Welcome to Overdrive Read

By Jamie W. RSS Tue, January 29, 2013

Overdrive released their revamped website about two weeks ago and we've already heard from many of our readers. New features, such as the improved download button (no more accidentally checking out the wrong format!), are already getting positive reviews. Though one feature we have not talked much about yet is Overdrive Read. 

Overdrive Read is a browser-based reader. You can read your EPUB ebooks on your computer, laptop, tablet, phone, or any almost any device with a modern web browser. No downloading, no apps, no software required.  Here is Overdrive's own list of the Top 8 features (Top 8? really?) in Overdrive Read.

  • With OverDrive Read, you don’t need to worry about Adobe IDs or Adobe Digital Editions. There’s no software to download or apps to install. Just “See Book—Read Book” in  your browser.
  • You can sync to “furthest page read” between devices. You can start reading in Chrome on your desktop computer, pick up where you left off in Safari on your iPad, and then again in your Android phone’s default browser. Just navigate to your Bookshelf on your library’s website to resume where you left off.
  • You can customize the font, font size, justification, line spacing, and even the theme.
  • Use bookmarks or the unique “thumb placeholder” feature to save your place.
  • Looking for a specific passage? With full-book searchability, you’ll have no trouble locating that elusive quote.
  • For assistance getting started with OverDrive Read, check out this Help article.
  • We recommend using HTML5 browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer 10, and Safari. These browsers are best for use with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).
  • If you’re using older versions of Internet Explorer, you may be prompted to install the ‘Chrome Frame plug-in’ when you click on an eBook to read for the first time. The plug-in is free, and only takes moments to install.

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