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An Instant Digital Card or "IDC" is a service provided by OverDrive, a digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide. It enables readers to quickly access eBooks and audiobooks using only their mobile phone number. 

It is important to note that having an IDC is not the same as owning a Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) card. An IDC only provides access to CCPL's collection of OverDrive eBook and audiobook content. It does not allow you to borrow any physical materials from CCPL (i.e., books, DVDs, etc.), borrow materials from SearchOhio or OhioLINK, or access CCPL's other digital offerings, such as research databases or hoopla streaming music.  

If you want to access everything CCPL has to offer - not just eBooks and audiobooks - we highly recommend applying for an actual CCPL library card. There are two ways to apply:

• Apply online by completing a brief application form. Online applications are run through a third-party verification process. Most applications are verified in a few seconds. Verified adult applicants receive full cardholder access, meaning they can borrow all of our digital and physical materials, access SearchOhio and OhioLINK, and access all of our research databases. 
• Apply in-person at your local branch. When applying for a card in person at a CCPL branch an ID with the applicant's current address is required. Please contact your local branch for information on acceptable forms of ID.

For more information and to apply for a CCPL card online, visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/get-a-ccpl-card.

Can I merge my Instant Digital Card with a CCPL card? 

Yes. If you have an IDC account, we highly recommend merging it with an actual CCPL account. The reason is that IDCs and CCPL cards are maintained separately. If you have both and they aren't merged you’ll have to remember which account you used every time you place a hold on an eBook or audiobook from our OverDrive collection. This can get confusing if you use the same email address for both your IDC and your CCPL card.