eBooks, eAudiobooks and online magazines
Our Digital Collections give you 24 hour access to hundreds of eBooks, eAudiobooks and online magazines from the comfort of your home or on the move.
Our eBooks, eAudiobooks, and online magazines are all free to download.
We currently have three services available; Overdrive, BorrowBox and RBdigital Magazines.
How to get started
To download eBooks, eAudiobooks and online magazines from the services below, you will need:
- A smartphone, tablet, computer or eReader
Unfortunately our digital collection is not compatible with the original Amazon Kindle. This is because Amazon does not support digital rights management (DRM) on eBooks (this is required by publishers who sell their books to libraries and it's an issue currently faced by all library authorities in the UK). - Library ticket (card)
You will need a valid library ticket (card) which includes your library number. - PIN number
Your 4 digit PIN is made up of the first 2 and last 2 digits of your date of birth (for example, if your birthday is 29/06/1977, your pin will be 2977). For help with your pin, contact your local library or phone 0191 427 1818.
Overdrive (eBooks and eAudiobooks)
Overdrive offers a large and wide ranging selection of fiction and non-fiction eBooks and eAudiobooks from popular authors.
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, excluding the original Amazon Kindle. Check the compatibility of your device.
- A free Overdrive app is available from iTunes, Android and Windows Phone.
Download eBooks and eAudiobooks (Overdrive)
BorrowBox (eBooks and eAudiobooks)
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. Go to Installing BorrowBox on Kindle Fire.
- Android phone or tablet - To download the app, search for 'BorrowBox' on Google Play.
- iPhone or iPad - To download the app, search for 'BorrowBox' in the App Store.
Download eBooks and eAudiobooks (BorrowBox)
RBdigital Magazines (online magazines)
Members of South Tyneside Libraries can read magazines online for free, using RBdigital Magazines.
Magazines which are available include; Now, BBC Good Food, SFX, Cycling Weekly, Good Housekeeping, Match of the Day, Marie Claire, What's On TV and many more.
You can read any of our magazines online using your computer, laptop, iPad or smartphone.
If you need any help with viewing magazines, please see Online magazine user information1.25MB.
Read magazines online (RBdigital Magazines)
South Tyneside libraries app
You can access a range of services on the app from borrowing, reserving or renewing a title, finding out information about opening hours and events taking place at your local library and lots more.
The South Tyneside libraries app is available to download on the Apple Store and Android.
For more information or to download the app, please see: