Show All Answers

1. What library card do I need to use these books?

Any Kansas resident can check out from this collection. Individuals will need a Kansas Library eCard (which can be obtained from any library in the state) to login to or register for these services.

The Kansas Library eCard is only for accessing online materials available for all residents of Kansas, and is separate from your local library card used to checkout physical books.

If you do not have a card yet, most people can get in to the kids ebooks without login, or you can look at the recommended free book sites on our main page.

2. How long do books checkout?

This varies a bit by system - please note there are never fines on digital books. As checkouts are on a timer, you can never have an overdue book. 

Cloud Library eBooks: 21 day checkout, please return book if you finish it early; can have 5 books checked out at a time. No renew feature, but you can checkout a book again immediately if no one else was on hold for it. 

Enki Library eBooks: 21 day checkout, can return early; up to 10 checkouts at a time. No renew feature, but can checkout a book again immediately if no one else is on hold for it. 

Freading eBooks: 14 day checkout, it works by a "checkout allowance" that gives you 5 checkouts per week. Unused checkouts roll over for up to 4 weeks. If book expires before you finish reading, just download a new copy. 

Britannica E-STAX: no actual checkouts, use as many books as you like. There is an optional download of books for offline use, those files will expire after 2 months, but you can redownload immediately if still using the book. 

Digital Storybooks (BookFlix): no actual checkout, no limits.

3. What is the difference between ebooks and audiobooks?

Audiobooks are books you listen to (just like we used to on tape or CD). eBooks are text books you read on a screen. We have more than one choice for ebooks at this time.

4. Why do some books have holds lists?

There’s some variety in how library digital book systems work.

Cloud Library: we have to buy every copy of each book on these. So, if all copies are checked out, you place a hold. Of course we wish that you did not have to wait, but we’d need an unlimited budget to accomplish zero holds lists. Digital library audiobooks can cost as much as $109 per copy. Library ebooks can cost as much as $65 per copy, and many of the "cheaper" ebook copies ($12-60) actually *expire* after a certain number of checkouts or a time period (like a year).

Enki Library: also has specific copies, but as the collection there is quite large holds lists are uncommon (or very short).

No Holds Systems: the library doesn’t buy individual books. These work more like a rental system - the library pays based on how many books are checked out (Freading). Mostly it is medium-small publishers willing to do this type. The biggest publishers would much rather have us buy actual copies.

5. How do I know if my device is compatible?

Please visit the Instructions & Devices page. This will let you narrow down to your device. With the exception of regular Kindle ereaders, all devices can use at least one system. If your device has become too old to use a particular service, please check the bottom of the device's page for special notes. If you need more assistance, please feel free to contact the Online Services Help Desk (audiobooks@ks.gov or 800-432-3919).

6. Can I request that you add a certain book on any of these services?

Yes, Cloud Library (ebooks & Audiobooks) at this time. Use the Digital Book Request Form. Please realize that some books do not have digital versions, and not all publishers sell digital copies to libraries.

Some of the services (like Freading, digital storybooks) are subscription-based. Every book in their catalogs are available for you to use, the library does not purchase individual titles/copies.

7. I've noticed that some bestselling authors aren't available. What is going on?

Most bestselling authors are published by the "Big Six" publishing houses. They have a variety of restrictions on how libraries can buy their ebooks (if allowed at all). Some have copies of the book expire (either after a certain amount of checkouts or 1 year after purchase) or extreme price differences (paying 3 times or more than retail for the book). As you can imagine, all of this makes maintaining the collection difficult.

.If you would like to know more about this, please follow our Big 6 eBooks page on Facebook.

Some authors are speaking out about this as well, please see the Authors for Library eBooks. They provide resources on how you can help.

8. Is this similar to the Talking Books service?

Talking Books is a service available for those who are unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical impairment. For eligibility information continue reading online.

People eligible for Talking Books may also use any of the Digital Book eLending services. Please ask if you need assistance.

9. Who do I contact if I have further questions or need help setting up for audiobooks or ebooks?

Email the State Library Online Services desk or call 800-432-3919. We are open Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. Messages left outside of business hours will be responded to as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing an error outside of business hours, please see the Digital Book Help Notes page for the most common issues.