Ebooks and audiobooks

Ebooks

Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction or just want to discover new things – there is something for everyone in our vast collection of ebooks.

Our ebooks are available on three platforms. We offer ebooks in French (Numilog), English (Libby) and German (Onleihe).

English ebooks – Libby  (formerly Overdrive)

German ebooks – Onleihe (new from 08/05/2024)

French ebooks – Numilog

For more information on each platform and how you can read ebooks on the platforms directly, use their mobile apps or download them to your e-reader, check our platform guides.

Note that Ciando ebooks will become unavailable from 1st July 2024, as Ciando is no longer selling to Luxembourg

1. Ebooks and the Digital Rights Management System (DRM) – an introduction

1.1. Downloading ebooks

An ebook is a file containing text and/or images that can be read on a computer or another electronic device.

You will need to register with one of the libraries offering ebooks.lu to take advantage of this service. Please visit one of the participating libraries to sign up for free.

The ebooks offered in ebooks.lu are protected by a Digital rights management system which can be seen as a kind of digital lock. You will need a special tool to open ebooks once you have downloaded them. You will also need an Adobe ID to unlock the ebooks them (see Section 1.2. – The Digital Rights Management System). Please go to https://accounts.adobe.com to sign up for an Adobe ID account.

Once you have an Adobe ID, you will be able to download an application that will allow you to borrow and read ebooks.
If you wish to read ebooks on your computer, please select the Adobe Digital Editions application. If you would prefer to read ebooks on your smartphone or tablet, please download the app PocketBook Reader.
The set-up instructions are detailed in Section 2 below.

When you download an ebook, you will be able to read the copy borrowed for a total of 14 days. Once this period ends, it will no longer be possible to access the ebook on your device, and the ebook will become available in the digital library again.
Please note that ebooks can also be consulted online without downloading additional software.

1.2. The Digital Rights Management System

To summarise briefly: to download and read ebooks, you will need to

  • either install Adobe Digital Editions on your computer,
  • or install the Pocketbook Reader on your tablet or smartphone,
  • and sign up for an Adobe ID.

We recommend that you sign up for an Adobe ID so that you can switch between reading devices during the loan period. If you do not have an Adobe ID, reading is limited to the device on which you downloaded the ebook.
Adobe Digital Editions and Pocketbook Reader are free apps to manage the digital locks on ebooks. The applications allows you to open ebooks throughout the loan period and, should you wish, to also transfer them to other reading devices.
The digital rights management (DRM) system is a protection tool that has been integrated into all ebooks. It controls use of the ebooks, including their download, the loan duration and the transfer to reading devices.
The software has been developed to protect files from copyright violations, such as unauthorised duplication. This digital lock also ensures that ebooks are automatically returned when the loan period expires, i.e. that ebooks can no longer be viewed when the loan period has ended.

2. Ebooks - Technical requirements

2.1. Creating an Adobe account (Adobe ID)

An Adobe ID is essential if you wish to read your ebooks on several different reading devices. Once you have created an account, each ebook will automatically be linked to your Adobe ID, rather than exclusively to your computer. An Adobe ID allows you to access your loans on six authorised devices.

https://account.adobe.com/

Click on “Create an account”.

Complete the online form and make a note of the email address and password you use.

Go to your email account and open the welcome message from Adobe. Click on the activation link to complete the registration process.

Your Adobe ID is the email address you entered in the online form. Do not forget this email address or your password! You will need them to configure all the tools and devices you wish to use to read ebooks.

2.2. Installing Adobe Digital Editions (Windows PC)

Please go to www.adobe.com/solutions/ebook/digital-editions/download.html.

1 Click on “Download Digital Editions”:

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2 Once the download is complete, click on “Run” to open the file and complete installation.

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Please note that a newerversion of Adobe Digital Editions than 4.5.0 may be available – this is not a problem!

3 Installation of Adobe Digital Editions will then begin. Click the box “I accept the terms of the license agreement.”, then click on “Next”.

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4 Select the options for the components you would like to install and click on “Next”.

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Once installation is complete, click on “Close” and Adobe Digital Editions will launch automatically.

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In Adobe Digital Editions, click on the “Help” menu tab, then on “Authorize Computer”.

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Enter your Adobe ID (email address) and password, then click on “Authorize”.

