Libby: The Ultimate Guide to Borrowing eBooks and AudiobooksLibby is a free app from OverDrive that lets you borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your public library using a library card. Whether you’re new to digital borrowing or a seasoned library patron, this guide explains how Libby works, how to get started, tips for finding and managing titles, troubleshooting, and ways to make the most of your reading and listening experience.
What is Libby?
Libby is a mobile and desktop app designed to simplify borrowing digital content from libraries. It connects to your public library (or multiple libraries) and provides a clean, user-friendly interface to search, borrow, place holds, and read or listen within the app or via compatible devices.
Key facts
- Libby is free to use (you need a valid library card).
- Content is borrowed, not purchased — titles expire automatically.
- Supports eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
Getting started: accounts, library cards, and devices
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Install Libby
- Download Libby from the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android), or use Libby in a browser at libbyapp.com.
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Sign in with a library card
- Open Libby, search for your library by name/ZIP code, and sign in with your library card number and PIN/password.
- If your municipality uses a regional library system or has multiple library cards, you can add more than one card in Libby.
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Compatible devices
- Libby works on smartphones, tablets, and most desktop browsers. You can also send titles to Kindle (U.S. users) or use integrated reading within Libby.
Searching, borrowing, and holds
- Search and filters
- Use keyword, author, or title searches. Filter by format (eBook/audiobook), availability, audience, and language.
- Borrowing
- Tap Borrow to check out a title. The title appears on your Shelf and is available to read or listen immediately.
- Placing holds
- If a title is checked out, place a Hold to join a queue. You’ll be notified when it’s available. You can manage or cancel holds on your Shelf.
Tip: Use the “Available Now” filter to find titles you can borrow instantly.
Reading and listening in Libby
- In-app reader and player
- Read eBooks or listen to audiobooks directly in Libby. The reader supports adjustable font size, background color, and dyslexic font. The audiobook player has speed controls and a sleep timer.
- Offline use
- Download titles for offline access. This is useful for travel or areas with poor connectivity.
- Exporting and sending to other devices
- In the U.S., many eBooks can be sent to a Kindle device. Otherwise, read in Libby or use compatible EPUB readers that support borrowed files.
- Bookmarks and notes
- Add bookmarks and highlights; notes sync across devices via your library account.
Managing loans, renewals, and returns
- Loan periods
- Loan lengths vary by library (commonly 7–21 days). You can choose a loan period if the library offers options.
- Renewals
- Renewals are possible if there are no holds by other patrons. Request renewal from the Shelf.
- Automatic returns
- Titles expire at the end of the loan period and return automatically — no late fees.
- Manual returns
- You can return an item early from your Shelf to free up a loan slot or allow the next person in the hold queue to borrow sooner.
Library cards, multiple libraries, and accounts
- Multiple library cards
- Add multiple libraries to access different collections. Some libraries have unique holdings or extended borrowing options.
- Library card issues
- If your card isn’t accepted, contact your local library. Many libraries offer instant digital cards or temporary access for new patrons.
Discovering content: curated lists, tags, and recommendations
- Curated collections
- Libby highlights staff picks, new releases, and seasonal collections.
- Tags and wishlists
- Tag titles to create personalized lists (like “Summer reads” or “Research”). Tags sync across devices.
- Recommendations
- Libby offers personalized suggestions based on your borrowing history and popular titles at your library.
Accessibility and reading aids
- Text adjustments
- Change font size, spacing, margins, and background color for easier reading.
- Dyslexic-friendly font
- Libby includes a dyslexic font option.
- Audiobook controls
- Variable playback speed and a sleep timer help customize listening.
Limits, holds, and availability strategies
- Concurrent loans
- Libraries limit the number of items you can have checked out at once; limits vary by system.
- Hold queues
- Popular titles often have long waitlists. Strategies to increase success:
- Place holds on new releases immediately.
- Check other nearby libraries to add their collections.
- Use short loan periods if available (frees up items for others but shorter listens/reads).
- Popular titles often have long waitlists. Strategies to increase success:
- Use tags and lists to track upcoming returns and new availability.
Troubleshooting common problems
- Can’t sign in
- Verify library card number and PIN. Contact your library if needed.
- App crashes or sync issues
- Update the app, restart your device, or clear the app cache. Reinstall if problems persist.
- Audible/Kindle sending problems
- Ensure your Amazon account is linked in Libby for Kindle delivery (U.S.). For audiobooks, confirm format compatibility.
Privacy and account safety
- Borrowing activity
- Libraries may keep records of borrowed titles per their privacy policies. If privacy is a concern, check your library’s policy or use pseudonymous accounts where permitted.
- Device security
- Protect your device with a passcode and use app/device-level encryption where available.
Advanced tips and lesser-known features
- Use multiple libraries to expand catalog access.
- Export reading stats or notes (where allowed) for research or book clubs.
- Redeem library offers (some libraries partner with services for additional content or events).
- Use Libby’s tag system for organizing reading challenges or project-specific lists.
Alternatives and companion apps
- OverDrive (legacy app): Offers similar functionality; some libraries still support it.
- Hoopla and RBdigital (where available): Different lending models and instant availability for many titles.
- Kindle app: For titles sent from Libby to Kindle (U.S.), continue reading in Kindle apps/devices.
| Feature | Libby |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free with library card |
| Formats | eBook, Audiobook, Magazines |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Send to Kindle | Yes (U.S.) |
| Multiple libraries | Yes |
Final notes
Libby makes library collections more accessible by combining a polished interface with powerful features for borrowing, reading, and listening. Explore your local library’s catalog, experiment with tags and multiple libraries, and take advantage of offline downloads — all without late fees.
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