Libby, the Library App


Rating: 4.8	Downloads: 10,000,000+
Category: Books & Reference	Offer by: OverDrive, Inc.

Libby, the Library App is your gateway to the vast resources of your local library, accessible directly on your smartphone or tablet. It allows users to browse and search the library’s catalog, access digital content including e-books and audiobooks, and manage their library materials all from one convenient location.

The key appeal of Libby, the Library App lies in its convenience and the ability to borrow and read content without needing separate apps or complex library cards. It streamlines borrowing, returning, and discovering new content, making library resources easily accessible anytime, anywhere, and is perfect for readers seeking a wide range of digital and physical content options on the go.

App Features

Searchable Catalog: Easily find books, movies, music, and more using powerful search filters within Libby, the Library App. This feature saves time by letting you filter results by format, genre, author, or availability, ensuring you quickly locate exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a specific title or a new discovery within your library’s collection.
Digital Check-Out & Download: Instantly borrow e-books and audiobooks directly from your library catalog using Libby, the Library App, often supported by partners like OverDrive or EPUB. This eliminates the need to visit the library website separately and allows you to download content for reading on compatible devices like your own phone, tablet, or dedicated e-reader, enhancing your reading experience anytime.
Offline Reading & Audiobooks: Libby, the Library App offers the capability to download e-books and audiobooks, making it possible to access your borrowed content even when you have no internet connection. This is particularly valuable for travelers or users with limited data plans, ensuring you can continue enjoying your library materials regardless of connectivity.
My Library Card Interface: Libby, the Library App often integrates a digital library card feature, simplifying the borrowing process. You typically just need a library PIN to check out items directly through the app, replacing the need to carry a physical card and manage separate logins, making library interactions much more straightforward.
Personalized Content Feeds: Libby, the Library App can curate recommendations based on your borrowing history, ratings, or library collection suggestions. This personalized approach helps users explore new materials tailored to their interests, enriching their discovery experience and encouraging reading habits beyond just familiar titles.
Transfers to Other Apps/Devices (Advanced): While the core experience is within Libby, the Library App, some versions support transferring e-book files to other readers or compatible apps, often via email. Though not always seamless, this advanced feature provides more flexibility for users who prefer specific reading applications or hardware, extending the utility of the borrowed content.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Extremely user-friendly interface and design
Wide availability across major libraries and platforms
Excellent offline accessibility for downloaded media
Streamlines library borrowing and reduces need for multiple library services logins

Cons:

Limited to materials available at your specific library system
Borrowing limits and device restrictions vary by library policy
Some libraries may lag in updating their digital collections
Technical support can sometimes be less immediate than expected

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
OverDrive Media Console	The foundational app for library digital content, offering robust borrowing and access to e-books, audiobooks, and streaming video.
Sora (by OverDrive)	Popular with public libraries, featuring a clean interface, device-specific lending, and access to a vast selection of publisher content.
Kanopy	Focuses specifically on streaming documentaries, classic films, and education videos provided through library subscriptions, complementing traditional Libby resources.
Libby by Axis 360	Often used interchangeably with standard Libby features, it sometimes refers to implementations with specific back-end systems for cataloging and digital rights management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Libby, the Library App and how do I sign up?
A: Libby, the Library App connects you directly to your local library’s digital and physical resources. To sign up, simply download the app from your device store, open it, and follow the prompts using your library card number and PIN.

Q: Can I borrow physical books using Libby, the Library App?
A: Libby, the Library App primarily manages digital content. For information about borrowing physical books or accessing the library catalogue for physical items, you should consult your library’s website or contact them directly.

Q: Why can’t I download audiobooks to my older device?
A: Libby, the Library App requires certain device compatibility and operating system versions to download and play digital content due to licensing and playback requirements.

Q: How many e-books can I borrow from my library using this app?
A: Libby, the Library App borrowing limits are determined by your local public library’s policies, typically ranging from 10 to 30 items per user, often split between books and audiobooks.

Q: Can I return items early using Libby, the Library App?
A: Yes, returning e-books, audiobooks, or downloaded media items early is straightforward within Libby, the Library App, usually found in your account or borrowing history section.