eBooks, eAudiobooks and online magazines
COVID-19: Council libraries
During the national lockdown, libraries will operate with a limited service from The Word in South Shields and Jarrow Focus only. All other libraries are closed.
Limited services at The Word and Jarrow Focus librariesOur digital collections give you 24 hour access to hundreds of eBooks, eAudiobooks and online magazines and are all free to download.
We currently have three services available:
How to get started
To download eBooks, eAudiobooks and online magazines from the services below, you will need:
- a smartphone, tablet, computer or eReader
- your library card number
- your pin number (this is the same pin you use to renew / reserve books online and access our library computers)
Please note our digital collection is not compatible with the original Amazon Kindle.
BorrowBox (eBooks and eAudiobooks)
With BorrowBox you can download up to four eBooks and four eAudiobooks at a time, for up to 21 days.
Your eBooks and eAudiobooks are automatically returned at the end of the loan period, so you don't need to worry about overdue charges.
Using BorrowBox:
- Kindle Fire and Amazon Fire tablet - you must be able to download and install the BorrowBox app. See Installing BorrowBox on Kindle Fire devices
- Android phone or tablet - Search for 'BorrowBox' on Google Play
- iPhone or iPad - Search for 'BorrowBox' in the App Store
Download eBooks and eAudiobooks (BorrowBox)
Overdrive (eBooks and eAudiobooks)
With Overdrive you can download up to four eBooks at a time, for up to 14 days.
Your eBooks and eAudiobooks are automatically returned at the end of the loan period, so you don't need to worry about overdue charges.
Using Overdrive:
- Overdrive is compatible with most eReaders, except the original Amazon Kindle. To see if your device is compatible see OverDrive help: Devices
- A free Overdrive app is available from iTunes, Android and Windows Phone.
Download eBooks and eAudiobooks (Overdrive)
RBdigital Magazines (online magazines)
If you are library member you can read a variety of magazines online for free using RBdigital Magazines on your computer, laptop, iPad or smartphone.
You can register on your mobile device by downloading the RBdigital app.
Tap the "Register now" link on the app's main page to create your account in just a few easy steps:
- Choose United Kingdom
- Choose South Tyneside Libraries
- Enter the requested library card details, create a memorable username and password
Once registered, you will be automatically logged in.
For more details on mobile registration visit RBdigital mobile registration user guide.
For help with viewing magazines, go to RBdigital comprehensive user guide.