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Click on “OK” to complete the authorisation process.

Your computer is now authorised to download the ebooks you borrow.

2.3. Installing the Pocketbook Reader app on Apple devices (iOS)

1. Install the Pocketbook Reader app from the Apple App Store. Store. Link: Download PocketBook Reader app.

2. Once installation is complete, open the app.

3. In the main menu of the application, go to “Settings”, select “Accounts”, then “Adobe DRM”. Enter your Adobe ID (email address) and your password you used before to register your Adobe account.

Your device is now configured to read ebooks.

2.4. Installing the Pocketbook Reader app on Android devices

1. Install the Pocketbook Reader app from the Google Play Store. Store. Link: Download PocketBook Reader app.

2. Once installation is complete, open the app.

3. In the main menu of the application, go to “Settings”, select “Accounts”, then “Adobe DRM”. Enter your Adobe ID (email address) and your password you used before to register your Adobe account.

Your device is now configured to read ebooks.

3. Ebooks - Platforms

3.0. Ebook Platforms

Our ebooks are available on three platforms. We offer ebooks in French (Numilog), English (Overdrive) and German (Onleihe).

You can read ebooks on the platforms directly, use their mobile apps or download them to your e-reader using Adobe Digital Editions.

Note that Ciando e-books will become unavailable from 1st July 2024, as Ciando is no longer selling to Luxembourg

3.1. Ebooks in French – Numilog

The Numilog platform contains our largest collection of e-books (and audiobooks) in French.

Numilog on your computer or mobile browser

From your computer or mobile browser, go to the Numilog website . You must log in with your library card to see the Numilog website.
On the Numilog website you can search, read e-books and listen to audiobooks. You must be online to read or listen. When selecting an e-book or audiobook, we recommend you enter an email address, Numilog will send you a link so you can continue your e-book or audiobook from where you left off, this link also works on a different device. Without this link, you need to remember yourself where you want to continue in your e-book or audio-book.

Numilog does not offer a mobile app, but you can use your mobile browser.

Numilog on your e-reader
If you prefer to download your e-book for offline use, you can use the Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) application on your computer or mobile device. You have to download the ADE application first and create an Adobe ID, then download the e-book into ADE to read. Numilog also offers an alternative to Adobe Digital Editions, which is simpler to use, but requires its own apps, please check Numilog help.
For e-reader devices, we recommend Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). See our guide page “Ebooks – Technical requirements“.

3.2. Ebooks in English – Libby (formerly Overdrive)

The Libby platform contains all our ebooks  in English.

Note: Libby was previously known as “Overdrive”.

Libby on your computer or mobile browser

From your computer or mobile browser, go to the Libby website. There you can register your library card by searching for “Luxembourg”. Select the “National Library of Luxembourg” (even if you are registered in a different ebooks.lu partner library) and login. On this webpage you can search and read ebooks. It remembers your loans and progress.

If you need help with the Libby website, please check Libby help.

Libby on your mobile device

For your mobile devices, we recommend the Libby App. It works the same way as the Libby website. Download the Libby app here: Libby, by Overdrive Download for iOS  Download for Android  Download for Amazon Fire tablets.

If you need help with the Libby app, it is available inside the app or you can check the online Libby help.

Libby on your e-reader

If you prefer an e-reader device, you need the Adobe Digital Editions application to transfer the e-book via your computer to your e-reader.

Libby has a specific support page for e-readers.

For help on Adobe Digital Editions, also see our guide page “Ebooks – Technical requirements”.

3.3. Ebooks in German : Onleihe

The Onleihe platform contains our largest collection of e-books in German.

Onleihe on your computer or mobile browser

From your computer or mobile browser, go to the Onleihe website. You can browse our offer without a library card, but when you want to read an e-book, you must have a library card.

From the Onleihe website, you can search, read and download e-books. The site remembers your e-book loans and your progress. If you need help with the Onleihe website and the Onleihe:reader, check out the Web-Onleihe support.

Onleihe on your mobile device

For your mobile devices, we recommend the Onleihe App Download for iOS  Download for Android.

If you need help with your Onleihe app, check out the Onleihe App support.

