Linda Ryan
Pinal County Library District offers free eBooks to residents of Pinal County. Their digital platform has a wide variety of works and genres so there is something for everyone. In addition to having over 4500 eBooks, a digital library card would enable you to have access to research databases, hoopla digital streaming media, OneClick Digital audio books and Zinio magazines.
Put your tax dollars to work for you. Follow this sequence of steps to enroll and access eBooks and other digital services.
Getting Started
To get started, you will need to get a Virtual Library Card which grants access exclusively to the digital online resources. (Note that this card cannot be used to check out physical materials such as books or DVDs.) To apply, type the following into your browser: www.pinalcountyaz.gov/library
This is the home page for the library district. Go to the Services section near the bottom and click on Library Cards.
This opens up to a question about, “How do I get a library card?”
Click on the highlighted area that reads, “Click here to learn more and apply online.”
Once you complete the form and submit it, you will receive an email within two business days that provides you with your barcode number and usage instructions. Your Virtual Library card will follow in the mail within three to seven business days.
Downloading the Appropriate Digital Application
On the library district home page, there is a section titled Digital Collections.
Click on eBooks, 3M Cloud Library section. This opens a page that shows you how to download eBooks.
Since people have a variety of devices, it has specific instructions and software downloads for various apps. If you’re not certain what app is appropriate for your device hold the cursor over the various apps and it will bring up the names of various devices that are compatible with that particular app.
Next you have to click on the app that you need and follow the instructions to install it.
Other Information
Publishers require libraries to circulate eBooks just like physical books. That means only one reader at a time for each eBook. Readers are encouraged to return their eBooks as soon as they are finished reading. This enables the next reader on the Hold list to get the eBook faster.
The 3M Cloud Library Circulation has the following rules:
Three eBooks at a time
Three week check-out
Three eBooks on hold
Note that other digital services are also available on this site and you can explore these on your own. Once you get into the library website, you will find that there are very good instructions. There is also a list of typical questions and answers that patrons often have. Once you have finished downloading the 3M Cloud section, you can search and browse for books.
If you need additional help, you can contact the Pinal County Library District in Florence at 520-866-6457.