Pasadena Public Library offers eBooks, Audiobooks, and music available to download for free through the services listed below. Select the format you’re interested to see what we offer as well as to find help links for each service. Still have questions? Visit our Questions & Help page to ask us more!
eBooks & Audiobooks
Libby
eBooks, Audiobooks, and digital magazines can be downloaded to your computer or an Android or iOS device via the Libby app. The library owns a set number of copies of each title, so you may have to place a hold and wait until a copy is “returned” before you can borrow it. Libby eBooks include titles for Kindle. The Libby app is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and is available in a web browser at https://libbyapp.com
Libby is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits in Libby are 10 items (eBook and or audiobook) at any one time per Library account, and checkout period is 21 days. Checkouts in Libby are not renewable. Magazines (many of the most popular titles) are also available in digital form in Libby-and Libby magazines are available with no waitlists or holds, and do not count against your checkout limits.
Cloud Library
The Cloud Library allows you to borrow and read eBooks and eAudiobooks. The newly redesigned app includes all new navigation and personalization, making it easier than ever to find eBooks or Audiobooks from your local public library. This app includes a fully functional reader allowing the user to read their ebook directly in the app, as well as bookmark and save the position of their book across devices. It also includes an Audiobook player, allowing the user to download, play and listen to their books offline.
CloudLibrary is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits in CloudLibrary are 10 items (eBook and or audiobook) at any one time per Library account, and checkout period is 21 days. Checkouts in CloudLibrary are not renewable. The collection in CloudLibrary includes items belonging to other libraries available to check out with your Pasadena Public Library card. These items will display if they are available, and will not display if they are checked out. Holds cannot be placed on items available through the consortium, but can be placed on items belonging to the Pasadena Public Library.
hoopla
Borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, and digital comics (as well as movies, TV, magazines, or music) everywhere you have a screen-your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card. hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can stream titles immediately or whenever you're in the mood. Most titles can also be downloaded to your phone or tablet. Titles may vary based on library catalog.
hoopla is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits for hoopla are 4 items total (of any format) in a calendar month. All hoopla items are available instantly without holds. Checkout periods are 21 days for eBooks, audiobooks and digital comics; 7 days for music; and 3 days for video (film or TV).
Palace Project
The Palace Project provides access to eBooks and audiobooks in a shared, statewide collection built by libraries across California. Download the app for Apple iOS or Android to begin. Then, log in using your library card and choose from over 100,000 items, including many that are exclusive to the Palace Project.
The Palace Project is only available via mobile app.
Download the app:
- App Store for iOS
- Google Play for Android
Palace Project allows checkout of an unlimited number of items (eBook and or audiobook) at any one time per Library account, and checkout period is 21 days. Checkouts in Palace Project are not renewable.
LOTE4Kids
LOTE4Kids has over 4,500+ digital picture books in 70+ languages, with new books and languages released each month. Includes books in languages from ASL to Zulu! Listen to stories and read along, or read on your own. Take your books on the go with the LOTE4Kids app, available in the App Store and Google Play.
Movies, Music & More
Author Talks Online
A virtual author talk series featuring bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world, livestreamed. The featured writers and thought leaders cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, and includes authors of books for children and young adults as well as for adults.
The free, virtual series takes place two to three times a month and includes the opportunity to ask questions to the author. Sign up to attend and submit questions for upcoming talks, or watch any of the recorded previous talks.
Freegal
Offering over 20 million songs from 2.6 million albums belonging to 200+ genres—including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists—with 200,000 songs added monthly—there’s always something new for listeners to discover. All you need is your library card (and PIN) to join our 2.5 million+ users in browsing through Freegal's vast collection of today’s top hits, yesterday’s favorites, and curated playlists made just for you, or by you!
Hoopla
Find eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video (movies and TV), music, and digital comics and graphic novels anytime, from anywhere. When you go to hoopladigital.com for the first time, you will be asked to create a login (email and password), then you will select "Pasadena Public Library" and enter your Pasadena Public Library barcode. That's it! with the Hoopla app or in your web browser on a computer, you'll be able to browse and check out content to read, listen and view!
Hoopla is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits for Hoopla are 4 items total (of any format) in a calendar month. All Hoopla items are available instantly without holds. Checkout periods are 21 days for eBooks, audiobooks and digital comics; 7 days for music; and 3 days for video (film or TV).
Kanopy
Kanopy is a video streaming service for quality, thoughtful entertainment. Find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films and educational videos that inspire, enrich and entertain. Pasadena Public Library brings you an ad-free experience that can be enjoyed on your TV, mobile phone, tablets and online.