Onleihe on your e-reader

If you prefer an e-reader device, it is super easy to read Onleihe e-books on Pocketbook or Tolino. There is no need to use Adobe Digital Editions anymore. For Pocketbook e-readers there is a special Onleihe app for Pocketbook. For Tolino e-readers, you can directly download e-books by entering a one-time code:  Onleihe for Tolino e-readers.

For all other e-readers you need to continue using Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). For downloading e-books to Adobe ADE from Onleihe, follow these instructions and see our guide page “Ebooks – Technical requirements”.

4. Ebooks - Start-up guides

4.1. Computer (Windows and Apple)

You will need a tool to download and read ebooks with a digital lock on a computer. We recommend using Adobe Digital Editions (free). Use your Adobe ID to log into Adobe Digital Editions.
Please see Section 2.2. for detailed instructions on how to install Adobe Digital Editions.

Borrowing ebooks

Use the search engine of the Luxembourg library network (www.a-z.lu) to find the ebook you wish to borrow. Before you begin your search, click on the “Digital Library” tab.

 

Select “Ebooks.lu (public libraries)” in the pull-down menu to the right of the search box to define the type of document you are looking for.

You can now enter your search terms.

Once you have found an ebook you are interested in, click on the title and then on “Online Access”.

 

You will then be redirected to the ebook provider’s platform.

If you have not yet logged in, use your library card number and password to log in now.

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After logging in, the ebook details will be shown on the provider’s platform.

If you have chosen an ebook that is available on the Numilog platform (mainly books in French), the consultation options will be shown on the details page of the book.

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Click on “Télécharger ce livre en format EPUB” to download the ebook.

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Please note that minor variations may arise depending on the resource and your device.

The ebooks of different providers are indexed in a-z.lu and can be borrowed via the providers’ platforms. This explains why the borrowing procedure – while similar – may vary a little depending on the book provider, as each provider has their own distribution platform.
How can I download an ebook on the other platforms? Please see Section 3 – Ebook providers for more information.

You are able to download ebooks on several devices as long as they are authorised with the same Adobe ID.

Open the ebook with Adobe Digital Editions.

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The ebook will be downloaded to your library in Adobe Digital Editions.

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You will then able to read the ebook by double clicking on the ebook cover.

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Returning ebooks borrowed via Adobe Digital Editions (PC)

Ebooks can be borrowed for 14 days. When this period ends, it will no longer be possible to open the ebook in your reader. If you haven’t finished reading the ebook, you are able to renew your loan – and that for as long as you wish.

You are also able to return ebooks at any time, for example if you finish reading them before the loan period ends.

Right click on the cover of the book you wish to return in Adobe Digital Editions. Select “Return Borrowed Item”, then click on “Return” in the next window to confirm.

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In a few minutes, the system will process your return and the ebook will disappear from your folder.

Please note that it is not possible to return ebooks borrowed from the Ciando platform (German ebooks) before the end of the loan period.

4.2. Apple devices (iOS): iPhone, iPad

To borrow ebooks on Apple devices (iOS), you will need an application to download and read the ebooks with a digital lock (DRM). We recommend using the PocketBook Reader app (free). Use your Adobe ID to log into the PocketBook Reader app.

Please see the detailed guide on how to install the PocketBook Reader app.

Borrowing and opening ebooks in the PocketBook Reader app (iOS)

Use the search engine of the Luxembourg library network (www.a-z.lu) on your device to find the ebook you wish to borrow. Before you begin your search, click on the “Digital Library” tab.

Select “Ebooks.lu (public libraries)” in the pull-down menu to the right of the search box to define the type of document you are looking for.
You can now enter your search terms.

 

Once you have found an ebook you are interested in reading, click on the title and then on “ Online Access”.

You will then be redirected to the ebook provider’s platform.

If you have not yet signed in, use your membership card number and password to log in.

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After logging in, the ebook details will be shown on the provider’s platform.

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Click on “Télécharger ce livre au format EPUB” (“Download”, example from the Numilog platform) to download the ebook.

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You are able to download ebooks on numerous devices as long as they are authorised with the same Adobe ID.

Please note that minor variations may arise depending on the resource and your device.

The ebooks of different providers are indexed in a-z.lu and can be borrowed via the providers’ platforms. This explains why the borrowing procedure – while similar – may vary a little depending on the book provider, as each provider has their own distribution platform.

How can I download an ebook on the other platforms? Please see Section 3 – Ebook providers for more information.

