Oshawa Public Libraries is excited to introduce a new addition to the CloudLibrary app: personalized, AI-powered reading recommendations! This feature is designed to make finding your next great book simpler and more enjoyable by bringing a digital readers’ advisory service right to your device.
Whether you’ve just finished a favourite title or are placing a hold on something new, the CloudLibrary Recommendations feature suggests similar books you might enjoy—without ever having to leave the app.
What are CloudLibrary Recommendations?
CloudLibrary Recommendations provide customized reading suggestions based on how you interact with titles in the app. Using a combination of librarian-informed strategies and secure AI technology, the feature highlights books that reflect your interests—helping you discover new authors, genres, and hidden gems. The AI only sees basic details like the book’s title and author. It doesn’t know who you are, it doesn’t learn from your personal habits, and it can’t see any information outside of the CloudLibrary system.
Each suggestion comes with a brief explanation of why it was selected, making the experience engaging and informative—just like getting a personalized recommendation from library staff.
Always available:
All recommended titles are instantly available — no waiting!
Engaging and fun:
Each recommendation includes a short explanation so you know why it fits your interests.
How to try it:
- Update to the latest version of CloudLibrary (v5.14 or higher).
- Look for the “Recommendations” button when placing a hold, returning a title, or viewing book details.
- Start exploring and discover hidden gems in your library’s collection!
How the feature works:
- You can choose to opt in or opt out of Recommendations at any time through the Account tab in the app.
- If you tap the "Recommendations" button, suggestions will continue to appear until you reach the daily limit.
- Tapping "Not Now" turns the feature off, and you can opt back in later through the Account tab in the app.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Three (3) recommendations for each request
- Up to five (5) requests per day
- Recommendations are always for titles currently available to borrow
- Suggestions are provided in the same format as the original title (eBook to eBook, audiobook to audiobook)
- Customers can Save for Later to build a future reading list
Start Exploring Today
If you already use the CloudLibrary app, simply update your app (if needed) and start reading as usual. Recommendations will appear at key moments along the way. If you’re new to CloudLibrary, now is the perfect time to download the app and see how easy it is to discover your next favourite book!
Happy reading and enjoy exploring new titles with CloudLibrary Recommendations!