Kanopy is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current limits for Kanopy are 15 tickets to "spend" each calendar month on the content of your choice. Kanopy Kids (children's content) does not require tickets and is available for unlimited viewing.
myfilmfriend
myfilmfriend, a new video on demand service, provides you with unlimited access to great movies, series, concerts, and award-winning documentaries from Europe and around the World. The catalog is constantly enriched by a team of curators and film experts, with recommendations for every age group. myfilmfriend offers a fun and safe space to view high quality, entertaining, and educational films and series. You have the option to create a PIN to watch films targeted to audiences over a certain age.
myfilmfriend offers unlimited streaming with no credit system, so you can watch as many videos as you want. You can download films and series on your mobile device for offline viewing using the myfilmfriend app.
Get Started: To log in you just need your PPL library card number. You do not need to create an extra myfilmfriend account or username and password.
myfilmfriend is available on
- Laptop, PC or Mac with an internet connection and standard browser
- Smartphone or tablet with app for iOS and Android
- The apps supports Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast
- TV with Apple TV, Android TV & Amazon Fire TV
- Coming soon for Roku and Samsung
Digital Magazines, Comics & Newspapers
ComicsPlus
ComicsPlus offers unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, manga, and picture books from dozens of publishers. Explore a diverse selection of new and backlist titles from ABDO, Andrews McMeel, Capstone, Cherry Lake, Dark Horse, Europe Comics, Fantagraphics, Humanoids, Image Comics, Kodansha, Lerner, Mad Cave, Manga Classics, Oni Press, Papercutz, Tokyopop, TOON Books, UDON Entertainment, Yen Press, and dozens more. No holds, wait lists, or monthly borrowing limits. The Comics Plus app is available from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or you can read eComics in your desktop/laptop browser.
Want to find comics in collections by age? Visit our ComicsPlus Children's Library and/or our ComicsPlus Teen Library. The link above will take you to the full collection, with everything.
Flipster
Flipster is a next-generation digital magazine service that makes it easy for you to read your favorite magazines on your computer or mobile device. Magazines can be downloaded to Android™ phones and tablets, Apple® phones and tables, and Kindle Fire tablets for offline reading anytime, anywhere. Pasadena Public Library offers Consumer Reports via Flipster. You can access the monthly magazine and the annual Consumer Reports Buying Guide here, with your PPL library card.
Libby
Magazines can be downloaded to your computer or an Android or iOS device via the Libby app. Many popular titles, including The New Yorker, Cook's Illustrated, and US Weekly are available. Magazines are immediately available (no waitlists or holds), and magazines you read in Libby are not counted against your checkout limits. The Libby app is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and is available in a web browser at https://libbyapp.com.
Libby is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card.
hoopla
Find digital comics and graphic novels to check out and read--for all ages! From Big Nate to Watchmen, you're covered!
hoopla is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits for hoopla are 4 items total (of any format) in a calendar month. All hoopla items are available instantly without holds. Checkout periods are 21 days for eBooks, audiobooks and digital comics; 7 days for music; and 3 days for video (film or TV).
Pasadena Star-News (NewsBank)
The daily Pasadena Star-News is available with your PPL card online anytime, anywhere, in three editions:
• Image edition from 2020-current: The image edition offers the newspaper "as published," with look and feel just like the print edition of the daily newspaper--read it cover-to-cover, or search and find articles
• Text edition from 2001-current: Print edition, text files
• Web edition from 2014-current: text files
All editions offer search, download, clip, save, and print options of the Pasadena Star-News.
PressReader
Get access to more than 7,000 of the world’s top newspapers and magazines as soon as they’re available on shelves. Available at Pasadena Public Library, or wherever you are, with your library card.
Download the PressReader app and get started!
PressReader is funded and provided to the Pasadena Public Library through membership in the Southern California Library Cooperative.
PPL App/Mobile Site
Are you on a mobile device? Download the FREE Pasadena Public Library app. PPL2GO lets you search the library catalog, view your account, check out eBooks, manage your holds and checkouts, and much more–all from wherever you are.
Please visit our brief video tutorial about the app, and a playlist of other tutorials about our catalog, on the PPL YouTube channel.
