Digital Content FAQs

  • General Questions

    The Library offers access to databases for research and lifelong learning. Databases are free to use from home with a Contra Costa County library card and 6-digit PIN. To find the databases, please visit the Library's Digital Resources page or the View the A-Z list. 

  • eMusic

    If you use Hoopla and your library card number is replaced, you will need to update your library card number in your Hoopla account.

    On the Hoopla website

    • Sign in to your Hoopla account at hoopladigital.com with your existing email address and password that you created when you signed up.
    • Click on the gear icon located at the top of the Hoopla page to open your settings.
    • Click on Library
    • Make sure the library name field still says Contra Costa County Library.
    • Update the information in the Library Card field. 
    • Click Save.

    To update in the Hoopla app

    • Open the app
    • The gear icon for settings is in the lower right.
    • Scroll the settings and click on the Library Card section.
    • Update your information
    • Click Save when finished.

    If you have a library card with another library that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, create two separate accounts using two different email addresses. Hoopla requires you to create a login for each library card. Using different email addresses per login is the best way to do this.

    To switch accounts, click the setting tool and scroll to Log Out. You must log out completely before logging back into a different account. 

    In the Hoopla app

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap the library name listed under the Library heading
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Tap Contra Costa County Library

    On the Hoopla website

    • Click the gear icon to go to Setting
    • Go to the Library tab on the Settings page
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Click on Contra Costa County Library - you will see a blue checkmark to the right of the name which indicates it is the active library

    This will reset your account to use Contra Costa County Library's collection. If you use other libraries, you will have to change this setting each time to use a different library's collection.

    Go to the hoopla link from the Library's website, or go to hoopladigital.com and click on Get Started.  

    • Step 1 will explain what is needed to get started with hoopla. click on Let's Go!
    • Step 2 is to Find Your Library. Type in Contra Costa County Library
    • Step 3 is to enter your Library Card Number and PIN
    • Step 4 is to enter your email address and the password of your choice

    Note: If you have a card with another library system that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, you will need to create two separate accounts using two different email addresses.  

    The eCard will not work with hoopla. Please upgrade to a full-access library card. 

    To check out materials through Hoopla, you need the following:

    • A full access Contra Costa County library card in good standing. eCards will not provide access to Hoopla. 
    • Internet access
    • For mobile devices, the Hoopla Digital app for iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire HDX. See a full list of devices at the Hoopla Help site. Click on Supported Devices to see a full list. 
    • For PC or Mac users, any current web browser. You will be prompted to download a video player plug-in called Widevine the first time you watch a video if you are using a browser other than Chrome. Supported browsers: IE 10 and 11, Chrome 39 and newer, Firefox 32 and newer, Safari 7 and newer, Edge.
    • A Hoopla account. You can create a Hoopla account on the Hoopla login page.

  • eAudiobooks

    If you use Hoopla and your library card number is replaced, you will need to update your library card number in your Hoopla account.

    On the Hoopla website

    • Sign in to your Hoopla account at hoopladigital.com with your existing email address and password that you created when you signed up.
    • Click on the gear icon located at the top of the Hoopla page to open your settings.
    • Click on Library
    • Make sure the library name field still says Contra Costa County Library.
    • Update the information in the Library Card field. 
    • Click Save.

    To update in the Hoopla app

    • Open the app
    • The gear icon for settings is in the lower right.
    • Scroll the settings and click on the Library Card section.
    • Update your information
    • Click Save when finished.

    If you have a library card with another library that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, create two separate accounts using two different email addresses. Hoopla requires you to create a login for each library card. Using different email addresses per login is the best way to do this.

    To switch accounts, click the setting tool and scroll to Log Out. You must log out completely before logging back into a different account. 

    In the Hoopla app

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap the library name listed under the Library heading
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Tap Contra Costa County Library

    On the Hoopla website

    • Click the gear icon to go to Setting
    • Go to the Library tab on the Settings page
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Click on Contra Costa County Library - you will see a blue checkmark to the right of the name which indicates it is the active library

    This will reset your account to use Contra Costa County Library's collection. If you use other libraries, you will have to change this setting each time to use a different library's collection.

