TL;DR: Libby is a free app that lets you borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your local libraries. All you need is a library card. It’s fast, friendly, and surprisingly powerful.

What Libby is

Libby is a modern reading app by OverDrive that connects to your public libraries. With a valid library card, you can borrow digital books and magazines, read or listen on your phone or tablet, and return them automatically—no late fees.

  • Cost: Free to use with your library card.
  • Formats: Ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
  • Devices: iOS, Android, and web reader; Kindle transfer is supported in the U.S. for many titles.

Each library curates its own digital collection, so selection and wait times vary. Adding multiple libraries expands your options.

Why I love it

  • Zero friction: Borrow in seconds; returns happen automatically.
  • Queue sanity: Holds, estimates, and “deliver later” keep your reading flow steady without overwhelm.
  • Thoughtful features: Tags, filters, and dark/sepia modes make it easy to organize and actually finish books.
  • Family-friendly: Profiles aren’t a feature, but tags and smart filters can mimic them for shared devices.

How to get started

  1. Install Libby: Grab the app on your device and open it.
  2. Find your library: Search by city or zip, then add it.
  3. Add your card: Enter your library card number/PIN. Repeat for more libraries if you have them.
  4. Search and sample: Tap a title to see availability; read a sample or borrow if it’s in.
  5. Borrow or place a hold: If it’s checked out, place a hold to join the queue.
  6. Read or listen: Use the built-in reader/player or download for offline.

Tip: Turn on notifications in Libby so you never miss a hold becoming available.

Power tips that actually matter

  • Multiple libraries, one search: Add all your cards. Libby shows availability and wait times across them so you can borrow from the fastest source.
  • Tags = your secret system: Create tags like “Next”. Tags are collections that live in your Shelf and can be filtered.
  • Deliver later: When a hold hits at a bad time, choose “Deliver Later” to keep your place in line.
  • Skip the line with lucky day titles: Some libraries mark instantly available copies that don’t allow holds—great for hot titles.
  • Audiobook speed fine-tuning: Dial in custom speeds for comprehension without fatigue.
  • Magazine “Notify Me” tags: Get alerts for new issues of your favorite magazines.
  • Theme and typography: Switch to dark or sepia; adjust fonts, spacing, and margins to reduce eye strain.

Copy my setup

  • Libraries: Add your local state-wide and any other digital libraries you qualify for.
  • Tags: “Urgent” “To Read” “Audiobook” “Kiddos” “Beach”
  • Rhythm: Browse holds, borrow, “deliver later” if a stack grows beyond two.

Wrap-up

Libby turns your library card into a bottomless, low-friction reading habit. Set up once, tag intentionally, and keep reading from your queue.