BPL Resources Update: Libby (Overdrive)

The Birmingham Public Library has some exciting electronic resource options for our patrons. Today's spotlight is on Libby from OverDrive. 

Libby is the OverDrive app that provides a variety of downloadable resources to patrons, including eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Titles are automatically returned at the end of the loan period, and there are no late fees. Check out this 2023 BPL blog, 5 Reasons You Should Use Libby.

OverDrive also provides access to movies, crafts, & performing arts lessons through other apps(Libby Extras). Some, specifically the Libby Extras resources, provide video content that enhances the learning experience.

Here are some interesting notes about Libby Extras. 

 Libby Extras are electronic resources available to the library patrons via the OverDrive Libby app. Although primarily free to library patrons, some products are from a third parties who oftentimes provides users the opportunity to purchase content or greater access. In some instances, there are classes, special and live events, and perks that require a separate commercial membership. It is the patron’s option to be a part of the commercial pay program. 

There are also opportunities for patrons to purchase videos and other physical items directly. These programs and any other requiring payment of any sort are outside of and independent of the Birmingham Public Library.

As with all our offerings, we are confident that you will find these products appealing. Please contact the Collection Management department for more information. 

Feel free to provide any feedback or suggestions for other resources you would like the Birmingham Public Library to investigate. Libby can be accessed from the Birmingham Public Library website databases page at https://jclc.overdrive.com/jclc-birmingham/content or by using this QR code below

You can get all of the following from Libby, the award-winning app.

Magazines 

 Over 3,000 popular magazines are now available to download and read on any device 24/7.

Users with a library card can read digital magazines alongside ebooks and audiobooks on Libby or by visiting http://jclc.overdrive.com/. 

Top titles include Us Weekly, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone and many other popular magazines, all supplied by ZINIO. 

Ebooks 

A collection of thousands of popular ebooks for adults, kids, and teens available to download and read on any device 24/7. Users with a library card can read electronic/digital books (ebooks) on Libby, the award-winning reading app from OverDrive, or by visiting http://jclc.overdrive.com/.

Downloadable Audio

A collection of thousands of popular audiobooks for adults, kids, and teens available to download and listened to on any device 24/7. Users with a library card can listen to electronic/digital books on Libby, the award-winning reading app from OverDrive, or by visiting http://jclc.overdrive.com/.

Other OverDrive-provided Resources include (access instructions at the end of this document):

Craftsy 

Enjoy complimentary access to Craftsy for classes in Quilting, Sewing, Knitting, Cake Decorating, Cooking, Baking, Crocheting, Drawing, Embroidery, Fitness, Fun for Kids, Gardening, Home Décor, Jewelry Making, Knitting, Painting, Paper Crafting, Photography, Weaving + Spinning, Woodworking, Writing, Yoga, and more. To get started, once on the Craftsy page, select "Get a 7-day pass" to get the 7-day pass(patrons get 7 days of access). 

ArtistWorks 

ArtistWorks provides world-class instruction for the most popular string and band instruments through self-paced video lessons from professional musicians. To get started, once on the ArtistWorks page, select "Get a 30-day pass" to get the 30-day pass(patrons get 30 days of access). 

Movies (Kanopy)

Enjoy thoughtful entertainment through thousands of critically-acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films and more for free. 

Kanopy partners with public libraries and universities to bring you ad-free films and series that can be enjoyed on your TV, mobile phone, tablet and online. More detail (including access specifics) for each of these resources may be available via specific articles available through the Birmingham Public Library blog (https://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/). 

Database / Electronic Resource Access

All of these and other electronic resources can be accessed from the Birmingham Public Library website databases page at https://www.cobpl.org/virtual/databases/ or by using this QR code:

From the BPL website, https://www.cobpl.org 

Search for / find and select your desired resource.

Databases and other electronic can be accessed by Quick Links (complete listing of resources)

Name (alphabetic listing)

Availability (in library only, remotely, county-wide (JCLC), and free w/o library card) 

Audience (elementary, middle school, high school, or adult)

Subject 

Upon selection, you may be required to register/login using registration credentials or your library card number. This allows the user to resume activity from a previous session.

ABOUT BPL 

For additional information about the programs and services of the Birmingham Public Library, visit our website at www.cobpl.org, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter/X @BPL. The mission of Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. The BPL system—with eighteen locations and serving the community for over 130 years—is one of the largest library systems in the Southeast. 

By Caleb West, Director of Collection Management|Central Library