PPL2GO Google Play/Android Store
You can also place a shortcut to the mobile version of the Library website on your device. Visit PPL Mobile (cityofpasadena.net) and follow the prompt (or use the instructions here)
On your mobile device:
- Navigate to the library home page (https://cityofpasadena.net/library) in a browser
- Tap the "share" icon
(usually a box with an arrow pointing upward) - In the options menu, find and tap "Add to Home Screen"
- The shortcut will look like the image at the top of this section. (Just like any app or tile on your device, you can rename it if you prefer)
eBooks & Audiobooks
Libby
eBooks, Audiobooks, and digital magazines can be downloaded to your computer or an Android or iOS device via the Libby app. The library owns a set number of copies of each title, so you may have to place a hold and wait until a copy is “returned” before you can borrow it. Libby eBooks include titles for Kindle. The Libby app is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and is available in a web browser at https://libbyapp.com
Libby is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits in Libby are 10 items (eBook and or audiobook) at any one time per Library account, and checkout period is 21 days. Checkouts in Libby are not renewable. Magazines (many of the most popular titles) are also available in digital form in Libby-and Libby magazines are available with no waitlists or holds, and do not count against your checkout limits.
Cloud Library
The Cloud Library allows you to borrow and read eBooks and eAudiobooks. The newly redesigned app includes all new navigation and personalization, making it easier than ever to find eBooks or Audiobooks from your local public library. This app includes a fully functional reader allowing the user to read their ebook directly in the app, as well as bookmark and save the position of their book across devices. It also includes an Audiobook player, allowing the user to download, play and listen to their books offline.
CloudLibrary is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits in CloudLibrary are 10 items (eBook and or audiobook) at any one time per Library account, and checkout period is 21 days. Checkouts in CloudLibrary are not renewable. The collection in CloudLibrary includes items belonging to other libraries available to check out with your Pasadena Public Library card. These items will display if they are available, and will not display if they are checked out. Holds cannot be placed on items available through the consortium, but can be placed on items belonging to the Pasadena Public Library.
hoopla
Borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, and digital comics (as well as movies, TV, magazines, or music) everywhere you have a screen-your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card. hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can stream titles immediately or whenever you're in the mood. Most titles can also be downloaded to your phone or tablet. Titles may vary based on library catalog.
hoopla is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits for hoopla are 4 items total (of any format) in a calendar month. All hoopla items are available instantly without holds. Checkout periods are 21 days for eBooks, audiobooks and digital comics; 7 days for music; and 3 days for video (film or TV).
Palace Project
The Palace Project provides access to eBooks and audiobooks in a shared, statewide collection built by libraries across California. Download the app for Apple iOS or Android to begin. Then, log in using your library card and choose from over 100,000 items, including many that are exclusive to the Palace Project.
The Palace Project is only available via mobile app.
Download the app:
- App Store for iOS
- Google Play for Android
Palace Project allows checkout of an unlimited number of items (eBook and or audiobook) at any one time per Library account, and checkout period is 21 days. Checkouts in Palace Project are not renewable.
LOTE4Kids
LOTE4Kids has over 4,500+ digital picture books in 70+ languages, with new books and languages released each month. Includes books in languages from ASL to Zulu! Listen to stories and read along, or read on your own. Take your books on the go with the LOTE4Kids app, available in the App Store and Google Play.
Movies, Music & More
Author Talks Online
A virtual author talk series featuring bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world, livestreamed. The featured writers and thought leaders cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, and includes authors of books for children and young adults as well as for adults.
The free, virtual series takes place two to three times a month and includes the opportunity to ask questions to the author. Sign up to attend and submit questions for upcoming talks, or watch any of the recorded previous talks.
Freegal
Offering over 20 million songs from 2.6 million albums belonging to 200+ genres—including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists—with 200,000 songs added monthly—there’s always something new for listeners to discover. All you need is your library card (and PIN) to join our 2.5 million+ users in browsing through Freegal's vast collection of today’s top hits, yesterday’s favorites, and curated playlists made just for you, or by you!
Hoopla
Find eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video (movies and TV), music, and digital comics and graphic novels anytime, from anywhere. When you go to hoopladigital.com for the first time, you will be asked to create a login (email and password), then you will select "Pasadena Public Library" and enter your Pasadena Public Library barcode. That's it! with the Hoopla app or in your web browser on a computer, you'll be able to browse and check out content to read, listen and view!
Hoopla is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits for Hoopla are 4 items total (of any format) in a calendar month. All Hoopla items are available instantly without holds. Checkout periods are 21 days for eBooks, audiobooks and digital comics; 7 days for music; and 3 days for video (film or TV).
Kanopy
Kanopy is a video streaming service for quality, thoughtful entertainment. Find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films and educational videos that inspire, enrich and entertain. Pasadena Public Library brings you an ad-free experience that can be enjoyed on your TV, mobile phone, tablets and online.
