The Palace Project is a library-centred reading app that brings together most of the ORL’s Digital Collection, thousands of public domain and open-access books, and additional audiobook collections in one convenient place. Search, browse, borrow, and enjoy ebooks and e-audiobooks through a simple, accessible app designed to help you discover more of what your library has to offer. Libby remains available, so you can use either app or both together.
Quick-Start Guide
- Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and select Find Your Library.
- Search for Okanagan Regional Library and select it.
- Browse featured collections or search for an author, title, or subject.
- Select Get to borrow an available title or Reserve to place a hold.
- The first time you borrow a title or place a hold, you’ll be prompted to sign in using your ORL library card number and PIN.
- Download your title and select Read or Listen. Your borrowed items are available under My Books.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is The Palace Project?
A: The Palace Project is a free library reading app that brings together ebooks and e-audiobooks from multiple collections, including most of the ORL’s Digital Collection, public domain titles, and additional audiobook collections.
Q: Is The Palace Project free?
A: Yes. The Palace Project is free to use with a valid ORL library card.
Q: Do I need to sign in before I can browse?
A: No. You can browse the collection without signing in. You’ll only be asked for your ORL library card number and PIN the first time you borrow a title or place a hold.
Q: Is The Palace Project replacing Libby?
A: No. Libby will continue to be available. You can use The Palace Project, Libby, or both, depending on your preference.
Q: Will my Libby loans and holds appear in The Palace Project?
A: Yes. Most ebooks and e-audiobooks borrowed through Libby or The Palace Project appear in both apps. Digital magazines and some special collections remain available only through Libby. Your reading or listening progress does not sync between the two apps.
Q: What are the loan periods and borrowing limits?
A: All ebooks and e-audiobooks follow the same borrowing rules:
- Loan period: 21 days
- Checkout limit: 10 items at a time
- Hold limit: 10 holds at a time
If you’ve already borrowed 10 OverDrive titles through Libby, you can still borrow Palace-exclusive titles. However, you won’t be able to borrow an 11th OverDrive title through The Palace Project until one of your existing OverDrive loans has been returned.
Q: Can I read or listen without an internet connection?
A: Yes. Download your ebooks or e-audiobooks while connected to the internet, then enjoy them offline through the app.
Q: What devices are supported?
A: The Palace Project is available for Apple devices running iOS 16 or later, Android devices running Android 8.0 or later, and supported web browsers for reading ebooks.
Kobo e-readers, Kindle devices, Kindle Fire tablets, Nook devices, and Chromebooks are not currently supported.
Q: Can I customize my reading experience?
A: Yes. You can adjust font size, font style, colour theme, and audiobook playback speed to suit your preferences. The app also supports VoiceOver on Apple devices and TalkBack on Android devices for improved accessibility.