In the download window, click on “Open in” and choose the PocketBook Reader app.

The ebook will open in the PocketBook Reader app. Click on the cover and the ebook will open.

4.3. Android devices: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, …

To borrow ebooks on an Android device (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei etc.), you will need an application to download and read ebooks with a digital lock on a computer (DRM). We recommend using the PocketBook Reader app (free). Use your Adobe ID in the PocketBook Reader app.

Please refer to section 2.4 for instructions on installing PocketBook Reader and to sections 1.2 and 2.1 for information about Adobe ID.

4.4. Reading devices (PocketBook, Tolino, Kobo, etc.)

There are two different ways to borrow ebooks on a reading device.

1. If your reading device has an internet connection and browser, you can download ebooks directly.

Simply follow the instructions in Section 4.1. on borrowing ebooks on your PC to search for and download ebooks directly on your reading device.

Please note that the E Ink browser is not suitable for viewing and navigating complex websites.

2. If your device does not have a browser you can download the ebooks on your PC, then transfer the ebooks to your reading device.

Whatever your desired approach, you will first need to use your Adobe ID to authorise the reading device.

If you do not have an Adobe ID yet, please see Section 2.1. – How can I create an Adobe ID?
Enter your ID and password in the following places:

PocketBook : Parameters – Account and synchronisation – Adobe DRM

Tolino: Meine Konten und TelekomCloud – Adobe DRM

For information on other reading devices, please see the corresponding user guide or contact us (help@consortium.lu).

Borrowing and transferring ebooks to your reading device (PC)

Use the search engine of the Luxembourg library network (www.a-z.lu) to find the ebook you wish to borrow. Before you begin your search, click on the “Digital Library” tab.

Select “Ebooks.lu (public libraries)” in the pull-down menu to the right of the search box to define the type of document you are looking for.

 

You can now enter your search terms.

Once you have found an ebook you are interested in reading, click on “ Online Access”.

 

You will then be redirected to the ebook provider’s platform.

If you have not yet logged in, use your library card number and password to log in now.

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After logging in, the ebook details will be shown on the provider’s platform.

If you have chosen an ebook that is available on the Numilog platform (mainly books in French), the consultation options will be shown on the details page.

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To download the ebook, click on “Télécharger ce livre au format EPUB pour une durée de 14 jours” (Borrow book).

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Please note that minor variations may arise depending on the resource and your device.

The ebooks of different providers are indexed in a-z.lu and can be borrowed via the providers’ platforms. This explains why the borrowing procedure – while similar – may vary a little depending on the ebook provider, as each provider has their own distribution platform.

How can I download an ebook on the other platforms? Please see Section 3 – Ebook providers for more information.

You are able to download ebooks on several devices as long as they are authorised with the same Adobe ID.

Open the ebook with Adobe Digital Editions (on PC).

The ebook will be downloaded to your library in Adobe Digital Editions.

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You will then be able to read the ebook in Adobe Digital Editions or to transfer it to your reading device.

Transferring ebooks to your reading device

Ensure that Pocketbook Reader is open on the device.

  • Use the USB cable provided to connect your reading device to your computer. When the below screen appears, click on Connect.
  • In your library, left click on the ebook that you would like to transfer and drag it over to your external device.

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The first time that you transfer an ebook to your reading device, you will need to authorise this transfer using the same Adobe ID as for the Adobe Digital Editions tool.

You are able to repeat this final step for all books that you wish to upload to your reading device.

To safely disconnect your reading device, click on the external device eject icon in the Windows notification zone at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.

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Click on “Eject [reading device X]” in the list of devices.

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You can then unplug your reading device’s USB cable and read the ebooks transferred wherever you wish.

Returning ebooks borrowed via Adobe Digital Editions (PC)

Ebooks can be borrowed for 14 days. After this period, it will no longer be possible to access the ebook in your reading device. If you haven’t finished reading the ebook, you are able to renew your loan – and that for as long as you wish.

You are also able to return ebooks at any time, for example if you finish reading them before the loan period ends.

If you have transferred an ebook from the PC to your reading device, you will need to return the ebook using the Adobe Digital Editions on your PC.

Select the ebook to return in Adobe Digital Editions and right click on the cover. Select “Return Borrowed Item”, then click on “Return” in the next window to confirm.

