Downloading Audiobooks and Ebooks
State government employees can download digital audiobooks and ebooks due to a partnership agreement with Kentucky Libraries Unbound. Downloaded audiobooks, ebooks and more can be listened to or viewed on a computer or transferred to a portable device.
Members of the general public should check with their local public libraries about downloadable digital resources available to them.
Before you start:
This service is only for state government employees who have a valid State Library account. Employees who need their account numbers can contact the Reference desk through Ask a Librarian or by phone at 502.564.8300, ext. 342 or 800.928.7000, ext. 342. Those employees needing accounts can apply online.
You may download resources over the Internet using your home computer or personal devices. When accessing and downloading titles at work, you must adhere to your agency’s IT policies. You cannot use any library's public computers to download titles.
Getting ready to download audiobooks:
You will need to install the OverDrive Media Console (free required software) on your computer or device to download audiobooks, music and videos.
Click on the Free Downloads/Click Here button (below) to connect to the Kentucky Libraries Unbound Catalog and look for "Software Downloads" on the left side (near the bottom).
For Windows Computers only: A security upgrade is required so that OverDrive Media Console can play protected titles. When prompted, follow the screens to complete the upgrade.
Getting ready to download ebooks:
You will need to install Adobe Digital Editions (free required software) on your computer or device to download Adobe PDF and EPUB ebooks.
Click on the Free Downloads/Click Here button (above) to connect to the Kentucky Libraries Unbound Catalog and look for "Software Downloads" on the left side (near the bottom).
Whenever you use a new computer or device to download ebooks from the Kentucky Libraries Unbound catalog, you will be prompted to 'Authorize'. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the steps.
Getting your title:
You may check out up to ten titles simultaneously. Browse or search the Kentucky Libraries Unbound Catalog for audiobooks, ebooks, and more. When you find what you're looking for, add it to your eCart -- there's a link for that! You don't have to check it out immediately -- it'll sit in your eCart for 30 minutes, so you can keep browsing. When you're ready to check out, click on the Proceed to Checkout link below the title(s) in your eCart and select KY Dept for Libraries and Archives as your library. Enter your last name and your State Library account number.
Many downloadable titles are listed in the KDLA Catalog. You can find these titles quickly by doing a Basic Search using the phrase "Kentucky Libraries Unbound" (quotes included). Once you have selected a title, click on "Internet Access: Click here for accessibility and download information." You will go to that title's record in the Kentucky Libraries Unbound Catalog where you will complete the checkout and downloading process.
When you get to the checkout page, choose how long you want to keep your title. You can choose from 7, 14 or 21 days on most titles. So if you read or listen fast, choose the shorter checkout period. If you like to take your time, choose the longer period. Items cannot be renewed, but you may check them out again.
Click the Download button under the title's cover image. Your title will start downloading to your computer. Once the download is complete, you can open and enjoy the title right from your computer or, if allowed, you can transfer the title to a compatible player.
If your selection is not immediately available, place an eHold -- there's a link for that! You will receive an email when the title becomes available. The email will contain instructions on checking the item out. You have 48 hours (exactly) from the time you receive the notice to check out the title, or it will be returned to the library's collection.
You do not need to return downloaded items. At the end of the loan period, titles just expire and are automatically "returned" to the library. At this time, delete the expired files from your computer. Only Adobe PDF and EPUB ebooks may be returned early. For all other formats, you must wait until the checkout period expires. Remember -- you will never have late fees with downloaded titles!
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