Skip to Main Content

OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks

Getting Started

Step 1: Obtain an Amazon account.

Step 2: If needed, install app: Amazon Kindle Reading.

Step 3: Check out a Kindle format eBook from OverDrive eBooks.

Step 4Download the book and enjoy!

Obtaining an Amazon Account

A free Amazon account is required to log in to a Kindle or Kindle Reading app and use OverDrive eBooks on computers and portable devices.

To create a new account go to Amazon.com and mouse over Hello-Sign In-Your Account (top right). Click Start Here (under the yellow Sign In button) and follow the instructions.

To associate the account with a device, go to Menu, Settings, Registration and log in.

Amazon Kindle Reading App

If a Kindle customer, install a Amazon Kindle Reading app to read Kindle format eBooks.

An Amazon Kindle account will be needed. To create a new account, go to Amazon.com and mouse over Hello-SignIn-YourAccount (top right). Click Start Here (under the yellow Sign In button) and follow the instructions provided.

Obtaining an Adobe ID

A free Adobe ID is required in order to use the OverDrive Media Console app for portable devices and to install Adobe Digital Editions on multiple computers and/or devices (up to six). Go to Adobe.com, click Sign In and follow the directions.

Checkout & Download on a Kindle Reader

Browse or search OverDrive eBooks by title, subject or author. Find a book that has the Kindle format available.

  1. Select Borrow.
  2. Sign-in with a current UDelNet ID and password.
  3. Click on Download  and then select Kindle Book.
  4. Click on Confirm & Download. You will be redirected to the Amazon site to complete checkout. 

Checkout & Download EPUB eBooks on the Kindle Fire

To access Adobe EPUB format eBooks on the Kindle Fire, obtain an Adobe ID and download and install the OverDrive Media Console for Android devices. The OverDrive app is available in the Amazon app store.

When the download/installation is complete, the OverDrive icon will appear on the Carousel. Follow the instructions to choose University of Delaware Library and start using OverDrive eBooks.

Downloading eBooks via USB cable

If using an older model Kindle or an eBook not available for wireless download, transfer the eBook via USB cable. After checking out the book and arriving at Amazon.com, follow these steps.

  1. Connect the Kindle to a computer with the USB cable.
  2. Once the computer has recognized the Kindle, click Get Library Book.
  3. Under Deliver To, select Transfer via Computer.
  4. Select the device being used to transfer the title via USB.
  5. The Kindle eBook will be saved to the computer with the file name Title-of-Book.asw (e.g., Forever-Friends.azw).
  6. Save the .azw file to the folder named Documents on the Kindle.

Returning a Book Early

The eBooks can be returned early from the Your Kindle Library section of Manage Your Kindle at Amazon.com.

  1. Find the eBook title on the list of items. 
  2. Locate the Actions pull-down menu to the right. 
  3. Choose Return this Book from the menu. A Return Loan Confirmation box will appear asking for confirmation of the return.