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In a few minutes, the system will process your return and the ebook will disappear from your folder.

Please note that it is not possible to return ebooks borrowed from the Ciando platform (German ebooks) before the end of the loan period.

5. Ebooks - FAQs

5.1. How can I sign up for the ebooks.lu service?

To be able to borrow ebooks, you will first need to register with one of the partner libraries offering the ebooks.lu service. Once registered, you will receive a library card and password to access the resources.

To register for ebooks.lu you need to be at least 14 years old.

5.2. I am already registered with a participating library. Do I have directly access to the ebooks?

If you have a valid library card from one of the participating libraries you have already access to the ebooks.lu service.

5.3. When I try to access an ebook, a pop-up window appears stating “Please note that you are not able to access this licensed content.”

You receive this error message when your library card is expired. Please renew your library card at your library.

5.4. I cannot access Ciando (German ebooks)

You are trying to download an ebook from Ciando, but the error message “Ihr Passwort / Login ist nicht bekannt” is displayed?

ciando login fehlermeldung

You don’t have to log on Ciando. As you are already authenticated on a-z.lu as a library user you are using Ciando with a so-called “Cookie-Konto”.

To download an ebook, you need just click the first button “weiter”.

ciando login leer 1. weiter button

If the first button is not displayed please delete the cookies in your browser.

Delete Cookies

PC

Firefox: Menu – Privacy & Security – Cookies and Site Data

Chrome: Menu – More tools – Clear browsing data

Microsoft Edge: Menu – Settings – Cookies and Site Permissions – Manage Cookies and Site Data Tools

Mobile devices

Android Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2392709?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en

iOS Safari https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201265

5.5. Can I return a book early?

The possibility to return an ebook before the due date depends on the platform.

5.6. How many ebooks can I borrow in total?

The limit of simultaneous borrowing depends on each platform. You can borrow a different number of ebooks by platform at the same time for download on PC, tablet, smartphone or eReader.

  • German ebooks (Onleihe): 8 simultaneous ebooks
  • French ebooks (Numilog): 8 simultaneous titles (ebooks or audiobooks)
  • English ebooks (Overdrive): 8 simultaneous titles (ebooks or audiobooks)

So the total of simultaneous loans is 24 ebooks if you use the maximum that is possible for each platform.

5.7. Can I use my Kindle for ebooks.lu?

No, unfortunately the Amazon Kindle e-ink screen (all models) is not compatible with the ebooks.lu offer.

Reason: Amazon refuses to support the Adobe DRM system and accepts only its own DRM system. Although Kindle eReaders can open EPUB ebook files, thsi does not apply to EPUB files with Adobe DRM.

5.8. I don't find my borrowed ebooks in my a-z.lu user account. Why?

Unfortunately, there is no connection between electronic downloads and a-z.lu. That’s why borrowed ebooks aren’t displayed in your a-z.lu user account.

To check your active ebook loans, please open Adobe Digital Editions or Pocketbook Reader

If you have any further questions, please send an email to help@consortium.lu.

5.9. After updating my iPhone/iPad to iOS 13, I can't download ebooks anymore.

Since Apple launched iOS 13 a lot of users complained that they can’t download ebooks anymore after upgrading their iPhone or iPad. Please follow these steps to download ebooks to Adobe Digital Editions or Pocketbook Reader as long as Apple and the app providers haven’t solved the technical problems.

Open the Safari app and use the search engine of the Luxembourg library network (www.a-z.lu) to find the ebook you wish to borrow.

Once you have found an ebook you are interested in, click on the title and then on “Online Access”.

You will then be redirected to the ebook provider’s platform.

If you have not yet logged in, use your library card number and password to log in now.

After logging in, the ebook details will be shown on the provider’s platform.
Click on “Télécharger” or “Download” to download the ebook.

 

Once the ebook file has been downloaded, touch the icon on the top right (downloads) and click on the name of the ebook file.

 

In the following window touch the button “Download”.

A white page with the file name will be displayed.

Touch the “open with” icon on the top right.

In the following dialogue, choose “More”. Depending on the number of apps that you have installed, you might need to scroll to the left before this option is visible.

In the next step, choose “Open in Adobe Digital Editions” (or Pocketbook Reader).

Now the ebook will be opened in Adobe Digital Editions (or Pocketbook Reader).

