eBooks and More

• Excited to read a new release that hasn’t been published yet?
  • Some popular titles are pre-ordered, which allows users to place a hold before the book is available. 
  • Try searching for the book you want – even if it’s not published yet. You might be able to get a better spot on the waitlist! 

• Want to extend your loan?  
  • If no other user has placed a hold, you can renew your checkouts through your loans page. 

• Do you have too many titles to read? 
  • You can suspend your holds via your holds page – this allows you to stay on the waitlist without getting the title checked out to your account.  
  • Choose a set amount of time to suspend your hold, and once it expires and the title becomes available again, it will be checked out to you. 

• Want a book that isn’t available?  
  • You can request titles just like hard copies, and we will do our best to fulfill your request. 
  • Just submit the request through our website using our Book Suggestion form or email us at reference@prendergastlibrary.org. 

Accessing Overdrive

• Forgot your PIN or library card number, or have an expired account? 
  • Contact the library at reference@prendergastlibrary.org. 

• Using a smartphone or tablet? 
  • Download the Libby app! 

Overdrive FAQs

• Is there a limit to how many books I can have checked out at one time?  
  • Yes – you can have 5 checkouts at one time. 

• How many books can I place on hold at one time?  
  • You can have 5 books on hold at a time. 

• Can I renew books?  
  • Yes, 3 days before it is due unless there is a hold on it. 

• Can I keep a book past its due date?  
  • No, books will return automatically on their due date. 

• I finished my book early, can I return it before the due date? 
  • Yes. In the Libby app, the option is under manage loan.  In your browser, the option will be under the book on your bookshelf. 

• A book says coming soon. Can I place a hold on it?  
  • Yes.  

• Some books have a lot of holds. Will the library buy more copies?  
  • The Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System does its best to buy additional copies of books that have a high number of holds provided funds are available. 

• Who buys the books for OverDrive?  
  • All the libraries in the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System help to purchase books. 
  • The Prendergast Library allocates a certain amount of the materials budget to electronic books – we would like to thank the Jessie Smith Darrah Fund for providing funds for Adult Fiction eBooks!

• Are the same books on the shelf at the library available on OverDrive? 
  • Many of the most popular and high interest books are available. Publishers choose what titles they allow OverDrive to make available.