    Go to the hoopla link from the Library's website, or go to hoopladigital.com and click on Get Started.  

    • Step 1 will explain what is needed to get started with hoopla. click on Let's Go!
    • Step 2 is to Find Your Library. Type in Contra Costa County Library
    • Step 3 is to enter your Library Card Number and PIN
    • Step 4 is to enter your email address and the password of your choice

    Note: If you have a card with another library system that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, you will need to create two separate accounts using two different email addresses.  

    The eCard will not work with hoopla. Please upgrade to a full-access library card. 

    To check out materials through Hoopla, you need the following:

    • A full access Contra Costa County library card in good standing. eCards will not provide access to Hoopla. 
    • Internet access
    • For mobile devices, the Hoopla Digital app for iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire HDX. See a full list of devices at the Hoopla Help site. Click on Supported Devices to see a full list. 
    • For PC or Mac users, any current web browser. You will be prompted to download a video player plug-in called Widevine the first time you watch a video if you are using a browser other than Chrome. Supported browsers: IE 10 and 11, Chrome 39 and newer, Firefox 32 and newer, Safari 7 and newer, Edge.
    • A Hoopla account. You can create a Hoopla account on the Hoopla login page.

  • eMagazines

    If you use Hoopla and your library card number is replaced, you will need to update your library card number in your Hoopla account.

    On the Hoopla website

    • Sign in to your Hoopla account at hoopladigital.com with your existing email address and password that you created when you signed up.
    • Click on the gear icon located at the top of the Hoopla page to open your settings.
    • Click on Library
    • Make sure the library name field still says Contra Costa County Library.
    • Update the information in the Library Card field. 
    • Click Save.

    To update in the Hoopla app

    • Open the app
    • The gear icon for settings is in the lower right.
    • Scroll the settings and click on the Library Card section.
    • Update your information
    • Click Save when finished.

    If you have a library card with another library that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, create two separate accounts using two different email addresses. Hoopla requires you to create a login for each library card. Using different email addresses per login is the best way to do this.

    To switch accounts, click the setting tool and scroll to Log Out. You must log out completely before logging back into a different account. 

    In the Hoopla app

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap the library name listed under the Library heading
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Tap Contra Costa County Library

    On the Hoopla website

    • Click the gear icon to go to Setting
    • Go to the Library tab on the Settings page
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Click on Contra Costa County Library - you will see a blue checkmark to the right of the name which indicates it is the active library

    This will reset your account to use Contra Costa County Library's collection. If you use other libraries, you will have to change this setting each time to use a different library's collection.

    Go to the hoopla link from the Library's website, or go to hoopladigital.com and click on Get Started.  

    • Step 1 will explain what is needed to get started with hoopla. click on Let's Go!
    • Step 2 is to Find Your Library. Type in Contra Costa County Library
    • Step 3 is to enter your Library Card Number and PIN
    • Step 4 is to enter your email address and the password of your choice

    Note: If you have a card with another library system that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, you will need to create two separate accounts using two different email addresses.  

    The eCard will not work with hoopla. Please upgrade to a full-access library card. 

    To check out materials through Hoopla, you need the following:

    • A full access Contra Costa County library card in good standing. eCards will not provide access to Hoopla. 
    • Internet access
    • For mobile devices, the Hoopla Digital app for iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire HDX. See a full list of devices at the Hoopla Help site. Click on Supported Devices to see a full list. 
    • For PC or Mac users, any current web browser. You will be prompted to download a video player plug-in called Widevine the first time you watch a video if you are using a browser other than Chrome. Supported browsers: IE 10 and 11, Chrome 39 and newer, Firefox 32 and newer, Safari 7 and newer, Edge.
    • A Hoopla account. You can create a Hoopla account on the Hoopla login page.

