e-books Frequently Asked Questions
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The e-books service enables you to search for, download and read over 3,000 books free of charge.
- How does it work?
- What devices are compatible?
- Can I renew?
- Can I return a book early?
- I cannot see the title I want!
- I am using a tablet, smart phone or other mobile device - how do I start using the service?
- I am using a PC or laptop - how do I start using the service?
- What is Adobe Digital Editions and an Adobe ID?
- Is there a RBdigital app?
How does it work?
You can borrow up to 10 e-books at one time, they are loaned to you for three weeks and will automatically expire and be deleted when the three weeks are completed.
You need to be a member of Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire Libraries, so you can
log in using your library card number and PIN.
Don't have a PIN? Request one here!
If you are using a laptop or computer you will also need an Adobe ID and Adobe Digital Editions downloaded so the books download and expire correctly. This is a free one off set up process, once completed
you will not need to do it again.
To create a Adobe Digital ID click here.
To download Adobe Digital Editions click here.
How do I register for an RBdigital account?
You need an RD Digital account to access RBdigital e-books either online or through the app.
There are two ways to set up an account;
1. Using the RBdigital App
- Go to your app store - Apple, Android and Kindle
- Search for, download and install the 'RBdigital' app
- Open the app
- Click on the link 'Not a member? Register now.'
- Choose your country from the list - United Kingdom
- Choose your library - Search for 'Bedford' - and select Bedfordshire Borough Council
- Click 'Create Account'
- Enter your library card number and complete the account and personal information sections
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions
- Click 'Register'
- You now have a RBdigital account and can use the app to search, checkout and download e-books - as well as audiobooks and magazines.
2. Using the RBdigital website
- Firstly log in on the Virtual Library then follow the RBdigital link
- Click 'Register'
- Fill out form and Click 'Register'
- Search for the title you want
- To checkout an e-book title to your RBdigital account, simply click on the title of your choice.
- Click 'Checkout'
You can then checkout and download more titles or download the app and do everything in one place.
What devices are compatible?
The service will work on will work on smart phones,
tablets, and the majority of e-readers, it will also work on all PCs and computers as long as Adobe Digital Editions works. It .
It will not work on a standard Kindle e-reader, as Amazon have limited these to their own e-books and store. However, a Kindle Fire will work as this is a tablet.
There is more information about this on the RB
Digital site.
Log in here and then click on 'e-books from
RBdigital' to access the site and learn more.
Can I Renew?
You can renew a maximum of 3 times. When your title is nearing the expiration date, the 'Renew' button can be found on the 'Checked Out' tab.
If the book has been requested you will not be allowed to renew it, you will have to place a hold to request it yourself.
Can I return a book early?
Yes, you can return early on all devices and through the app.
I cannot see the title I want!
The collection holds over 3,000 titles, we add more e-books every month, however like the physical library we will not be able to offer every
title that is published.
Also many publishers are not offering their best sellers to libraries, they wish to retain them for sale only. This does mean that many of the top selling titles
will not be available from any library service.
If you are interested in a particular title then please let us know.
I am using a pc, or laptop - how do I start using the service?
- First step is to ensure you have an Adobe ID and Adobe Digital Editions downloaded so the books download and expire correctly. This is a free one off set up
process, once completed you will not need to do it again.
To create a Adobe Digital ID click here.
To download Adobe Digital Editions click here. - You will also need to be a member of Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire Libraries, so you can
log in using your library card number and PIN.
Don't have a PIN? Request one here! - Once logged in follow the link for 'e-books from RBdigital' to access the RB site.
- You will need to create a RBdigital account, if you do not have one already for downloading e-audio.
Click on on the link 'Register' and complete the short form to do this. - Now you are ready to download the free e-books.
- Search for titles using the Quick Search box, you can limit your results to just e-books by using the format option
Alternatively you can browse all the titles by selecting e-books from the format and click the search button next to Browse All. - Click on a book jacket to find out more
- Click the 'Check Out' button to issue the book to yourself
What is Adobe Digital Editions and an Adobe ID?
In order to be able to download and read eBooks through RBdigital, you will need to install Adobe Digital Editions 2.0 (ADE). ADE is free software used for
viewing eBooks on your computer/device. The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac personal computers.
Download Adobe Digital Editions here.
Creating an ID is required to view your eBooks that you selected from the RBdigital website. The ID is required to read your selections on both the
computer and mobile app. The creation process is simple and free.
Follow this link and click on "Create an Adobe ID," and follow the prompts for the required information.
Is there a RBdigital App?
Yes there is for all Android, Apple and Kindle devices - just look for 'RBdigital' in your app store to download.
Got more questions then check out the Help section on the RBdigital site or Contact Us.
Page last updated: 24th February 2020