Kanopy is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current limits for Kanopy are 15 tickets to "spend" each calendar month on the content of your choice. Kanopy Kids (children's content) does not require tickets and is available for unlimited viewing.
myfilmfriend
myfilmfriend, a new video on demand service, provides you with unlimited access to great movies, series, concerts, and award-winning documentaries from Europe and around the World. The catalog is constantly enriched by a team of curators and film experts, with recommendations for every age group. myfilmfriend offers a fun and safe space to view high quality, entertaining, and educational films and series. You have the option to create a PIN to watch films targeted to audiences over a certain age.
myfilmfriend offers unlimited streaming with no credit system, so you can watch as many videos as you want. You can download films and series on your mobile device for offline viewing using the myfilmfriend app.
Get Started: To log in you just need your PPL library card number. You do not need to create an extra myfilmfriend account or username and password.
myfilmfriend is available on
- Laptop, PC or Mac with an internet connection and standard browser
- Smartphone or tablet with app for iOS and Android
- The apps supports Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast
- TV with Apple TV, Android TV & Amazon Fire TV
- Coming soon for Roku and Samsung
Digital Magazines, Comics & Newspapers
ComicsPlus
ComicsPlus offers unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, manga, and picture books from dozens of publishers. Explore a diverse selection of new and backlist titles from ABDO, Andrews McMeel, Capstone, Cherry Lake, Dark Horse, Europe Comics, Fantagraphics, Humanoids, Image Comics, Kodansha, Lerner, Mad Cave, Manga Classics, Oni Press, Papercutz, Tokyopop, TOON Books, UDON Entertainment, Yen Press, and dozens more. No holds, wait lists, or monthly borrowing limits. The Comics Plus app is available from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or you can read eComics in your desktop/laptop browser.
Want to find comics in collections by age? Visit our ComicsPlus Children's Library and/or our ComicsPlus Teen Library. The link above will take you to the full collection, with everything.
Flipster
Flipster is a next-generation digital magazine service that makes it easy for you to read your favorite magazines on your computer or mobile device. Magazines can be downloaded to Android™ phones and tablets, Apple® phones and tables, and Kindle Fire tablets for offline reading anytime, anywhere. Pasadena Public Library offers Consumer Reports via Flipster. You can access the monthly magazine and the annual Consumer Reports Buying Guide here, with your PPL library card.
Libby
Magazines can be downloaded to your computer or an Android or iOS device via the Libby app. Many popular titles, including The New Yorker, Cook's Illustrated, and US Weekly are available. Magazines are immediately available (no waitlists or holds), and magazines you read in Libby are not counted against your checkout limits. The Libby app is available in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and is available in a web browser at https://libbyapp.com.
Libby is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card.
hoopla
Find digital comics and graphic novels to check out and read--for all ages! From Big Nate to Watchmen, you're covered!
hoopla is an eMedia resource, available with a permanent or Guest library card only. EMedia are not available with a Temp Card. Current checkout limits for hoopla are 4 items total (of any format) in a calendar month. All hoopla items are available instantly without holds. Checkout periods are 21 days for eBooks, audiobooks and digital comics; 7 days for music; and 3 days for video (film or TV).
Pasadena Star-News (NewsBank)
The daily Pasadena Star-News is available with your PPL card online anytime, anywhere, in three editions:
• Image edition from 2020-current: The image edition offers the newspaper "as published," with look and feel just like the print edition of the daily newspaper--read it cover-to-cover, or search and find articles
• Text edition from 2001-current: Print edition, text files
• Web edition from 2014-current: text files
All editions offer search, download, clip, save, and print options of the Pasadena Star-News.
PressReader
Get access to more than 7,000 of the world’s top newspapers and magazines as soon as they’re available on shelves. Available at Pasadena Public Library, or wherever you are, with your library card.
Download the PressReader app and get started!
PressReader is funded and provided to the Pasadena Public Library through membership in the Southern California Library Cooperative.
PPL App/Mobile Site
Are you on a mobile device? Download the FREE Pasadena Public Library app. PPL2GO lets you search the library catalog, view your account, check out eBooks, manage your holds and checkouts, and much more–all from wherever you are.
Please visit our brief video tutorial about the app, and a playlist of other tutorials about our catalog, on the PPL YouTube channel.
PPL2GO Google Play/Android Store
You can also place a shortcut to the mobile version of the Library website on your device. Visit PPL Mobile (cityofpasadena.net) and follow the prompt (or use the instructions here)
On your mobile device:
- Navigate to the library home page (https://cityofpasadena.net/library) in a browser
- Tap the "share" icon (usually a box with an arrow pointing upward)
- In the options menu, find and tap "Add to Home Screen"
- The shortcut will look like the image at the top of this section. (Just like any app or tile on your device, you can rename it if you prefer)
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