Libby Review
Libby turns a public library card into instant access to ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines in one app. Borrowing, reading, and listening happen digitally, with no fees, due dates to track, or late charges. Titles return automatically when the lending period ends.
The app works across phones, tablets, and computers, with offline downloads for reading and listening anywhere. Library collections vary by location, with thousands of titles available through each participating library’s OverDrive catalog.
Tools for browsing, searching, and saving titles help organize reading lists and discover new books. Content can be streamed or downloaded, and reading progress syncs across devices through a single account.
Tiers
Libby is completely free to use, but a valid library card is required to borrow any ebooks, audiobooks, or other digital titles. Once signed in with a participating library, the app can be downloaded at no cost and used without subscription fees or in-app purchases.
All titles are borrowed through the library system and return automatically when the lending period ends, with no late fees or extra charges.
Features
Use a public library card to unlock a digital collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from local libraries, all in one place.
International use is available in most regions, with offline downloads for reading or listening while traveling. Streaming works anywhere there is WiFi or mobile data, depending on carrier access abroad.
Multiple library cards can be added to a single account, including cards from different libraries. Loans and holds appear together in one view, with quick switching between libraries when needed.
Select titles also support simultaneous use. Magazines and certain collections can be accessed by multiple readers at the same time, and ebooks and audiobooks of the same title can be used together across devices.
Parental controls filter content by age level, with options for Juvenile, Young Adult, or Adult. Settings can be locked with a passkey to manage what appears in search and browsing.
Simultaneous Streams
Libby works across multiple devices with the same library card, including phones, tablets, and computers. Reading and listening can continue on different devices without losing progress.
Some titles also allow shared use. Magazines and select “always available” collections can be borrowed and used by more than one person at the same time, depending on the library.
Audiobooks and ebooks can be used together for the same title, with reading on one device and listening on another. Most books follow a one-copy, one-user model, but some collections are built for shared or concurrent use.
Profiles
One Libby account can hold multiple library cards from different library systems, plus more than one card for the same library. Each card links to a library and its own collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
Cards can be added and managed in one place inside the app. When borrowing a title or placing a hold, switching between cards is quick and helps compare wait times and availability.
Cards can also be renamed for easier organization, such as “Home,” “Work,” or “State.” All loans and holds from different libraries stay together in the same account.
Offline Downloads
Libby supports offline reading and listening in the mobile app. Ebooks and audiobooks download automatically over WiFi, so they are ready to use without an internet connection. Magazines do not download automatically, but any issue can be saved manually.
Downloaded items appear on the Shelf with clear icons. A checkmark shows a title is stored on the device for offline use. A cloud icon or “Ready to Open” means the title streams and needs an internet connection.
The web version at libbyapp.com always requires an internet connection and does not support offline downloads.
The Book Lounge by Libby, Libby’s dedicated podcast, is where authors, book lovers, and publishing insiders talk about stories, reading culture, and the impact of books. Hosted by Joe Skelley, episodes include author interviews, new releases, debut writers, and conversations about literary trends.
The show has built a strong audience, with over 2 million downloads, 26,000+ monthly listeners, and a 4.5 star rating on iTunes. It also has listeners in more than 100 countries. It is available on major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, along with the Libby Life Blog.
Alongside Book Lounge, Libby links to other book-focused podcasts like Professional Book Nerds, adding more discussion and recommendations for readers who want to explore beyond the app’s main catalog.
Libby includes a large collection of digital audiobooks from public libraries, available to borrow with a valid library card. Every title is free through the app, with no subscription fees, in-app purchases, or late charges. Borrowed audiobooks return automatically on their due date.
The audiobook catalog comes directly from each library’s OverDrive collection, so availability depends on what the local library chooses to offer. This includes everything from new releases and bestsellers to older favorites, with borrowing limits and loan periods set by each library. The selection can vary by location, and libraries can expand their catalog based on user requests.
Parental Controls
Content Controls filter reading and listening by age level, including Juvenile, Young Adult, and Adult settings. These controls adjust what appears in search results and browsing.
A preset called “Libby for Kids” hides mature content from discovery. “Libby for Everyone” keeps the full catalog visible. Settings can be protected with a passkey, so changes require a code.
Setup is in the app under Settings, where content preferences are selected, and a password is added. These controls help shape what appears during search and browsing in the app.
International Access
Libby works internationally, with full use of downloaded titles available while traveling. Before a trip, ebooks and audiobooks can be saved for offline use, so reading and listening continue without WiFi or mobile data. This helps in areas with limited service or when airplane mode is on.
Downloads are managed in the Shelf under Loans. A library card icon with a checkmark shows when a title is ready for offline use.
Streaming is possible overseas with international data, depending on a mobile carrier plan. Without a connection, downloaded titles remain available on the device.
Magazines can also be downloaded ahead of time through the Newsstand section for offline reading during travel.
Compatible Devices
Libby is compatible with these devices:
- iPhone/iPad
- Android Phone/Tablet
- Mac
- Windows
- LG Smart TV (AirPlay)
- Samsung Smart TV (AirPlay)
- Sony Smart TV (AirPlay)
- VIZIO Smart TV (AirPlay)
Libby is not compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV 4K, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or onn devices.
