The city council’s library service is launching a brilliant new way to download and read eBooks and listen to eAudiobooks.

Any member of Brighton & Hove library services will be able to download the new BorrowBox app to their digital devices and access thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks free of charge at any time of the day. 

BorrowBox will replace the current Overdrive service and Libby app which will stop at 7pm this Friday 23 February. 

Users will be unable to view or listen to any eBooks or eAudiobooks borrowed through Overdrive or Libby from this time. 

Instead they will be able to download the BorrowBox app from the Apple app store for iOS users and the Google Play store for Android users. Kindle Fire users can also download the app, while PC users can access BorrowBox through the website.

Once downloaded, members simply then choose Brighton & Hove City Libraries in the app, enter their library card number and PIN plus their email address.

Almost every eBook on the Overdrive service will be transferred to the BorrowBox system, and there will be hundreds of new titles available, including a brand new collection of eAudiobook titles. Due to licensing restrictions, the eAudiobooks available on Overdrive may differ to those on BorrowBox.

Cllr Emma Daniel, chair of neighbourhoods, inclusion, communities and equalities committee, said: “BorrowBox is a new app that offers a brand new and wider collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks with an app that is accessible, intuitive and simple to operate and enjoy. It will also offer virtually every eBook previously available on Overdrive as well as some great new titles.

She added: “BorrowBox is like having an entire portable library on your phone, tablet or computer. There’s something for everyone, including bestsellers, award winners and new releases for adults, young people and children.” 

Library members can borrow up to 10 items at any one time - five eBooks and five eAudiobooks – for three weeks.

Find out more about the new BorrowBox service