Starting July 1, 2025, Evanston Public Library is launching a new chapter in how you access eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines through Libby/OverDrive.
Evanston Public Library’s collection in Libby will change from being part of the Digital Library of Illinois (DLIL) to becoming our very own EPL collection. This means that while you’ll still be able to enjoy digital books and audiobooks through the Libby/OverDrive app, the collection available to you will look a bit different.
Why the change?
Evanston readers are some of the most active in the region—so much so that we have been paying the highest fees in our group, yet still face long wait times. By leaving the shared system, we can invest directly in EPL’s own collection, reduce wait times, and focus on buying the titles you want. eMaterials are costly and temporary—we don’t own them, we rent them—so we’re making sure every dollar goes further for Evanston.
What to Expect:
Starting July 1, when you log into Libby or OverDrive, you’ll be asked to sign in using your Evanston Public Library card. After that, your digital experience should continue smoothly. Some older titles may no longer appear—but you can request them using our Suggest a Purchase Form, opens a new window.
A Few Additional Changes
To better manage demand and reduce wait times, beginning July 1:
To better manage demand and reduce wait times, beginning July 1:
- You’ll be able to check out up to 5 digital items at a time (previously 10).
- You can place up to 5 holds at a time (previously 12).
- Checkout periods remain the same: 21 days for eBooks and eAudiobooks, 7 days for eMagazines.
- Your history and current checkouts won’t be lost. Anything you’ve downloaded will remain until the end of its checkout period. However, holds placed on items from other DLIL libraries will no longer be valid.
Watch this video created by NPR for more information on the cost of digital resources for libraries.
Don't forget! Your EPL card gives you unlimited access to Hoopla, an online service offering instant access to a wide array of digital media—including eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, and music—with no waitlists or holds!