Downloading Borrowbox eBooks to a Computer and eReader

Borrowbox eBooks can be used on all eReaders except Kindle eReaders (however Kindle Fire and Amazon Fire Tablets do allow you to download the Borrowbox app and read Borrowbox eBooks). Please note: Members of other library authorities will need to access BorrowBox using a different link. Please see, https://www.librariesireland.ie/elibrary

Downloading Borrowbox eBooks to a Computer and eReader (PDF)

If you are using Borrowbox on a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) there are separate guides to installing and using the Borrowbox App. 

There are three steps to getting eBooks onto your eReader:

• Step 1 - Install Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) on your computer and create an Adobe ID; 
• Step 2 - Download eBooks from the BorrowBox website to your computer;
• Step 3 - Transfer the eBook to your eReader

Step 1 - Install Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) on your computer and create an Adobe ID
(If you already have Adobe Digital Editions software on your PC, and an Adobe ID, you can skip this section.)

Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) is the software which enables you to download the eBooks to your computer and transfer them to supported eReaders.  

An Adobe ID is a free user account that gives you access to digitally protected (DRM) eBooks. 

The good news is that you only need to do this once, and if you have already done this previously, you should already have everything in place. 

(A) - Download and Install Adobe Digital Editions

Visit the Adobe Digital Editions download page:

www.adobe.com/uk/solutions/ebook/digital-editions/download.html

Choose the software for either Windows or Macintosh. What happens next depends on your operating system, but if the software doesn't install automatically, you'll need to find the installer file in your Downloads folder and run it. 

(B) - Authorise your computer with an Adobe ID

After the software installs, Digital Editions will open and prompt you to Authorise your computer (if it doesn't, click on Help>Authorize Computer.) 

In the following screen choose Adobe ID from the drop down menu. 

If you already have an Adobe ID (for example, if you are already using it on another machine or device) enter it now.  

If you don't already have an Adobe ID, click on the 'Create an Adobe ID' link
 
A browser window will open, so you can create an ID (click on 'Sign In', then 'Get an Adobe ID') - its completely free, and you can use it straightaway to authorise your computer. 

(If the Create an Adobe ID link does not take you directly to an Adobe ID page, go to the following page https://accounts.adobe.com and click 'Get an Adobe ID') 

You might want to make a note of your ID and password - it lets you download the same eBook to multiple devices e.g. desktop, eReader, tablet & smartphone.
 
Go back to the Adobe Digital Editions software and use your Adobe ID to authorise your computer. You're now ready to start downloading ebooks.

Step 2 - Download eBooks from BorrowBox website to Adobe Digital Edition
(A)  - Go to the website and login  

Go to https://dublin.borrowbox.com and click Sign In

Login with the number on the back of your library card and PIN. (If you don't login now, you'll be asked to when you select a book). 

Your PIN is same one you use to log into the main library catalog. Depending on when you joined the library, you PIN is normally the last 4 digits of the phone number we hold for you, or 'changeme' (unless you have already chosen a different one). 

If you have any problems with your PIN, contact your local library or email [email protected] and/or [email protected] and we will be pleased to help. 

(B)  - Choose a book and download it

You can use the tabs to browse either eBooks or eAudiobooks, and then click on target age group (Adult, Young Adult, Children). Note that by default, the website shows the 'Featured' tab, which is a very small list - click instead on All Releases, or Browse by Genre to see more. 

When you have found a book you want, click on the book cover, and then Confirm eBook Loan. 

Your book is ready to download. Click on Download for eReader (Adobe ePub). 

If you get a pop-up message asking if you want to Open, Run or Save, make sure you select Open with and choose Adobe Digital Editions. 

If you don't see a pop-up message, check your Downloads folder for a file called URLLink.acsm and run it. 

Adobe Digital Editions will then import the eBook file, and you can read it on the computer if you wish. Otherwise go back to the main ADE window.

Step 3 - Transfer the eBook to an eReader
Attach your eReader to your computer. It should appear in Adobe Digital Editions under the 'Bookshelves' list on the left-hand side. 

Now just drag the eBook onto the device.

Loan Rules
Borrow up to 5 eBooks and 5 eAudiobooks at a time from Borrowbox. Loans last for two weeks, but you can return loans at any time. You can also renew items if you need more time.
To return books in Adobe Digital Editions, just right-click on the book title and select Return borrowed item.

Read another blog about BorrowBox here.