In the age of subscription services and paid memberships, finding ways to enjoy your favorite hobbies without breaking the bank can feel like a challenge. If you're an avid reader, you might think the days of borrowing books for free are long gone. But thanks to Libby, an app connected to your local library, you can access thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines—all for free! Whether you're new to the app or looking to maximize your experience, this guide will walk you through how to make the most of Libby and unlock a treasure trove of reading materials.

What is Libby?

Libby is a user-friendly mobile app created by OverDrive, designed to provide a modern way for readers to borrow digital materials from their local libraries. Through Libby, you can borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and even digital magazines, all with just your library card. Available on both iOS and Android, Libby transforms your smartphone, tablet, or e-reader into a portable library, giving you access to countless titles anytime, anywhere.

The best part? It’s entirely free as long as you have a library card. If you're not already signed up for your local library, most libraries allow you to register online in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Getting Started with Libby

To start enjoying all the benefits of Libby, the first thing you'll need is a library card from a participating library. Here's a quick guide to getting started:

1. Download the Libby App: You can find Libby in the App Store for iPhone/iPad or Google Play for Android. Simply download and install it like any other app.

2. Connect to Your Library: Once the app is installed, open it and search for your library by name or location. You’ll be prompted to enter your library card details.

3. Explore the Catalog: Once your card is linked, you can start browsing the catalog of available ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Libby’s interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate.

4. Start Borrowing: When you find a title you’d like to borrow, simply tap "Borrow." The title will be added to your shelf, where you can read or listen at your leisure. You can also place holds on popular books that may currently be checked out.

 

Step 2: Maximizing Your Borrowing

Libby is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize your borrowing experience in a number of ways. To make the most out of it, here are some tips and tricks for getting the best reading experience:

1. Borrowing Limits

Most libraries will have a borrowing limit, meaning you can only check out a certain number of titles at one time—often around 10-15. Be mindful of how many books you have checked out, and return books as soon as you're done with them to make room for new ones. Pro tip: You can also "tag" books for future reading by adding them to a list, which helps you keep track of what you want to borrow next.

2. Set Up Multiple Library Cards

If you happen to have library cards from multiple locations (for example, if you live in one place but work in another), you can add more than one card to your Libby account. This gives you access to the collections of several libraries at once, vastly expanding the number of books available to you. You can easily switch between libraries to see which one has the titles you want.

3. Use Hold Notifications to Plan Your Reading

Some books might be so popular that they’re not immediately available. If that happens, you can place a hold and be notified when it's your turn. While waiting, Libby gives you an estimate of when the book will be ready, which can help you plan your reading list.

You can also use the "Deliver Later" feature if a book becomes available when you're not ready to read it yet. This feature allows you to skip your turn in line while still holding your place in the queue.

4. Adjust Your Loan Period

In most cases, the default loan period is set to 14 or 21 days, but many libraries allow you to adjust this. If you're a fast reader, you can opt for a shorter borrowing period so you can return books more quickly and borrow others sooner.

Step 4: Take Advantage of Extra Libby Features

Libby isn’t just about borrowing books; it also offers a host of additional features that can enhance your reading experience. Here are some of the top ones to explore:

1. Customize Your Reading Settings

If you’re reading an ebook, Libby allows you to adjust the font, text size, and background color to suit your preferences. You can also switch to a “dark mode” for late-night reading. This level of customization makes reading more comfortable, especially if you spend long periods with your nose in a book.

2. Sync Across Devices

Libby syncs your progress across all devices, so you can seamlessly switch between your phone, tablet, and e-reader without losing your place in a book. You can also download titles to read offline, making Libby perfect for traveling or commuting.

3. Keep Track of Your Reading History

If you're someone who likes to keep track of the books you’ve read, Libby automatically saves your borrowing history, which can be accessed at any time. This is a great way to remember which titles you’ve already completed and what you’d like to borrow again.

4. Set Reminders for Due Dates

Nothing’s worse than a book expiring before you’re done reading it! Libby sends friendly reminders when your borrowed books are nearing their due dates, so you won’t be caught off guard. If you need more time, you can even renew the loan (if no one else has placed a hold on the title).

Step 5: Discover Free Books Beyond Libby

While Libby is an amazing resource, don’t forget that your library card can open the door to other services too! Many libraries offer access to additional digital platforms like Hoopla and Kanopy, which provide movies, music, comics, and more. Some even allow you to access online courses or databases—all for free. Check with your local library to see what additional perks your membership includes.

In Conclusion: Why I love Libby? 

Libby is an incredible tool that allows you to access thousands of books, audiobooks, and magazines for free—all with just your library card. Whether you're a voracious reader or someone who enjoys the occasional book, Libby offers a convenient, budget-friendly way to dive into the world of reading without ever leaving your home. With its user-friendly interface, wide selection of titles, and additional features that make borrowing a breeze, Libby is an essential app for any book lover looking to make the most of their library membership.

So, if you haven’t already, download Libby today and start exploring the countless stories waiting for you. And the best part? It’s all free! Happy reading!