New Libby App Brings Readers New Options

The Libby app has raised the bar for readers.

The free app that allows anyone of all ages to enjoy ebooks, digital audiobooks and magazines from your local library. 

Built by OverDrive, Libby offers the same free digital content from your library that you may have enjoyed in the OverDrive app in the past. The app was designed to make finding, borrowing, and enjoying free digital titles easier than ever. 

If you have a library card, link it to the app and you have full access to the available selection at your branch. This saves you trips to the library if you’re unable to visit the physical building, but still want to use your library card purposefully.

I’ve been using the Libby app for a few months now in a new city where I’m unfamiliar with the library scene, but still wanted to invest in a library card to invest in my local community. I also needed to find a hobby that didn’t break the bank, but allowed me to enhance my knowledge in my respective interests. Libby helped me achieve my goal in finding my love of reading again.

When a book comes up on hold, it automatically is added to your shelf. You’ll have to manually accept it in a short time frame before it goes to the next person waiting for your turn to end, but you get to borrow it for two weeks and have the option to renew it as well. 

If you prefer reading on your Kindle, Libby can send your library books to the Kindle app if you’re located in the United States.

You can engage with the app offline as titles can be streamed on Wi-Fi or mobile connections, or downloaded for reading at any time and from anywhere.

Another perk of Libby is that you can see how long the hold lines are. Every book — whether you’re just browsing or you’ve already placed a hold — shows you not only how long your wait time is but how long you can expect to wait for your turn to come up, whether that’s two weeks or two months. 

If you have multiple library cards, you can use the ones you have on the Libby app to check another library branch’s availability if you’re on the search for a particular title. This maximizes your readership status. 

There are also no subscription costs, no in-app purchases, and no late fees as titles are automatically returned on their due dates.

Cozy reading time is perfect in any season, but especially while the temperatures are cold outside and you need to occupy your mind inside. Curling up with a digital device is something a part of our lifestyle, especially having lived through the peak of COVID-19, so doing it in leisure with the Libby app is absolutely worth your while. 

When you get invested in a good book, all you want to do is immerse yourself in the world in which that story takes place. Make it easier on yourself to explore the collection through catalog guides, subjects, featured titles and curated lists through Libby.

If you’re an avid reader or discovering reading for the first time in months or ever, Libby is a must-have in 2024.

The app is available on Google Play and the Apple and Amazon app stores. 

Trinity Alicia (she/her/hers) is a Boston-based journalist. Follow her on X: @trinityaliciaa

Edited by NaTyshca Pickett