoopla.
Hoopla Click to access

Randwick City Library members are granted simultaneous access to this digital streaming service containing over 1,000,000 items. Enjoy 10 loans per month, and all content is always available - never wait for ebooks, eaudiobooks, television, film, music and comics. When first using the app you will be asked  to create a Hoopla account by registering your email address and setting a password for log in.

indyreads by Odilo from SLNSW Click to access

indyreads provides access to a state-wide collection of independent Australian and international titles, classic literature and modern award-winning titles in eBook and eAudio format. You may also find self-published authors, local writers and Local History Library materials. All you need is your Library ID and PIN/password to borrow, download and start reading; anywhere, anytime. Titles are available through the library catalogue, and through the indyreads app for Apple and Android. You will need to download Adobe Digital Editions. if using a computer or transferring to a compatible eReader.

Click here to read the user guide to indyreads/Odilo online.

Infobase Click to access

A great resource for a high school students and students studying English, Infobase has a large selection of HSC texts and critical views on literary figures including Jane Austen, Amy Tan, Aldous Huxley, Shakespeare and more. Infobase provides a Video Tutorial which might assist you to easily browse their collection.

Libby, by OverDrive (Now incudes eMagazines) Click to access

Libby, by OverDrive provides access to thousands of  eAudiobooks, eBooks and eMagazines. Once a title is borrowed it will be accessible for up to three weeks. You can also borrow titles using the mobile app Libby on your Apple, or Android device. For users wanting to transfer to their eReader, you will need to download Adobe Digital Editions. For more information, access the Libby Help and Technical Support page.

Note: The Economist Asia Edition unavailable from 1 February 2023

Due to licensing changes The Economist Asia Edition will no longer be available.  The Standard Economist articles will still be available via Gale General OneFile.

LOTE4Kids Click to access

Storytime, in your own language. Help your kids learn a language and engage with reading. Choose from thousands of picture books in 65+ languages. Every book is fully animated, with English or LOTE subtitles and fully-voiced narration. New books and languages added every week. Apps available for apple and android devices.

State Library of NSW Online Resources Click to access

Your Randwick City Library ID can now provide access to the State Library of NSW online resources, including local and international newspapers, full-text journals, magazines, online databases, eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Story Box Library Click to access

Story Box Library showcases Australian children's books, read by a diverse range of storytellers. The growing collection provides an authentic online literature experience that engages children in the traditional art of storytelling. New stories are added regularly, along with detailed classroom ideas linked to the Australian Curriculum. When first using the app you will be asked to create a Story Box Library account (by registering your Library ID (barcode/card number), email address and setting a password).

Streaming: films and docos

Stream movies for free! Your Randwick City Library membership allows you to stream movies and documentaries any time - they can be accessed in the Library or from your own device with a decent internet connection. Simply enter your library member number to start streaming and if you have any questions, contact staff at our branches.

Hoopla Click to access

Randwick City Library members are granted simultaneous access to this digital streaming service containing over 1,000,000 items. Enjoy 10 loans per month, and all content is always available - never wait for ebooks, eaudiobooks, television, film, music and comics. When first using the app you will be asked  to create a hoopla account by registering your email address and setting a password for log in.

Kanopy Click to access

Choose from over 30,000 films and documentaries from Australia and around the world with this on-demand steaming service. It features films from the Criterion Collection, Madman Entertainment and many more. An app is also available for iOS and android. When first using the app you will be asked  to create a Kanopy account by registering your email address and setting a password for log in.

Note : Kapopy has now moved to tickets from credits for viewing, learn more with this video

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