Si vous avez toujours des problèmes avec le téléchargement, veuillez nous envoyer un courriel à help@consortium.lu avec des captures d’écran ou messages d’erreur.

 

6. Audiobooks - Technical requirements

6.1. French Audiobooks

French audiobooks are only available by streaming, which requires a permanent, active internet connection. It is not possible to download the audiobook. However, since you have to be online to listen to the audiobook you do not need to download an extra software.

 

6.2. English and German audiobooks

You can stream or download German and English audiobooks. If you wish to download your ebook, you need to install the application Libby, by Overdrive. It is available for Android and iOS.

Downloading audiobooks to desktop devices (PC/laptop) is unfortunately not possible.

 

How to install Libby, by Overdrive

Go to the app store of your device and download the app Libby, by Overdrive.

When you open the app for the first time, you are asked some questions in an automated chat. Please answer these questions to set up your account.

Please note: you must have a valid library card from the National Library or one of the partner libraries if you want to use the app Libby, by Overdrive.

First, you need to confirm that you have a valid library card by clicking “Yes”:

Then select “I’ll search for a library”:

Please search now for your library by typing the name or “Luxembourg” in the search field and choose your library (Example: National Library) :

Now you have to connect your library card to your account on Libby. Click on “Enter Library Account Details”:

Click “Next”:

 

You are automatically redirected to the a-z.lu webpage to enter your card number and your password:

After your authentication, your Libby account is connected to your library card and a “Libby library card” is displayed in the app. This is not an actual library card and only displays the loans made in Libby. The other loans, which you have made via your a-z.lu account, are not taken into account here.

Click on “Next”:

You are now redirected to the start page of your account in Libby. You may go to “search” to search for an audiobook or you simply browse the collection of your library:

In the “shelf” section, you can have a look at your loans and current holds (reservations):

 

7. Audiobooks - Platforms

7.0. Audiobooks - Platforms

Our audiobooks are available on two platforms. We offer audiobooks in French on Numilog, English  and German audiobooks on Libby.

You can listen to audiobooks on the platforms directly, use the Libby mobile app (Numilog does not offer a mobile app).

English and German audiobooks – Libby  (formerly Overdrive)

French audiobooks – Numilog

For more information on each platform and how you can listen to audiobooks on the platforms directly or use their mobile apps, check our platform guides below.

7.1. Audiobooks in French (Numilog)

The Numilog platform contains our audiobooks in French.

Numilog on your computer or mobile browser

From your computer or mobile browser, go to the Numilog website . You must log in with your library card to see the Numilog website.
On the Numilog website you can search and listen to audiobooks. You must be online to  listen. When selecting an audiobook, we recommend you enter an email address, Numilog will send you a link so you can continue your audiobook from where you left off. This link also works on a different device. Without this link, you need to remember yourself where you want to continue in your audio-book.

Numilog does not offer a mobile app, but you can use your mobile browser.

7.2. Audiobooks in English and German (Libby)

The Libby platform contains all our audiobooks in English and German.

Note: Libby was previously known as “Overdrive”.

Libby on your computer or mobile browser

From your computer or mobile browser, go to the Libby website. There you can register your library card by searching for “Luxembourg”. Select the “National Library of Luxembourg” (even if you are registered in a different ebooks.lu partner library) and login. On this webpage you can search and listen to audiobooks. It remembers your loans and progress.

If you need help with the Libby website, please check Libby help.

Libby on your mobile device

For your mobile devices, we recommend the Libby App. It works the same way as the Libby website. Download the Libby app here: Libby, by Overdrive Download for iOS  Download for Android  Download for Amazon Fire tablets.

If you need help with the Libby app, it is available inside the app or you can check the online Libby help.

8. Audiobooks - Search

8. How to search for audiobooks in a-z.lu

If you want to search our entire ebook and audiobook collection before choosing a language, we recommend using a-z.lu.

You do not need an additional software if you wish to borrow French audiobooks. All French audiobooks are only available by streaming in your browser and cannot be downloaded. If you wish to listen to German and English ebooks please download the app Libby, by Overdrive. You find more information about how to borrow French audiobooks in chapter 7.1. If you need information about how to listen to German or English audiobooks please go to chapter 7.2.

