eRead Illinois via Boundless

Update August 3 2026: The Boundless App is no longer in service.

eRead Illinois is a collection of thousands of fiction and non-fiction ebooks and audiobooks. Users can read online or download materials to their devices. Boundless is the platform and app to use to access the materials. Please see our detailed user guide on using eRead Illinois. 

eRead Illinois User Guide 

Accessing eRead Illinois

eRead Illinois can be accessed directly through the database page on the Library’s website.

Finding a Book

Browsing:

• Featured lists are shown on the homepage of eRead Illinois. Users can select “See All” to view all titles in that collection.  
• Click on the menu icon in the top left corner of the screen and select “Browse” to see all titles. Users can sort and refine their results further by using the toolbar on the left side of the screen.  

Searching:

• Basic Search: Type a title, author, keyword, or ISBN into the search bar at the top of the screen and click on the search icon. Users can further refine their search by using the tool bar on the left side of the screen.  
• Advanced Search:Select “Advanced Search” underneath the search bar. Search for content the same way as a basic search, but users will also have an option to choose type of search, format, availability, and attributes. After selecting “Search,” users can further refine their search by using the tool bar on the left side of the screen. 

Selecting, Checking Out, and Placing Holds on an E-book or E-Audiobook

Each search result will display an image of the book and will display the format. E-books have a book icon and may display the number of pages. E-audiobooks have an earbud icon and may display the length of the recording.  

If an item isn’t currently available, a banner stating “waitlist” will display on the image. To place a hold, click on the image and then select “Place Hold” and you will be notified by email when a copy is available. When you place the hold, It will state how many copies are held by the Library and what place you are in line for the copy. 

To check out an available title, click on the image of the book and then select “Checkout.” All titles will be checked out for two weeks unless returned early by user.  

Reading a Book

To read or listen to a book, click on the menu icon in the top left corner of the screen and select “Checkouts.” You can click “Read” or “Listen” to access a book directly from your browser or app. Users can click the drop-down menu and select “download” to download a book to your personal device during the checkout period. E-books can be read on e-reader devices through Adobe Digital Editions.  

Viewing Account Information

To view items associated with your account, click on the menu icon in the top left corner of the screen and select “My Shelf.” Items currently checked out, on hold, and on your wish list will all display on this page.  

To update your personal settings, click on the person icon in the top right corner of the screen and select “Profile Settings.” Users can update their email address for notifications and make changes to other account settings. 

For additional assistance, contact the Library at 847.925.6769 or visit the eRead Illinois help webpage.