OverDrive and Sora

Learn How to Use Sora to Find and Read or Listen to Books

Check out the Getting Started with Sora for Students training modules for helpful guides and videos.

Frequently Asked Questions/How Do I...?

How do I find my library?

Website: From the Salem Middle School home page, click the Sora icon in the Apps for Students area or browse directly to http://soraapp.com. Click on "Find My School" then find and click on Salem Middle School.

Mobile App: Launch the mobile app after download. Tap "Find My School". Swipe left until you see "Salem Middle School" and tap "This is my school".

I already use the Libby app for the public library.

You can use the Sora app for the public library, as well. After signing in with your student ID number, tap the three lines in the top, right corner and find "Add a public library". You will need the number from your public library card and your four-digit PIN. Once they are connected, you can search for and download content from both collections. (You cannot add Salem Middle to the Libby app; Sora is the only way to connect both accounts.)

How do I sign in to Sora?

Enter your Student ID number when asked.

How do I find books and audiobooks to read?

Tap the binoculars in the menu and the bottom. You can search the collection by title if you know it by tapping on the magnifying glass in the top left. You may scroll the main page to see different categories or you may browse collections, which are curated lists of ebooks and audiobooks (such as Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, etc.). Tap or click on "Collections" in the blue menu bar.

How can I tell if a book or audiobook is available right now?

When you tap or click a title, you will see an option to "Borrow" if the title is available or "Place Hold" if the item is checked out. While searching and browsing, you may also set a filter (under Preferences) to find only titles that are available right now.

Can I read or listen to a sample before I download?

Yes! We like you to read a sample first if you are not sure about a book. Some books can only be downloaded a certain number of times before we have to buy them again. Reading samples can help us keep books in the collection longer.

How long can I keep out an ebook or audiobook?

The default checkout for both ebooks and audiobooks is 14 days.

I borrowed a book. Where do I go to read it?

After you borrow a book, it will automatically open. To return to a book after closing the app, tap the shelf icon (books) at the bottom.

What about data on my device? Is this a streaming service?

You must be connected to a wi-fi network or data plan to search for and borrow materials; however, all ebooks and audiobooks can be downloaded to your device to read or listen offline (not connected to wi-fi or data). The default is for ebooks and audiobooks to automatically download to your device. PC/Mac/Chromebook users: Sora may ask if you would like to install an app or shortcut. Installing will allow you to download content to the computer to be read or listened to offline (not connected to wi-fi).

The book I want isn't in right now. Can I place a hold?

When you tap or click on an unavailable title, you can tap "Place Hold". You will then see "On Hold". Sora will estimate how long your wait will be, but it could be sooner if people ahead of you return the title early. You can manage your holds by clicking or tapping on the "Shelf" icon (books) at the bottom and then selecting "Holds".

How will I know if my hold book has come in?

When your ebook or audiobook is ready for you, you will receive an in-app notification. Currently, there is not an option for a badge to appear on the app icon on your device's home screen. So, it's a good idea to check back regularly when you are waiting.

How do I return a book when I am finished?

Books will automatically be returned at the end of your loan period, but we strongly encourage you to return titles that you finish early.

To return a book early, go to your Shelf. Then, click or tap on the book you wish to return. Click or tap "Return" and then confirm.

Can I renew a book if I'm not finished?

Three days before your loan expires, you will see a link with the title on your shelf (in the app or on the website). Tap Renew to extend the loan for another 14 days. If another reader is waiting for the title, you will see Request Again instead of Renew. This will place a hold for the book so that you can get it back once the next reader is finished.

For more detailed help on these and other topics in OverDrive, please visit the OverDrive help page.