eBooks and eAudiobooks FAQs

  • General Questions

    CloudLibrary works with a wide variety of e-reading devices. Learn how to use your device with CloudLibrary. 

    Yes, you can read CloudLibrary books on your Chromebook using a web browser. You cannot use the Chromebook to transfer books to e-ink eReaders (like a Kobo); this requires a Windows or Mac computer.

    The Guelph Public Library partners with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) to provide a collection of books, magazines, and newspapers in accessible formats for patrons with print disabilities. A print disability is a visual, physical, or learning disability that prevents a person from reading conventional print.

    To register for CELA please contact the library or self-register on the CELA website. You will need to provide your library card number to complete the registration process.

    CloudLibrary users can now borrow and send eBooks directly to the following supported Kobo devices: Supported eReader models – Rakuten Kobo

    1. Connect your CloudLibrary and Kobo accounts.

    Sign in to the CloudLibrary app or website. Go to your account settings, then select Kobo Connect. Enter your email and password associated with your Kobo account. 

    2. Borrow an eBook.

    Once connected, browse our CloudLibrary collection. You will see a Send to Kobo button in Book Details. Click Send to Kobo on the title you want to borrow to continue. 

    3. Sync and read.

    Sign into your Kobo eReader with your email and password. The selected eBook will now appear automatically in the My Books section. If prompted, tap Sync on your Kobo device to begin reading. 

    Drop in to any of our library locations to be shown how to use CloudLibrary. For in-depth assistance, request a one-on-one Tech Help appointment. 

    Yes! As long as there are no holds for that title, a Renew button will appear in your My Books tab three days before the book is due.

    How to suggest a book in CloudLibrary

    1. Log into CloudLibrary, opens a new window with your library barcode number and PIN. 
    2. Find the filter called Availability,  select the option Suggestions for Library.
    3. If you see the book you want, click the Suggest button. If you do not see the book you want to read, the book may not be available for purchase within CloudLibrary. 

    Not all suggestions made within CloudLibrary can be purchased but if they are, you are automatically placed on the holds queue when the book becomes available. Ensure your notification options are up-to-date within CloudLibrary. 

    Check hoopla

    We recommend that you search through hoopla, opens a new window's collection. hoopla offers eBooks and eAudiobooks on-demand with no holds queue. Because of the high cost of digital books, we are less likely to purchase a book through CloudLibrary if it is available through hoopla.