by Kay Kirscht
Quick Summary
This article is first in a series on how to access Ebooks Minnesota on various devices - next up, we explore accessing Ebooks Minnesota with a Google Chrome device.
Ebooks Minnesota is an online ebook collection for all Minnesotans made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Education through a Library Services and Technology grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
There is no charge to libraries or patrons in Minnesota who use the digital collection featuring ebooks for any age level, and across many genres.
This article is first in a series on how to access Ebooks Minnesota on various devices - next up, I will explore accessing Ebooks Minnesota with a Google Chrome device.
Ebooks Minnesota can be accessed on any device with a web browser simply by going to ebooksmn.org, and that includes the Kindle Fire HD® but not the Kindle Paperwhite or any of Amazon’s other, older ereaders. That's because Amazon’s HD Fire tablets use an Android-based mobile operating system (Fire OS) that supports a compatible browser (in this case, Silk) as well as the BiblioBoard Library app serving as a platform for Ebooks Minnesota’s collection.
Accessing Ebooks Minnesota, using an Amazon Fire HD reader and BiblioBoard app
Download and install BiblioBoard Library (a free application, available from Amazon’s Appstore). BiblioBoard Library is an online platform, hosting many libraries (as well as MN Writes MN Reads), which you will see when you open the app for the first time. You'll only be invited to explore the digital libraries on the platform that are available in your area. From there, you can navigate to the Ebooks Minnesota collection.
BiblioBoard collections are accessed through geolocation (revealed through your device’s IP address). Readers must be geographically located in Minnesota in order to access Ebooks Minnesota.
Ready to explore?
You will not need your library card pin, nor will you need to log in (unless you are using a cellular network that assigned you an IP address outside of Minnesota). Browse away!
Content can be read via your device’s Wi-Fi connection and web browser, but if you wish to download content for offline reading (referred to by BiblioBoard as an “Offline Bookshelf") you will need to create a profile and register with a username (usually, your email address) and password.
Troubleshooting with Kindle Fire HD Devices
Make sure you’ve allowed the app permission to access your location.
If Biblioboard is prompting you to log in, be sure you're not on a cellular network (cellular networks may assign an IP address out of state especially if the network itself is based out-of-state. Using Wi-Fi may be a better way to recognize your in-state location). More information on the Biblioboard website. If you do not have the option of using Wi-Fi, visit the Biblioboard diagnostics page to see where ebooksmn.org thinks you are located. The "Region" section will show whether BiblioBoard supports the state or province with which your IP is associated. Email a screenshot or the information on your diagnostics page to support@biblioboard.com. You can also contact support by clicking on the "Contact Support" link to the right, just under the search bar.
