UPDATE (11/23/11): Kindle Book access has been restored to the Penguin titles that were already in the Library District's OverDrive collection.
eBook users who had any of these titles on hold do not need to do anything. The Kindle option was restored automatically. When the hold becomes available, users will have the option to 
check out the title in Kindle or other available formats.
Unfortunately, if the hold became available during the past few days and you already checked out the book in another format, it is not possible to switch the format to Kindle Book after checkout. You will need to place a new hold on the title after the current checkout expires or after after you return the eBook. (How do I return an OverDrive eBook?)
So far, Penguin is keeping an embargo on future releases, which probably means that libraries won’t be able to buy eBook versions of new Penguin titles until after they’ve been out on the market for weeks, or even months.
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On November 21st, the Library District got word from OverDrive that the publishing house Penguin has suspended availability of its eBook titles in Kindle format. This is limited to Penguin titles, but Penguin publishes some very popular books and authors.
If the OverDrive title you have on hold has been removed in Kindle format, we want you to know it is not a library error, it is because of the Penguin publishing house's suspension of library lending in Kindle format.
While in line for the hold, the format shows simply as eBook. After you are notified that your hold is available, that is when you are given the choice to download in the formats available for that title, such as ePub, pdf, or Kindle Book.
OverDrive is negotiating with Penguin to reverse this decision, and the Library District is closely monitoring the situation. If you would like to contact Penguin directly to register a complaint about the policy, send an email to Erica Glass, Media Relations Manager, Penguin Group (USA) or call (212) 366-2951.
The Good news: Kindle users can still check out Penguin books in ePub format if they would like to view the ePub versions on a PC or Mac computer with Adobe Digital Editions installed. Need to download Adobe Digital Editions? http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/
The Bad news: The ePub format of eBooks cannot be used on Kindle devices at this time.
This might just be your excuse to visit your local library branch and check out some books today.
System status
A new library system and online catalog will debut on May 30. Here's the current status of:
- Checkouts: Continue as usual, but May 24-29 you must have your physical library card in hand to check out materials.
- Due dates: All checkouts will have a due date of June 22, except DVDs and GRU watt meters, which still have 7-day limit.
- Holds and requests: New holds and purchase requests cannot be placed until May 30, but those placed previously will continue to be processed and will carry over to the new system.
- Returns: Please "Babysit Our Books" — keep them until the new system is running smoothly (mid-June).
- Registration: Continues as usual today, but cannot be done May 24-29, as our entire system will be down.
- Interlibrary loan: No new ILL requests can be placed May 24-29.
- Digital checkouts: OverDrive checkouts and holds will work normally throughout the transition.
- My Discoveries: Will be retired with the AquaBrowser catalog on May 24. Please retrieve any saved book lists before then.
- Website: The Library District website (www.aclib.us) will be up as normal throughout the transition.
- My Account: Account info will be available through May 24. Your account will appear on the new system on May 30.
- Bill payment: All payments including PayPal are working today. No payments can be accepted May 24-29
- New catalog: Watch for its debut on May 30, with new features.
More about the transition.
More about the new online catalog.
Have any questions? Please Ask Us!
