Stream & Download

Download and stream for free using your Ames Public Library card!

Bridges logo

Bridges

Browse, borrow, and enjoy e-audiobooks, e-books, and videos on your computer or tablet. 

Visit resource website

Can't find it?

If you're looking for an e-book or e-audiobook that's not available on these services, you may let us know through our Request an Item form.

Bridges Basics

NOTE: Only residents of the City of Ames or rural Story County can access Bridges with an Ames Public Library card. If you live elsewhere, please talk to Library staff to learn how to access this resource.

Formats: 
Audiobooks, e-Books, Magazines, Movies

How Many: 
3 at a time. Items can be returned before their due dates to check out more.

How Long: 
14 Days. You can choose 7 days instead at checkout if desired.

Holds: 
You can have 10 items on hold at a time.

Renewal: 
You may renew 3 days before the item expires if the item has no holds.

Download for Offline Use: 
You can download on computers and mobile devices.

Apps & Devices:

The OverDrive app has been discontinued. We encourage you to make the switch to their newer app, Libby. Find out more at www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/switchtolibby

ComicsPlus Basics

Formats:
Comics

How Many:
No limit!

How Long:
No Limit!

Holds:
All items are always available!

Download for Offline Use:
You can download on mobile devices.

Apps & Devices:
Library Pass app on Android and iOS

Hoopla Basics

NOTE: Only residents of Story County can access Hoopla with an Ames Public Library card. If you live elsewhere, please talk to Library staff to learn how to access this resource.

Formats:
Audiobooks, Comics, e-Books, Movies, Music, Television

How Many:
6 per month. Checkout limit resets on the first of the month.

How Long:
Movies/TV: 3 days
Music: 7 days
All Other: 21 days

Holds:
All items are always available!

Renewal:
Just check it out again (if you haven’t reached the monthly checkout limit).

Download for Offline Use:
You can download on mobile devices but NOT on computers.

Apps & Devices:

  • Hoopla app on Android, Android TV, Chromecast, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Airplay, Mac, Kindle Fire, Fire TV, Windows, and Roku

Kanopy Basics

NOTE: Only residents of Story County can access Kanopy with an Ames Public Library card. If you live elsewhere, please talk to Library staff to learn how to access this resource.

Formats:
Movies

How Many:
6 per month. Checkout limit resets on the first of the month.

How Long:
3 days (72 hours).

Holds:
All items are always available!

Renewal:
Just check it out again (if you haven’t reached the monthly checkout limit).

Download for Offline Use:
Downloading is not available.

Apps & Devices:

  • Kanopy app on Android, Android TV, Chromecast, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Airplay, Mac, Kindle Fire, Fire TV, Windows, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Telestra TV

Quick Start Guides

  • Visit AmesPublicLibrary.org.
  • Hover over the Books, Movies & More tab, then click Stream & Download.
  • Below the Bridges logo, click Visit Resource Website.
  • Click Sign In, located in the upper right corner of the screen.
  • Click Select your library and select Ames Public Library.
  • Type in your Library Card Number and PIN or password and click Sign in.

Bridges can be accessed on a computer. For mobile devices, search the App Store or Google Play Store for Libby by Overdrive.

For Kindle users, please refer to these directions from OverDrive: Borrowing Kindle Books from your library.

 

Find more information about Bridges from Overdrive, including instructions for specific devices, on the Overdrive Help webpage.

  • Visit AmesPublicLibrary.org.
  • Hover over the Books, Movies & More tab, then click Stream & Download.
  • Below the Hoopla logo, click Visit Resource Website.
  • If this is your first time using Hoopla, click Get Started Today in the middle of the screen.
    • You will be prompted to create an account, inputting your email address, and choosing a password.
    • When the form is complete, click Agree.
  • If you already have a Hoopla account, or once your account is set up, type your login email and password in the upper right corner and click Log In!

Hoopla can be used on a computer, Apple, Android and Amazon Fire mobile devices, and can be connected to Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Alexa streaming devices. Search the App Store or Google Play Store for Hoopla to download the Hoopla app.

 

Find more information on the Hoopla Help webpage.

  • Visit AmesPublicLibrary.org.
  • Hover over the Books, Movies & More tab, then click Stream & Download.
  • Below the Kanopy logo, click Visit Resource Website.
  • If this is your first time using Kanopy, click Add Library Card, found on the middle-left part of the screen.
    • Type in your Library Card Number and click Continue.
    • Create your Kanopy account by completing the form information, then click Sign Up.
  • If you already have a Kanopy account, or once your account is set up, type your login email and password in the upper right corner and click Log In.

 

Find more information at the Kanopy Help webpage.

Please Note: Ames Public Library contracts with third party vendors and library consortia that distribute electronic content through licensing agreements. Some vendors, at their own initiative, may gather information about library patrons through the registration process and/or library transactions for their own marketing purposes. Such information is not protected by the Ames Public Library's confidentiality policy.