eBooks & Streaming Movies FAQs

  • General Questions

    You can get a library card either by applying online or in person at the library.

    Applying Online

    You can apply online, opens a new window for an instant library card. To use the online application, you need to be a resident of Marin County. You will be able to access online resources and place holds on items for pickup. (Some online resources may take up to 24 hours to become available). When you come into the library, you can also get a physical library card.

    If you live outside Marin County, you will need to apply in person at the library.

    Applying In Person

    To apply in person at any branch, you will need to bring a valid Driver’s License or other official photo identification.

    If you are a visitor from out-of-state, you can apply for a Visitor’s Card. It costs $10 and is good for 3 months.

    If you are under 13, your parent or legal guardian must come with you to the library, and bring their photo I.D. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for items checked out on the child’s card and any related fines and fees. 

    Whether or not you have had a PIN/password before, you can get a new one on the MARINet Request a New Password (PIN), opens a new window page. You will be emailed a link to reset your PIN/password. 

    PIN/passwords can contain numbers and/or letters and must be from 4 to 30 characters long. 

    You should avoid using common words or phrases and never include personal information. Some combinations, such as repeated characters or patterns, are not complex enough to be a password. 

    Some Library services will refer to a PIN and others refer to a password. These are the same thing. 

    Your access to online library services is determined by your residence address. Get more information, and find out what your “home library” is, on our Access to Online Services page.

    The Library provides several digital options for eBooks and eAudiobooks, including downloadable and streaming versions.  More information is available on our eBooks page.

    You will need your library card and password to access these resources.

    Further restrictions apply to some resources, including Hoopla. Learn more.

    • Overdrive/Libby: 25 checkouts, 25 holds, checkout for 7, 14 or 21 days
    • Hoopla: 8 checkouts per month, checkout for up to 21 days
    • Enki: 10 checkouts, 10 holds, checkout for 21 days

    Downloading vs streaming depends on your situation - here are the pros and cons for each.

    Downloading: 

    Pros = no WiFi needed once you've downloaded files
    Cons = Uses a lot of storage; one user at a time

    Streaming:

    Pros = No storage required; multiple users at once
    Cons = Need constant WiFi access

    Get more access to ebooks through the Partner Library feature.  Like Link+ but for OverDrive/Libby ebooks and audiobooks, MARINet patrons can borrow items from partner libraries. 

    Our partners are the Peninsula Library System and NorthNet Library System.  Partner library patrons can borrow items from each other that aren't currently checked out and do not have any holds.

    How does it work in Libby?  Just add Peninsula Library System and NorthNet Library System as new libraries and then checkout available titles.

    1. In Libby, click the center bottom button and then "Add Library."

    2. Search for "Peninsula Library" then click on "Peninsula Library System."

    3. Click on "Sign In With My Card."

    4. Scroll down and pick your home library under "Partner Libraries."

    5.  Sign in using your library card number and PIN.

    6.  Repeat steps for "NorthNet."

    Browse and borrow from MARINet, Peninsula Library System or NorthNet!

    To switch between library catalogs, just click the center button and then the library name.  The current catalog is indicated with a star.

    All loans will show up in your account, no matter which partner library owns them.

    How does it work on the OverDrive site?

    "Partner libraries" will show up at the top of our OverDrive website:

    When you click on "Partner Libraries" a pop-up box will list libraries that you can borrow from:

    Once on the Peninsula Library System or NorthNet site,  select your home library and sign in using your barcode and PIN.

    Patrons will only be able to borrow materials that are available.  (On Libby, patrons only see available items.)  On the OverDrive website patrons will see everything - even titles you can't borrow.

    If patrons try to borrow a title that has holds, they will get this error message:

    Yes! You can reach us using our online contact form. We will reply as quickly as we can.

    You can also reach us by phone to your local branch during open hours.

    Yes, please. Returning eBooks and audiobooks as soon as you have finished with them makes them available sooner to other patrons. To return OverDrive materials early, follow these instructions. (Hoopla eBooks don’t need to be returned, as these are available to multiple patrons at the same time).

    Access issues of Consumer Reports, opens a new window from 2014 to the current issue through Flipster.

    Tip: To see back issues, click on the current magazine cover, and then click on “All Issues” in the menu on the right.  You can also search within one issue or all issues, and browse all the covers.

    • No waitlists – everything is instantly available.
    • Watch up to 8 movies a month. Most movies check out for 3 days
    • Works on most devices, either through a browser or apps available for iOS, Android, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku & Fire TV.

    • Access to Hoopla is free with your library card. Restrictions apply based on your home address.

      Need help?  Visit the Hoopla help pages, opens a new window for more information, apps and troubleshooting.

    • No waitlists – everything is instantly available.
    • Watch up to 8 movies a month. Films check out for 3 days.
    • Works on most devices, either through a browser or apps available for iOS, Android, Chromecast, Apple TV and Roku.
    • Access to Kanopy is free with your library card. Restrictions apply based on your home address.

    Starting November 1, Kanopy is replacing play credits with a ticket system. Learn more.

    Need help? Visit the Kanopy help pages, opens a new window for more information, apps and troubleshooting.

    The Library provides access to digital magazines through OverDrive and Flipster:  

    OverDrive, opens a new window has online access to hundreds of popular magazines for adults, children and teens.
    Flipster, opens a new window provides access to Consumer Reports.

    More details are available on our Magazines & News page.

    You will need your library card and password to access these resources.

    Further restrictions apply to some resources, including Flipster. Learn more.

    The Library provides access to free streaming services for movies, TV, and music. 

    Hoopla, opens a new window - offers popular streaming movies and TV, as well as eBooks, audiobooks, comic books and music.  Also check out Hoopla Children’s, opens a new window categories for a large selection for kids.

    Kanopy, opens a new window - features classic and world cinema, indie films and top documentaries, as well as instructional films and lessons, including the Great Courses series.  Also check out Kanopy Kids, opens a new window for movies, TV and learning videos for children.

    Find out more details on our Movies & TV page and Music page.

    You will need your library card and password to access these resources.

    Further restrictions apply to some resources, including Hoopla & Kanopy. Learn more.