If you have a Kindle, iPad, iPhone or another of the expanding number of electronic media players, you have likely read or listened to one or more of the increasing number of books published as downloadable ebooks and audiobooks.

Patrons have asked the Carbon County libraries for downloadable titles, and since noon on Friday, Jan. 6, OverDrive, a downloadable digital media service, has been offered to library card holders by the Dimmick Memorial, Lehighton Area Memorial, and Palmerton libraries.

"OverDrive is a service to download audiobooks and ebooks from the library," explained Susan Sterling, director of the Dimmick Memorial Library in Jim Thorpe. "OverDrive is a place where people with iPads and Kindles and Nooks can now download audiobooks and ebooks for free through your library's website."

OverDrive is a subscription service. The Dimmick, Lehighton and Palmerton libraries joined with nine libraries in the Allentown District to subscribe and set up a collection of publications.

"Because we are splitting it between a dozen libraries, it helps to keep the cost down," Sterling said. "We will all have access to the entire collection."

OverDrive launched with about 400 titles. Many of the titles are popular books, including recently published best sellers, and are available in a variety of formats. Not every publication will be available in a format compatible with every media reader.

Shortly after the eLibrary service became available, Christine Keiser of Jim Thorpe visited the Dimmick Library to learn how to get started. "I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas," Keiser said. "So far, I've read two Kindle eBooks—Amanda Hopkins first two books about vampires.

"I like reading on the Kindle because it is not as heavy as a book. The screen is light. I have a stand that allows me to prop it on a pillow or a table."

Although the OverDrive book files will ultimately be delivered to your home at the speed of light, getting started is a long process.

Here's how to get started using OverDrive

1. You need to have a current library card—one with a bar code. Your local library can help you with this.
   
   
2. Use your web browser and go to the website of your library. If you are a member of the Dimmick Memorial Library, go to dimmicklibrary.org; Lehighton Area Memorial Library, go to lehightonlibrary.com, or Palmerton Area Library, go to palmertonarealibrary.com.
   
   
3. On the library website, click on the icon that reads "download audiobooks eBooks" or "OverDrive Now Available". This will take the browser to the Carbon Lehigh Downloadable Library web site. If the icon is not visible, empty your browser's cache and reload the page.
   
   
4. Click on "Sign In" in the upper right-hand corner. Use the drop-down menu to select your library.
   
   
5. In the window that opens, for "Library card number" enter your Library bar code number. For PIN, enter 1234. Click "Sign In". If you wish to change your PIN, contact your library.
   
   
6. You will be taken to a "My Account" page. Look through the items, as they will be useful in the future. On the second line of text links, click on "Digital Media Home" to present the available publications.
   
7. On the left-hand side of the page are several topics that include: "Need Help - Get Started Here", "Guided Tour, Help/FAQs", and "Compatible Devices". Click on "Need Help - Get Started Here". The information will appear in a pop-up window. If your browser has a pop-up window blocker, it should be unchecked.
   
   
8. You will be asked to choose to "Listen to audiobooks" or to "Read eBooks". Make a selection.
   
   
9. The next window will ask you to select the media player or computer that you have. Many of the available downloads can stream directly to media players via Wi-Fi with no computer required. A free app will be required to manage the download.
   
   
10. In the getting started area are OverDrive Media Console.
    
    
11. For Audiobooks, Adobe® Digital Editions For eBooks, and an "App also available for mobile devices". Click on the link that applies to you media player.
    
    
12. If you selected "App also available for mobile devices", the browser will open in an OverDrive window. Select your device and click "DOWNLOAD NOW". The OverDrive app will download onto your device.
    
    
13. With some luck, you will now be ready to select a book from the Carbon Lehigh Downloadable Library website. Look through the index, select a book and click on it for additional details. If you like the book and it is available in a format compatible with your player, click "Add to cart".
    
    
14. A window opens indicating that the book has been added to your cart. You will see a default "Lending period". This is initially seven days. It can be changed for this time at "Check Out" or, in general, at the "My Account" page under "Lending Periods".
    
    
15. At "Check Out" the Lending Period can be changed. A maximum of two titles may be checked out at any time. Publications disappear from your player on the due date. You may return eBooks early. Audiobooks cannot be returned early.
    
    
16. Your checked-out book should appear in the "My Account" tab —"My Bookshelf" link. Click on "Download" to download the book. A ebook should download in under a minute. An audiobook could take several minutes or longer to download, depending on your connection speed.
    On your player, open your OverDrive app to play the media file.
    
    
17. The instructions may differ depending on the device. Contact your participating library if you have specific questions.