  • eNewspapers

    Use NewsBank to search current and archived local, US, and global news sources, including the East Bay Times Daily Image Edition and the San Francisco Chronicle Collection. 

    Your Library card gives you free access to the digital edition of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. 

    PressReader is a newspaper and magazine service that provides access to current publications from over 120 countries, in 60 different languages. Publications include The Economist, USA Today, The New York Times, La Opinión, World Journal, Times of India, El Diario, La Razón, China Daily, Der Tagesspiegel, The Guardian, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Variety, Newsweek, and Popular Science.  

    Your personal subscription already gives you all of the access that you can get through the Library. If you have a personal subscription to the NYTimes, The Athletic, or another one of their products, and you try to use a library pass, you will see a message that states:

    "It looks like you're already a subscriber. At this time, pre-existing Digital or Home Delivery subscribers are not eligible to receive gift subscriptions."

    Patrons may use a different email address to gain access via the library. 

    You will need a computer or device with a web browser since the Wall Street Journal mobile app does not work with the library's subscription. 

    • Go to the Wall Street Journal from the Library's Digital Resources A-Z page.
    • Click on the link under the "Get Started" instructions to either create your WSJ account or to log in again as an existing user.
    • If this is your first time and you don't have a WSJ account:
      • Enter your first and last name, email address, and a password.
      • To avoid getting updates and special offers from Dow Jones and affiliates, including the WSJ, you may want to uncheck the first box on the account sign in page.
      • You must check the second box agreeing to the WSJ Privacy Notice.
      • Click on the Create button to log in. 
    • If you have already have a WSJ account:
      • Select the SIGN IN button
      • Enter your email address and WSJ password. 
      • To avoid getting updates and special offers from Dow Jones and affiliates, including the WSJ, you may want to uncheck the first box on the account sign in page.
      • You must check the second box agreeing to the WSJ Privacy Notice.
      • Click on the Create button to log in. 
    • After 3 days (72 hours), click on the link again and login as an existing user with the same username and password you originally created.

  • eBooks

    For a step by step guide to OverDrive/Libby, please go to their Getting Started page.

    For OverDrive titles we recommend using the Libby app:

    For content on Hoopla, please install the Hoopla app.

    For getting started with TumbleBooks, see its User Guide

    For TumbleBooks titles we recommend using the TumbleBooks app:

    Holds may be suspended for up to 90 days. Your position in the hold queue continues to advance while your hold is suspended, but the hold is not filled. After the suspension period ends, your hold continues to advance until the title becomes available. If you move to the first position in the waiting list while your hold is suspended, the system skips ahead to fill the next hold. Your request is filled once the suspension period ends.

    eBooks and eAudiobooks automatically return themselves once the due date is reached. The file deletes itself from your device and there is nothing else you need to do. eBooks and eAudiobooks do not become overdue and do not become lost. 

    You can return eBooks and eAudiobooks early if you so choose. To return them early:

    OverDrive/Libby downloads can be renewed as long as there are no holds. Please review the instructions on how to renew your OverDrive items.

    Instructions for renewing titles in Libby.

    OverDrive/Libby made a change that prevents users from being able to return titles from the Library catalog if they have been checked out to a Kindle device. This change was made in June 2024 to fix an issue where Kindle loans could appear out-of-sync with Amazon's systems.

    Patrons who try to return one of these titles from the catalog will see the following message: "This title cannot be returned from this device."

    To return Kindle eBooks borrowed through the Library catalog, you will need to return them through the Amazon website or the Kindle app. You cannot return them directly through the Library catalog. The catalog vendor has been notified to not display the return action for these titles and to provide instructions for how to return a title from a device.

    The Kindle eBook format for titles previously available through OverDrive/Libby may sometimes be removed by Amazon. When this happens, patrons who are trying to return their eBooks via Amazon, will receive the following error message: "Sorry this book is not currently available. Please return to your library to see if you can check out the book in a different format." 

    Titles are automatically returned to the library on their due dates. When titles are returned, they are also removed from your Shelf and deleted from your device (if downloaded). 

