If you’re hearing a lot about Libby and OverDrive and wondering whether it’s worth your time, yes, it is.
Libby is the modern reading app built by OverDrive that connects your public library’s digital collection to your phone, tablet, or browser so you can borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines for free with your library card. The older “OverDrive” mobile app was retired in 2023 and replaced by Libby.
Below are five facts you need before you sign up for the service.
1. What are the available locations and compatible devices?
You can use Libby worldwide wherever your participating library is located. The app is built and supported by OverDrive, and millions of readers globally use it to access their public library’s digital collection.
Each library chooses what to offer, so your selection varies by location and card.
Libby runs on:
- iOS/iPadOS, iOS 10+
- Android, Android 7.1+
- Fire tablets from 2020 and later via the Amazon Appstore.
- All current browsers can access the website, or via an extension version that you can open on any computer.
2. What content will you find in Libby?
The catalogue depends on the budget and licensing choices you make. However, generally, the platform supports all of the following:
- Magazines: These are included in Libby and are always available. There are no holds, no wait lists, and unlimited simultaneous use, which means you can tap and read instantly. Many libraries carry thousands of current titles with article views for better reading on phones.
- Comics and graphic novels: Various libraries stock comics/graphic novels; Libby’s reader supports phone-friendly layouts so you can zoom panels and keep text crisp.
- Libby Extras: Some libraries bundle streaming, video, and learning services via Libby Extras. For this, there is Kanopy, Craftsy, Qello Concerts, ArtistWorks, and more. However, they open outside Libby in your browser but are included with your card when your library subscribes.
Moreover, the platform has well-labeled sections for new-release ebooks and audiobooks, bestsellers, and book-club picks. You’ll also see sections for comics & manga, kids’ picture books/read-alongs, language learning, and sometimes various classes.
3. What are the pricing and plans for Libby/Overdrive?
The price is zero. You borrow with a valid library card. There’s no in-app subscription and no late fines for digital materials, as titles expire. Your library pays for content licensing.
Hence, as we mentioned earlier, the selection you see depends on what your library buys or shares through consortia.
Libraries typically restrict cards to residents of their city/county/state or students of a school district. Many offer online registration for an eCard that gives you instant digital access. Some also offer non-resident cards for a fee.
In some areas, Libby can issue a card by verifying your mobile phone number and address for your local library. This is handy if you’re new in town and want to start borrowing today.
To sum up, you will pay:
- $0 if you qualify for a standard resident card.
- A non-resident fee if you want access to a library outside your area, and they offer paid eCards.
- $0 for Libby Extras that your library funds.
4. How does borrowing, holding, and wait times work?
You borrow digital titles from your library’s catalog in Libby just like you would physical books. This only has automatic returns and more flexible hold controls. The exact limits are set by your library, not by Libby, so numbers differ by system.
Here is a breakdown:
Loan periods, renewals, and returns
You will get 7, 14, or 21-day loan periods for ebooks and audiobooks. You choose your preferred time at checkout if your library offers options.
You can renew if no one else is waiting, and you can return early to free up space for someone else or your checkout limits.
Holds and line management
When something’s checked out, you place a hold. Libby gives you a place in line estimate and will notify you when it’s ready.
If the timing isn’t right when your hold arrives, you can choose “Deliver later” so you don’t lose your place. You can also suspend a hold to keep your spot while pausing your wait. These controls exist specifically to prevent unwanted auto-borrowing from stacking up when several holds land in the same week.
Some libraries also stock limited “Skip-the-line” or “Lucky Day” copies that check out fast but can’t be renewed.
Magazines behave differently
Magazines never require holds and are simultaneous use. You tap and read the latest issue instantly. Past issues are often available, and you can follow a series to see new issues as they arrive.
Offline downloads, data usage, and storage
By default, Libby downloads your ebook and audiobook loans over Wi-Fi so you can read/listen offline. Magazines aren’t auto-downloaded, as you can grab any issue you want anytime.
You can change the setting to allow downloads over cellular, or keep it Wi-Fi-only to save data. On Android, Libby will use an SD card if available.
5. What e-readers work with Libby?
You will access all the materials in this platform via any of the following:
- Kindle: If you borrow from a U.S. library, Libby hands off eligible ebooks to Kindle or the Kindle app via Amazon’s website. After you borrow in Libby, tap Read With Kindle, which takes you to Amazon to complete delivery to your device. This integration isn’t available for non-U.S. libraries. Also, it doesn’t apply to audiobooks.
- Kobo: Many newer Kobo e-readers, like Clara, Libra, Sage, Forma, and so on, have OverDrive built in. In these, you can sign in with your library card on the device and borrow directly without needing a separate reader. Audiobooks don’t play on Kobo e-readers; this is for ebooks too.
- Other e-readers (NOOK, PocketBook, etc.): If your e-reader supports Adobe Digital Editions (ADE), you can borrow in Libby, download the EPUB/PDF to a computer, and transfer via ADE to your device.
Frequently asked “before you sign up” questions
Below are answers to some other questions you might have before signing up for this platform:
Will I find the same titles my friend sees?
No. Your library and any consortia it belongs to choose what to license and how many copies to buy. That’s why it’s smart to add every library card you qualify for, from city, county, state, or school, to expand your selection.
How fast will I get new releases?
It depends on your library’s budget and holds queues. Use holds, deliver later, and keep an eye out for Lucky Day copies that skip the line. For magazines, there’s never a wait.
Can I read or listen offline on a plane?
Yes, borrow in advance and verify the download has finished over Wi-Fi. In Libby’s downloads settings, you can allow cellular downloads if you need them. The browser version requires an internet connection, but the apps work offline and on a plane.