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 through 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 BorrowBox and indyreads by Odilo users, you will need to download the Adobe Digital Editions software to enjoy titles.
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. Check the help page from BorrowBox and indyreads by Odilo is available here.
Note: Hoopla titles and magazines from Libby cannot be downloaded to Adobe Digital Editions.
eReading Resources
Information on lending periods can be found under Loan Periods - Digital
Borrowbox Click to access
BorrowBox, by Bolinda Digital provides access to thousands of eAudiobooks & eBooks as well as popular ePress titles The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, Daily Telegraph, Sun Herald and The Saturday Paper. Featuring Australian and international best-selling fiction and non-fiction for adults, young adults and children.
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.
Instructions to download Borrowbox eBooks to a computer and transfer to an eReader
To Download an eBook
Make sure that you have installed Adobe Digital Editions. If you haven't installed this software yet, please visit the http://www.adobe.com/products/digital-editions/download.html and follow the installation instructions provided.
On first launch of Adobe Digital Editions click on Help > Authorize Computer. In the following screen choose Adobe ID from the dropdown menu and enter your Adobe ID and password. If you don't have an Adobe ID yet please click on the Create an Adobe ID link on the right hand side or visit the http://www.adobe.com/go/digital-editions-createID and click on Get an Adobe ID.
On the download page on your library’s BorrowBox website press the Download eBook button.
When you get a pop-up dialogue box asking you whether you would like to Open, Run or Save, make sure that you select Open With and choose Adobe Digital Editions.
Alternatively, it will download as URLLink.acsm click the file to open it.
Adobe Digital Editions will then import the eBook file and you can find it in the Borrowed section on the left side.
To Transfer to an eReader
Attach your Kobo device to your computer. It should appear in Adobe Digital Editions in the list on the left side. Now just drag the eBook onto the device.
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.
Hoopla Click to access
Randwick City Library members are granted simultaneous access to this digital streaming service containing over 1,000,000 items. Enjoy 6 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. Please note Hoopla titles cannot be downloaded to Adobe Digital Editions.
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.
Click here to read the user guide to Indyreads/Odilo online.
Instructions to download Indyreads eBooks to a computer and transfer to an eReader
To Download an eBook
Make sure that you have installed Adobe Digital Editions. If you haven't installed this software yet, please visit the http://www.adobe.com/products/digital-editions/download.html and follow the installation instructions provided.
On first launch of Adobe Digital Editions click on Help > Authorize Computer. In the following screen choose Adobe ID from the dropdown menu and enter your Adobe ID and password. If you don't have an Adobe ID, please click on the Create an Adobe ID link on the right-hand side or visit the http://www.adobe.com/go/digital-editions-createID and click on Get an Adobe ID.
In the Loans Section of the Indyreads website, click the down arrow (V) next to the Read button and select Download for Adobe Digital Editions
When you get a pop-up dialogue box asking you whether you would like to Open, Run or Save, make sure that you select Open With and choose Adobe Digital Editions.
Alternatively, it will download as URLLink.acsm click the file to open it.
Adobe Digital Editions will then import the eBook file, and you can find it in the Borrowed section on the left side.
To transfer an eBook to an eReader
Attach your Kobo device to your computer. It should appear in Adobe Digital Editions in the list on the left side. Now just drag the eBook onto the device.
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 (eMagazines) Click to access
Browse hundreds of eMagazine titles in Libby, by OverDrive. You can borrow magazines and even subscribe to your favourites, so you never miss an issue. Try the mobile Libby app on your Apple or Android device.
Please note: Libby's eBooks + eAudio titles available in BorrowBox All your favourite eBooks and eAudio titles moved from Libby, by OverDrive to the BorrowBox platform in July 2024. eMagazines remain available to borrow on Libby, although The Economist Asia Edition is unavailable. Standard Economist articles are still 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 library locations.
Hoopla Click to access
Randwick City Library members are granted simultaneous access to this digital streaming service containing over 1,000,000 items. Enjoy 6 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 or use your smart TV. 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: Library members registered with Kanopy are allocated 60 viewing credit tickets per calendar month. Learn more here.