New Mississauga share program boosts digital library content by 260,000

A boost of a quarter-million titles should keep Mississauga e-book readers busy for quite some time.

The Mississauga Library has joined forces with library systems in Hamilton, Burlington, London and Ottawa to combine access which will mean an additional 260,000 titles including eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines.

The partnership means that Mississauga Library cardholders can now access a new variety of information including various media and library research material in a digital format from the comfort of home.

The expansion feeds into the desire of Mississauga Library users to go digital.

Statistics shows that in 2020, the library experienced a 48 per cent increase in eBook and audiobook use.

Through Libby by OverDrive, those with a Mississauga Library card can borrow and place holds on digital materials from any of the five libraries. If the title you’re looking for isn’t available at the Mississauga Library, you have the option to search for and borrow library items from any of the other four libraries’ digital catalogues.

Accessing partner library materials:

1. Visit the Mississauga OverDrive homepage
2. Click Partner Libraries in top right corner of the homepage
3. Select the library of interest to access its catalogue
4. Select the item you’re interested in borrowing or placing on hold. You will be directed to a welcome page
5. Sign in by selecting your local library system for which you have a library card. Mississauga Library cardholders will select Mississauga Library from the drop-down menu
6. Complete the sign-in process by inputting your library card number and pin
7. Checkout your items following the same process you use when borrowing digital items from your local library

Those who use the Libby by OverDrive app can add the partner library systems to their account:

1. Click on the Libby logo in the app and select Add a Library in the side menu
2. Search for the partner library by name or city (e.g. Burlington Public Library)
3. Select I’m Visiting from Another Library. Select Mississauga Library and put in your library card number and pin

After adding the library to your account, it will remain as an option until you choose to remove it.

Mississauga Library cards are free for those of all ages who live, go to school, work or own property in Mississauga. Those who are 16 years old or older can also register for a virtual library card to access the digital catalogue and many online library services.

Visit mississaugalibrary.ca for more information.

The new sharing program stems from an initiated approved by Mississauga City Council earlier this that encourages the library system to enter into resource sharing agreements as opportunities arise.