
Are you wondering if your device works with the library’s platforms? Are you thinking of buying yourself or someone you know a new tablet or smartphone?
In this blog post we’ll take a look at what devices work best with our services and how you can get access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, magazines, and so much more!
First, let’s define what a device is. An electronic device is a device that accomplishes its purpose by electronic means. That could be anything from an answering machine to a smartphone.
Computers, smartphones, and tablets are all examples of common electronic devices. However, computers, smartphones, and tablets do not all necessarily perform the same tasks in the same way.
How does this all apply to Sarasota County Libraries digital services? Well, that all depends on how you want to read your eBooks.
Do you want to read an eBook on your computer? Some of you might. But we’d venture to guess most of you would love nothing more than to pull up your favorite author’s newest book on your tablet and kick back in an easy chair on your lanai.
Let’s dive in and look at what devices work best with our digital collections.

cloudLibrary is one of our most popular services. This collection makes it easy to discover the content you want to read. You can download eBooks and eAudiobooks to your computer or portable device using the cloudLibrary
app.
Apple | Android | Kindle | Web | Google Chrome | |
App | Apple App for iOS | Google Play for Android | Directions on how to download app for Kindle Fire | – | – |
Portable Devices | Apple iPhone and iPad | Examples: Samsung Galaxy phone, Motorola phone, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo Tab* | Kindle Fire Series** | – | – |
Computer or Browser | No app. Internet browser*** | No app. Internet browser*** | – | Visit cloudLibrary online or get Adobe Digital Editions | Google Chrome Webstore |
*There are many compatible devices with the Android Operating System. Contact a retailer to check to see if the device connects to the Google Play Store before purchasing.
**Please note that cloudLibrary does not work with Kindle e-Readers, including: Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Signature, Kindle Oasis, Kindle Kids, and Kindle Paperwhite Kids.
*** cloudLibrary computer app has been retired and is no longer supported.
Tutorial on how to use cloudLibrary .

hoopla® is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by the library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV!
Titles can be streamed immediately or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. We have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. hoopla® is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.
Apple | Android | Kindle | Web | Google Chrome | Other | |
App | App Store | Google Play Store | Amazon App Store | – | – | – |
Portable Device | Apple iPhone and iPad | Examples: Samsung Galaxy phone, Motorola phone, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo Tab* | Kindle Fire HDX 7” or 8.9” | – | – | – |
Computer or Browser | Browser | Browser | – | Browser | Google Chrome Webstore | – |
Smart TV | Apple TV | – | Fire TV | – | Chromecast | Roku |
Tutorial on how to use hoopla®.

PressReader gives you instant access to the editorial content you know and love. Easy search tools make it quick to find what you’re looking for. Get global and multicultural publications from over 120 countries in more than 60 languages. Access the collection even on the go!
PressReader, similar to our database Flipster, offer magazines, but what sets it apart is its access to newspapers and global periodicals.
Apple | Android | Kindle | Windows | BlackBerry | |
App | App Store | Google Play Store | Amazon App Store | Microsoft Windows | BlackBerry World |
Portable Device | Apple iPhone and iPad | Examples: Samsung Galaxy phone, Motorola phone, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Lenovo Tab* | Minimum operating system: Android 4.1* | ||
Computer or Browser | Browser and Mac (Legacy) | Browser | – | – | – |
*The newest operating system to run Kindle Fire HD is FireOS 7.3.2.1.
Tutorial on how to use PressReader.
In addition to our on-demand tutorials, did you know you can book an appointment with library staff? You can get one-on-one help with our library databases and questions you have about your device. If you have trouble getting to a library location you can also call, email, or chat with our library staff by calling 941-861-1110 or starting a chat session here.