# Getting Started with Sora

**Sora** is the HCOS digital reading platform, providing students and teachers with instant access to thousands of eBooks and audiobooks anytime, anywhere. It’s a simple and engaging way to support reading and learning across all grade levels.

#### Getting Started

**Step 1:** Go to [https://soraapp.com/library/heritageca](https://soraapp.com/library/heritageca) and click on "Heritage Christian Online School."

[![image.png](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/scaled-1680-/E2jimage.png)](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/E2jimage.png)

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**Step 2:** Click "Sign in using Heritage Christian Online School."

[![image.png](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/scaled-1680-/FNYimage.png)](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/FNYimage.png)

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**Step 3:** Sign in with your Encom account.

[![image.png](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/scaled-1680-/QKIimage.png)](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/QKIimage.png)

You will need your Encom username and password to access Sora

If you need to reset your password, click the “forgot password” link on Sora or Search Portal login pages.

![](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/embedded-image-an5ewnpq.png)

<p class="callout info">Sora is also available as an app from the [Apple App Store](https://itunes.apple.com/app/sora-by-overdrive/id1376592326?pt=211483&ct=Help&mt=8) and [Google Play Store.](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overdrive.mobile.android.sora&utm_source=help&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=sora)</p>

## Loan Periods and Limits

eBooks and audiobooks can be checked out for 7, 14, 21, or 28 days. **The default lending period for all formats is 14 days.**

To change your lending period in Sora:

1. Open the **menu** and select **All settings**.
2. Under **General**, select **Lending Periods**.
3. Choose your preferred lending period for eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
4. Select **Done**.

The new period applies to future checkouts. You cannot change the lending period after borrowing a title. Titles borrowed from another connected library will use that library’s default lending period.

<p class="callout info">**Each account can borrow eight titles at a time.**</p>

## Sora Support Videos

- [The Sora Essentials Experience](https://resources.overdrive.com/sora-essentials-the-reader-experience/) (30-minute long, explains all the features of Sora)
- [Filtering Collections or Search Results](https://resources.overdrive.com/search-with-more-options/)[ 30-second Video](https://resources.overdrive.com/search-with-more-options/)
- [Reading Challenges](https://resources.overdrive.com/reading-challenges/) (how to make a challenge for your students). This would work well with our Read for Change contest.
- [Reading Goals](https://resources.overdrive.com/reading-goals/) (set your student's reading goals on Sora)