Searching for audiobooks on a-z.lu works the same way as the search for ebooks. Type the title of the audiobook, keywords, author, or a topic of interest in the search field. Then select the search filters “Digital Library” and “Ebooks.lu (public libraries)” to the right of the search field.

 

In the search results, you will find ebooks as well as audiobooks. To limit your request to audiobooks, filter by “Type of publication” under “Tweak my results” (on the right of the screen) and select “Audio books”:

To borrow an audiobook, click on “Online access”. You will then be redirected to the audiobook/ebook provider’s platform:

If you have not yet logged into a-z.lu, use your library card number and password to log in now.

Follow the instructions on how to borrow French audiobooks in chapter 7.1. and on how to borrow English and German audiobooks in chapter 7.2.

9. Audiobooks-FAQ

9.1. How can I sign up for the ebooks.lu service?

  • You don’t have a library card yet?

To be able to borrow ebooks and audiobooks, you will first need to register with one of the partner libraries offering the ebooks.lu service. Once registered, you will receive a library card and password to access the resources.

To register for ebooks.lu you need to be at least 14 years old and live in Luxembourg or in the neighboring regions.

Online registration at the National Library

It is possible to register online at the National Library and the Cité Bibliothèque.

  • Do you already have a library card from one of the partner libraries?

If you are older than 14 years old and you have a valid library card from one of the participating libraries you have already access to the ebooks.lu service.

  • My library card has expired

If your library card  is not valid anymore, you also lose access to the ebooks and audiobooks on ebooks.lu. Please follow the instructions here.

9.2 I am already registered with a participating library. Do I have directly access to the audiobooks?

If you are older than 14 years old and you have a valid library card from one of the participating libraries you have already access to the ebooks.lu service.

  • My library card has expired

If your library card  is not valid anymore, you also lose access to the ebooks and audiobooks on ebooks.lu. Please follow the instructions here.

9.3 When I try to access an audiobook, a pop-up window appears stating “Please note that you are not able to access this licensed content.”

You receive this error message when your library card is expired. Please renew your library card at your library.

Online renewal of your registration at the National Library

You can renew your registration at the National Library online. If your library card of the National Library is not valid anymore, you also lose access to the audiobooks on ebooks.lu. Please follow the instructions here.

9.4 Can I return an audiobook early?

Please always return the audiobook as soon as you have finished it. Otherwise, the audiobook will be blocked for 14 days and no other library user can borrow it. All audiobooks can be returned early before the end of the loan period.

You can return French audiobooks directly in the browser. Please click on “rendre le livre” in the top right corner of the browser:

English and German audiobooks can be returned directly in the app Libby, by Overdrive. Go to “Shelf” and then click on “Manage loans” on the right side of the title that you wish to return. Click on “Return Early”:

9.5 How many audiobooks can I borrow at the same time?

Audiobooks and ebooks in English and German are all borrowed from the same platform. English and German combined, you can borrow a maximum of 8 items (audiobooks and ebooks) at the same time.

French audiobooks and ebooks are borrowed from the same platform. You can borrow a maximum of 8 items (ebooks and audiobooks) at the same time.

9.6. Can I listen to audiobooks when I am offline?

French audiobooks require an active internet connection, as they are only available by streaming. You always need an internet connection while listening to the audiobook.

It is possible to listen to German and English audiobooks when you are offline provided the audiobook is fully downloaded. Audiobooks are by default automatically downloaded in the app, Libby, by Overdrive. You find more information about the download options in chapter 7.2.

9.7. What happens if I close the browser while I was listening to a French audiobook?

You can continue listening to French audiobooks even after closing the browser. When you are borrowing a French audiobook, you are asked to enter your email address. You then receive a link that allows you to reopen the audiobook in your browser and to continue listening whenever and with whatever device you prefer. To do so click in the email on “relancer la lecture”. You find more information about how to listen to a French audiobook in chapter 7.1.

9.8. I do not find my borrowed audiobooks in my a-z.lu user account. Why?

Unfortunately, there is no connection between electronic downloads and a-z.lu. That’s why borrowed ebooks and audiobooks are not displayed in your a-z.lu user account.

 

You can check your active loans of English and German audiobooks directly in the app Libby, by Overdrive in the category “Shelf”.

 

If you have any further questions, please send an email with the screenshot and the error message to help@consortium.lu (in English, French, German or Luxembourgish).