Libby

Name: Libby
Brand: Libby

Free app for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from your local public library

softwareE-Book Readersebooksaudiobookslibrary-app

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Our Verdict

Best for

Readers who want free, legal access to ebooks and audiobooks through their library

Skip if

Your local library doesn't participate in OverDrive/Libby lending

What is Libby?

Libby, by OverDrive, is an app that connects to participating public libraries so users can borrow ebooks and audiobooks with a library card, at no cost. It lets readers browse a library's digital catalog, place holds, and read or listen directly in the app or send books to a Kindle.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentMobile App

Key Features of Libby

Connects to a user's public library account using a library card to browse and borrow digital titles.

Supports both ebooks and audiobooks in one app.

Allows offline downloads so books can be read or listened to without an internet connection.

Lets users send compatible ebooks to a Kindle device for reading.

Supports placing holds and managing a wishlist for titles that are currently checked out.

Allows linking multiple library accounts if a user has cards from more than one library system.

Use Cases for Libby

Reading free ebooks with a library card

Readers browse their local library's digital catalog and borrow ebooks without cost.

Listening to audiobooks on commutes

Users download audiobooks for offline listening during travel or commuting.

Managing holds on popular titles

Readers place holds on in-demand books and get notified when they become available.

Reading on Kindle devices

Users send compatible library ebooks to their Kindle for a native reading experience.

Pros & Cons of Libby

Pros

Completely free to use with a valid library card
Combines ebooks and audiobooks in a single, well-designed app
Offline reading and listening supported
Send-to-Kindle option for ebook fans

Cons

Requires an active library card and library participation, so availability varies by location
Popular titles often require waiting on a hold list
No native desktop app, only mobile and web access

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Libby free?

Yes, Libby is free to use, but you need a valid public library card to borrow titles.

Does Libby work with Kindle?

Yes, compatible ebooks can be sent to a Kindle device for reading.

Is Libby available on desktop?

Libby is primarily a mobile app for iOS and Android, with a web version at libbyapp.com; there is no dedicated Windows or Mac app.

Can I use Libby with multiple libraries?

Yes, Libby supports linking multiple library card accounts in one app.

Pricing Overview

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Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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Top Alternatives & Similar Software

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OverDrive

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OverDrive is a digital library platform that offers access to e-books and other digital content. Users can borrow and download e-books, audiobooks, and other digital media from their local library or school.

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Hoopla

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Hoopla is a digital media service that lets patrons of participating public libraries and schools instantly borrow ebooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, TV shows, and music, with no holds or waiting lists. Content is available immediately the moment you borrow it, unlike traditional library ebook systems where popular titles often have long queues. Hoopla operates as a library-funded service: patrons access it for free through their library card, while the library itself pays for access and typically sets a monthly borrowing limit per patron. It is available through official iOS and Android apps as well as a browser-based player, and it offers offline downloading of borrowed titles for use without an internet connection.

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