Blackstone Library has signed up with the Connecticut State Library to provide access to eGO, their platform for ebooks and e-audiobooks.
Blackstone Library’s and the State Library’s collections of ebook and e-audiobook titles are available using the SimplyE app, designed by the New York Public Library. Follow the quick start guide below or visit eGO’s page for additional help topics. The following collections can be searched and downloaded from the app.
- Blackstone Library’s OverDrive collection
- Connecticut State Library’s Baker & Taylor collection
- Connecticut State Library’s RBdigital collection
- Connecticut State Library’s Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) Exchange collection
- DPLA Open Bookshelf collection
- New York Public Library’s Instant classics collection
Quick Start Guide
Installing the App & Logging In
Search the Google Play or Apple App Store for “SimplyE.” To begin using the app, open it and log in with your full library card number.
Searching & Browsing
To browse titles: Tap Catalog at the bottom of the screen, which will display titles in various categories. Swipe from left to right to view the popular and available books in each category (tap the category titles or More… to view all books in a category). To search for a specific author or title: Tap the search icon in the upper right corner and enter the author or book name. Tap the cover of any book to read its description, or download or reserve it.
Sorting & Filtering Results
When viewing all books in a category, you can sort by Author, Availability, or Collection. You can also sort books in the My Books and Reservations tabs.
Reading E-Books
Once a book is downloaded, tap the Read button. Turn pages by tapping on the right or left edges of the screen. Tap the center of the screen to open the navigation bar. The table of contents can be found in the upper right corner. To exit the title, tap the back arrow (<) in the upper left corner. Tap Aa to access controls for adjusting text style and size, brightness, and contrast.
Accessing New Holds & Borrowed E-Books
In the Reservations and My Books screens, tap the refresh icon in the upper left corner to check for available holds and books you may have checked out from another source. E-books downloaded with another app might not available to view in SimplyE.
Returning E-Books
All borrowed digital titles are automatically returned at the end of their lending periods, so you never have to worry about late fees (exceptions include titles in the public domain, which can stay on your SimplyE bookshelf indefinitely). To return a title early: Go to My Books, tap the title and tap Return.
How to Log In with Your Library Card
Apple iOS Devices
- Tap the Settings tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Tap Accounts
- Select your library
- Tap and enter your barcode number
- Tap Catalog tab at the bottom left of the screen to start browsing and searching for e-books
Android Devices
- Tap Menu on the Upper Left of the screen
- Tap Manage Accounts
- Tap Accounts
- Tap the relevant library you wish to log into
- Tap Log In
- Enter your library card number
- Tap Log In
- Tap Accounts in the top left corner until you see Settings then tap Catalog to start browsing for e-books
If you encounter problems logging in with your library card number, please tap Report An Issue under your respective library’s account screen.
Device Compatibility
Apple iOS
- iPad, iPad 2, iPad Air, iPad mini iOS 8+
- iPhone, 4,5,6 iOS 8+
- iPod Touch iOS 8+