    Please let library staff know when you get this error message so the issue can be brought to the attention of OverDrive and Amazon. 

    If you use Hoopla and your library card number is replaced, you will need to update your library card number in your Hoopla account.

    On the Hoopla website

    • Sign in to your Hoopla account at hoopladigital.com with your existing email address and password that you created when you signed up.
    • Click on the gear icon located at the top of the Hoopla page to open your settings.
    • Click on Library
    • Make sure the library name field still says Contra Costa County Library.
    • Update the information in the Library Card field. 
    • Click Save.

    To update in the Hoopla app

    • Open the app
    • The gear icon for settings is in the lower right.
    • Scroll the settings and click on the Library Card section.
    • Update your information
    • Click Save when finished.

    Recently, OverDrive removed the ability to early return Kindle eBooks through the library catalog, the Libby app, or the library's OverDrive website. This change was made to fix an issue where Kindle eBook loans could appear out-of-sync with Amazon's systems.

    Users can still return Kindle eBook loans early. If users finish Kindle eBook loans early, they can return them through their Kindle eReader, Kindle app, or Amazon’s website. Here are two help articles with instructions:

    All eBooks are automatically returned at the end of their lending period. 

    If you have a library card with another library that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, create two separate accounts using two different email addresses. Hoopla requires you to create a login for each library card. Using different email addresses per login is the best way to do this.

    To switch accounts, click the setting tool and scroll to Log Out. You must log out completely before logging back into a different account. 

    In the Hoopla app

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap the library name listed under the Library heading
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Tap Contra Costa County Library

    On the Hoopla website

    • Click the gear icon to go to Setting
    • Go to the Library tab on the Settings page
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Click on Contra Costa County Library - you will see a blue checkmark to the right of the name which indicates it is the active library

    This will reset your account to use Contra Costa County Library's collection. If you use other libraries, you will have to change this setting each time to use a different library's collection.

    Go to the hoopla link from the Library's website, or go to hoopladigital.com and click on Get Started.  

    • Step 1 will explain what is needed to get started with hoopla. click on Let's Go!
    • Step 2 is to Find Your Library. Type in Contra Costa County Library
    • Step 3 is to enter your Library Card Number and PIN
    • Step 4 is to enter your email address and the password of your choice

    Note: If you have a card with another library system that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, you will need to create two separate accounts using two different email addresses.  

    The eCard will not work with hoopla. Please upgrade to a full-access library card. 

    To check out materials through Hoopla, you need the following:

    • A full access Contra Costa County library card in good standing. eCards will not provide access to Hoopla. 
    • Internet access
    • For mobile devices, the Hoopla Digital app for iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire HDX. See a full list of devices at the Hoopla Help site. Click on Supported Devices to see a full list. 
    • For PC or Mac users, any current web browser. You will be prompted to download a video player plug-in called Widevine the first time you watch a video if you are using a browser other than Chrome. Supported browsers: IE 10 and 11, Chrome 39 and newer, Firefox 32 and newer, Safari 7 and newer, Edge.
    • A Hoopla account. You can create a Hoopla account on the Hoopla login page.

    OverDrive/Libby may receive the EPUB/PDF format from the publisher before Amazon can update their catalog with the Kindle format. If the Kindle format becomes available, it will automatically be added to the Library's OverDrive/Libby collection for titles we have purchased.

    You can download the Libby app on most iOS and Android devices. If your device isn’t compatible with the app, you can still use Libby in your browser at libbyapp.com. We suggest using the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.

    If you want to read on a Kindle device, you can use Libby; however, you must use a different device to send the eBook to your Kindle. There is no Libby app available in the Amazon app store at this time.

    The Library's OverDrive website will continue to be ccc.lib.overdrive.com.

  • Streaming

    We offer streaming eAudiobooks through OverDrive/Libby and TumbleBook Library  

    OverDrive Listen is a streaming audiobook player that works on computers, tablets, and mobile devices with compatible web browsers. You can go to the OverDrive Listen page to get started.

