If you’re a fan of using ebooks from City Tech Library (or even if you’re not—now’s the time to get started!), you may notice some changes in how you’re able to read and download our ebooks.

Many of the ebooks we purchase are made available through two major software platforms: Ebook Central or EBSCO Ebooks. Readers can search for and read ebooks within the websites of these two platforms, or make use of available download options.

What’s changed?

In the past, it was possible to download ebooks for reading in the Adobe Reader app. However library ebooks will no longer be available for download to this application because it doesn’t meet new accessibility requirements for online materials.  

New applications for ebook downloads

Starting May 19, 2026, EBSCO Ebooks will be available for download only to the free Thorium Reader app. Thorium reader is available for a variety of operating systems and can be used to read (or listen to) a wide range of materials beyond EBSCO Ebooks. Learn more about Thorium Reader here.

Starting June 1, 2026, all City Tech Library ebooks from Ebook Central will be available for download only to the Ebook Central Reader App. Explore this app’s features through a short video walkthrough.

These changes do not impact your ability to read library ebooks in the existing browser-based readers. If that’s how you usually access ebooks, you may not notice this change.

Questions? Feel free to Ask a Librarian if you need help navigating these changes.