San Diego Public Library's eAudiobook Collection

... part of our new SDPL Digital Media Library

Select the above graphic image to connect directly to our eAudiobook Collection.

Listen to audiobooks on your computer, using your digital audio device, or by burning CDs*.

The San Diego Public Library offers patrons and users eAudiobooks from OverDrive. This page provides a brief introduction on how to access, download, and enjoy eAudiobooks. The eAudiobook Collection is part of our new SDPL Digital Media Library. Future options under consideration for the digital media library include downloadable video, eBooks, and music.

Access to OverDrive eAudiobooks

Screen Image, SDPL Digital Media Library, eAudioBook Collection

Browse, place holds, and checkout our eAudiobooks from any Internet-connected computer - including some in our libraries.

In order to download an eAudiobook to your home PC or portable device, you will need a valid Library card and PIN. In addition, you will need to install the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) software. The OMC software will manage the eAudiobooks you download.

We have special Download Stations at the Central Library and Carmel Valley library locations. You can bring your MP3 player in to these locations and download eAudiobooks.

Good News for Macintosh, iPod, and iPhone users

At this time, the OverDrive software and downloads are not directly accessible for Apple users. The audio files currently do not work on iPods or iPhones. Soon, a new .mp3 format version of some publisher eAudiobooks will be available. A Macintosh version of the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) software will be available soon as well. The Library plans to purchase titles in the new .mp3 format, when they become available.

eAudiobook Guided Tour

If you are new to eAudiobooks and our collection, please take a minute to view the Download Digital Media Guided Tour. This self-guided tour covers eAudiobook Collection basics. If you have any questions about the service after you view the tutorial, ask a Library staff member or contact Support for more assistance.

A Quick Look at eAudiobook Collection Features

• Check out period is 21 days.
• Maximum number of items checked out at one time is 4.
• eAudiobook downloads are allowed from home or from designated download stations.
• Offers CD sound quality.
• Allows transfer to a portable device (MP3 player, etc.).
• Does not work with iPods, iPhone, or Macintosh computers at this time; coming soon.
• Allows burning to CD for select titles. Approximately 80% of titles allow burning.
• Able to place holds on titles that are checked out.
• No renewals. eAudiobooks cannot be checked in early.
• Titles are automatically checked in.
• Titles may be downloaded by chapter or part.

Is my device compatible?

Check out the OverDrive Compatible Device listing and information on their site. Included there are tools and information that allow you to determine which devices OverDrive has found to be compatible, or incompatible, with the OverDrive Media Console and OverDrive Media content. The links below will also answer questions about transferring media from your computer to your device.

• Compatible Devices
• Test Your Device for Compatibility
• Most Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find eAudiobooks?

All eAudiobooks are listed in our Library Catalog, you can search for your favorite title, author, subject, or keywords. Here is a search link that links to all the eAudiobooks in our collection. You can also browse the various collections directly on the eAudiobook Collection site.

Want to suggest an eAudiobook title for our Collection?

Please e-mail our selection librarians at artmusic@sandiego.gov if you wish to suggest a title for our eAudiobook Collection. Unfortunately, the San Diego Public Library cannot purchase all suggested titles.

Maintenance Window

The San Diego Public Library Digital Media Library may be closed for maintenance on the 3rd Thursday of each month between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00 a.m. pacific time. If you are unable to access the site at another time, please contact us at weblibrary@sandiego.gov.

Need more help with eAudiobooks?

For specialized help in using our eAudiobook Collection, please access the Help instructions.

Free eAudiobooks

If you are unable to use the eAudioBook collection, below are a few websites that provide DRM free audio books.

• LibriVox - http://librivox.org/
• AudiobooksForFree - http://www.audiobooksforfree.com/
• Internet Archive - http://www.archive.org/details/audio
• Project Gutenberg - http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/categories/1
• Audiobooks.Net - http://www.audiobooks.net/audiobooks_free.php
• Free Classic Audiobooks - http://freeclassicaudiobooks.com/
• LearnOutLoud - http://www.learnoutloud.com/Free-Audio-Video#directory

If you need further help, please contact Library staff at any library location, or use support online by using the eAudiobook Support service, provided by OverDrive.

* Not all publishers allow burning to CD. Look for "burn to CD allowed" when viewing the details page of a title you wish to checkout.