Author: Muse, Joshua

Palace Project - Downloadable Books for all Vermonters
(Libraries who have SIP2 Access)
What is the Palace Project App?
A new way to get eBooks and eAudiobooks through your public library! It’s free for patrons and libraries, and offers a wide range of titles.
How Do I Get It?
The app is available on iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets. Find it in the app store under “Palace Project.” Unfortunately, Palace doesn’t currently work with Kindle Fire tablets, black & white eReaders (like Kindle and Kobo), on the web, or on a computer.
What’s in the Collection?
The Department of Libraries collection is meant to be a core collection for Vermonters, with something for everyone, but not everything for everyone. There are 6,400 eBooks and eAudiobooks, along with 1,000 non-English eBooks, and 15,000 public domain titles. It has adult mysteries, kids’ picture books, YA dystopian tales, cookbooks, histories, and more, with a focus on diversity and Vermont stories. Libraries who subscribe to Overdrive/Libby through the Green Mountain Library Consortium (GMLC) may also have access to their sizable collection through Palace.
How Do I Login?
You’ll need a card from your local library, and the app on your phone or tablet. Open the app, and search to find your library. At your first check out you’ll be asked to enter your barcode (library card number) and PIN (password). If your library isn’t listed, or if you’re not sure of your card number or password, reach out to your library staff.
How Do I Find Books?
Click the Catalog tab on the bottom, and then scroll down to see categories of books, like children’s fiction or adult non-fiction. Click a category (like fiction) to see sub-categories (like adventure and mystery). You can limit by eBooks or Audiobooks at the top. Or click the magnifying glass to search for a specific title or author.

How Do I Checkout a Book?
When you find a book, click the Get button, and the item will start downloading immediately. Go to the My return items early. Holds are currently a work in progress in Palace, and may require checking the Reservations tab intermittently.
How do I Read or Listen?
eBooks - Swipe left or right to turn the page forward or back. You can also click the three lines with dots to move between chapters, the gear icon to change the font size or background color, and the rightmost icon to make a bookmark.
Audiobooks - The play/pause button starts and stops, and rewind and fast forward move by 15 seconds. You can also change the playback speed, set a sleep timer, and move between chapters.

What If My Library Also Has Libby?
If your library has access to Overdrive/Libby, you have options for how you access content. Both apps are available for free on Android and iOS, and have similar features for reading and listening.

Palace Project App
Can access the Department of Libraries collection.
Can access the great majority of the GMLC collection in Overdrive.
Currently only works with Android and iOS phones and tablets.

Libby (Overdrive) App
Can access the entirety of the GMLC collection, including some “pay per use” items not available through Palace.
Can also be used with Kindle Fire tablets, black & white eReaders (like Kindle and Kobo), and on the web (for computers).
May have access to non-book items, like magazines and videos, depending on your library.

Which App Should I Use?

Mostly Use Palace Project
Who - If Palace does everything that you need.
Exception - You would only need to use Libby to access some of the “pay per use” items in the GMLC collection.

Switch Between Apps
Who - If you like parts of both, you can switch back and forth.
Note - Overdrive items checked out in Palace also show up in your Overdrive/Libby account, and the reverse (though you’ll have to download it again). This only applies to Overdrive items, not the Department of Libraries collection.

Mostly Use Libby (Overdrive)
Who - If your main device doesn’t work with Palace currently, or if you just really like Libby.
Exception - If you prefer Libby, or have a secondary device, you could still use Palace to access content in the Department of Libraries collection.

What Do You Need?
Library Card & Your Password
Palace Project App
iPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet
Currently not compatible with Kindle Fire, black & white eReaders, or computers.