SimplyE is an e-reader app that makes it easy to browse, borrow and read library e-books. The app brings multiple digital collections together in one place. The following collections can be searched and downloaded from the app:
Hamden Library’s OverDrive collection
Connecticut State Library’s Axis360 collection
Connecticut State Library’s RBdigital collection
Connecticut State Library’s Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) Exchange collection
DPLA Open Bookshelf collection
New York Public Library’s Instant classics collection
Device Compatibility
Apple iOS
- iPad, iPad 2, iPad Air, iPad mini iOS 8+
- iPhone, 4,5,6 iOS 8+
- iPod Touch iOS 8+
Android
- Recommended: Android 5.0 Lollipop SDK level 21
- Minimum: Android 4.4 KitKat SDK Level 19
- Devices Tested: Google Nexus 7, Galaxy Note
Not Compatible
The devices listed below will not work with the SimplyE app.
- Android 4.3, Android 4.2, Android 4.1, Android 4.0.3 – 4.0.4, Android 2.3.3 – 2.3.7, Android 2.2
- Nook HD/HD+, Nook Tablet, Nook Color
- Desktop or laptop computers
Getting Started
Installing the App & Logging In
Search the Google Play or Apple App Store for “SimplyE.” To begin using the app, tap the Install or Download button in the app store to install. Once installed tap open. You then select Hamden Public Libraries. Once in you can tap on a book cover to borrow a book which will ask you to log in with your full library card number to begin borrowing books.
Searching & Browsing
To browse titles: Tap Catalog at the bottom of the screen, which will display titles in various categories. Swipe from left to right to view the popular and available books in each category (tap the category titles or More… to view all books in a category). To search for a specific author or title: Tap the search icon in the upper right corner and enter the author or book name. Tap the cover of any book to read its description, or download or reserve it.
Sorting & Filtering Results
When viewing all books in a category, you can sort by Author, Availability, or Collection. You can also sort books in the My Books and Reservations tabs.
Reading E-Books
Once a book is downloaded, tap the Read button. Turn pages by tapping on the right or left edges of the screen. Tap the center of the screen to open the navigation bar. The table of contents can be found in the upper right corner. To exit the title, tap the back arrow (<) in the upper left corner. Tap Aa to access controls for adjusting text style and size, brightness, and contrast.
Accessing New Holds & Borrowed E-Books
In the Reservations and My Books screens, tap the refresh icon in the upper left corner to check for available holds and books you may have checked out from another source. E-books downloaded with another app might not available to view in SimplyE.
Returning E-Books
All borrowed digital titles are automatically returned at the end of their lending periods, so you never have to worry about late fees (exceptions include titles in the public domain, which can stay on your SimplyE bookshelf indefinitely). To return a title early: Go to My Books, tap the title and tap Return.