    Kanopy is a streaming video service offering thousands of films, including critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films, and more.

    Kanopy is the Library's streaming video service offering popular movies, independent and international films, documentaries, and other educational entertainment. Collections include Criterion, BBC Studios, the Great Courses, PBS, and more.

    To get started with Kanopy:

    • Go to https://ccclib.kanopy.com/
    • Click on Add Library Card and enter your Library card number and your 6-digit PIN. Click Continue.
    • Create your Kanopy account by entering your first and last name, email address, and then creating a password.
    • Check your inbox for a verification email from Kanopy.
    • Go back to Kanopy to start watching films.

    NOTE: If you use Facebook or Google to log in, you will not be able to use Kanopy's "Forgot Password?" tool for retrieval.

    If you are unable to log into your Kanopy account due to a lost or forgotten email and/or password, please contact Kanopy Technical Support. 

    You will get 24 tickets each month to watch films. See the number of tickets and access period for each film next to the play button. Kanopy Kids titles don't use tickets, so you can watch as many kid-friendly titles as you'd like. How tickets work. 

    If you have a library card with another library that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, create two separate accounts using two different email addresses. Hoopla requires you to create a login for each library card. Using different email addresses per login is the best way to do this.

    To switch accounts, click the setting tool and scroll to Log Out. You must log out completely before logging back into a different account. 

    In the Hoopla app

    • Go to Settings
    • Tap the library name listed under the Library heading
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Tap Contra Costa County Library

    On the Hoopla website

    • Click the gear icon to go to Setting
    • Go to the Library tab on the Settings page
    • Search for Contra Costa County Library
    • Click on Contra Costa County Library - you will see a blue checkmark to the right of the name which indicates it is the active library

    This will reset your account to use Contra Costa County Library's collection. If you use other libraries, you will have to change this setting each time to use a different library's collection.

    Go to the hoopla link from the Library's website, or go to hoopladigital.com and click on Get Started.  

    • Step 1 will explain what is needed to get started with hoopla. click on Let's Go!
    • Step 2 is to Find Your Library. Type in Contra Costa County Library
    • Step 3 is to enter your Library Card Number and PIN
    • Step 4 is to enter your email address and the password of your choice

    Note: If you have a card with another library system that offers hoopla and you want to take advantage of both collections, you will need to create two separate accounts using two different email addresses.  

    The eCard will not work with hoopla. Please upgrade to a full-access library card. 

    To check out materials through Hoopla, you need the following:

    • A full access Contra Costa County library card in good standing. eCards will not provide access to Hoopla. 
    • Internet access
    • For mobile devices, the Hoopla Digital app for iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire HDX. See a full list of devices at the Hoopla Help site. Click on Supported Devices to see a full list. 
    • For PC or Mac users, any current web browser. You will be prompted to download a video player plug-in called Widevine the first time you watch a video if you are using a browser other than Chrome. Supported browsers: IE 10 and 11, Chrome 39 and newer, Firefox 32 and newer, Safari 7 and newer, Edge.
    • A Hoopla account. You can create a Hoopla account on the Hoopla login page.

    If you receive a “blocked library” or expired error message, please use the option to Add Library Card or follow these instructions. 

    • In a web browser, log into your Kanopy user account at https://www.kanopy.com, opens a new window. Upon logging in, you may see the Contra Costa County Library appear under Expired or Blocked Libraries. Click on Add your library card and enter your library card number and PIN. Select Save.
    • From the Kanopy app, please first log into your Kanopy account. Once logged in, navigate to the Memberships screen from the More button at the lower right of the app. From there, tap on the expired membership and enter your library card number and PIN. Tap Verify.

    Patrons can also supply both credentials proactively in a web browser:

    Patrons will need to perform these membership renewal steps by logging into Kanopy either through a web browser or by using the Kanopy mobile app. Memberships cannot be renewed through Kanopy's TV apps.