Q. How can I read ebooks in F&M’s collection offline?

While all of the ebooks in F&M’s collection can be read online, each provider determines how fully their ebooks can be downloaded for reading offline. Certain offline-accessible ebooks, termed Digital Rights Management-protected, carry restrictions on borrowing time and printing. A provider’s DRM-protected ebooks are compatible with specific reader apps, and you will be prompted to install the designated one the first time you borrow. Several common apps:

• EBSCO ebooks: Thorium Reader 
  • Thorium Reader is a free cross-platform app that supports various ebook formats
  • You should use your primary device to install Thorium Reader since the app doesn’t sync across devices
  • Thorium does not currently have a mobile app available
  • For EBSCO ebook access in Thorium, you will need a MyEBSCO account using a valid F&M email address. If you opt to use your F&M Google credentials to create your account, see How do I create a MyEBSCO account using my Google Account?
  • At each ebook checkout, EBSCO will generate a unique passphrase needed to activate your access in Thorium Reader
  • For more help, see EBSCO’s User Guide for downloading an ebook

• OverDrive ebooks: Libby
  • All ebooks and audiobooks in F&M’s OverDrive collection require a free Libby account
  • You can also link your Libby account to other participating libraries where you maintain a membership

• ProQuest ebooks: Ebook Central Reader App
  • Coming to F&M in July 2026
  • The first time you download a ProQuest ebook from F&M's collection, the system will guide you through installing the Ebook Central Reader app (supports Windows, Apple, iOS, and Android operating systems)
  • You can install the app on up to 6 devices, and each installation requires you to register your device using a provided code
  • If you log out of the app, you will be prompted to enter a new registration code the next time you download a ProQuest ebook
  • You do not need to manually create an Ebook Central account since ebook use requires logging into F&M's network (on- or off-campus), which automatically grants you account privileges

Questions? Contact ask.us@fandm.edu