Libby

Libby is a digital borrowing app for readers with a card at a participating public library. It suits people who want library ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines without a subscription; its value depends on what their library carries.

For eligible readers, free borrowing, mobile downloads, and automatic returns make Libby a strong library companion. It is not a substitute for a paid ebook or audiobook catalog, and its browser version cannot be used offline.

Overview

Libby connects cardholders to digital collections at public libraries using OverDrive. Readers can search titles or browse curated lists, guides, and campaigns, then borrow available items or place holds on checked-out titles. Libby sends a notification when a hold is ready.

Each library chooses its collection and lending policies, including loan and hold limits. Ebooks and audiobooks count toward the loan limit; magazines and Extras do not. Loans return automatically on their due dates, with no late fees. Libby lends digital materials only, not physical library items.

Key features

• Offline mobile reading and listening: The apps download ebooks and audiobooks over Wi-Fi by default, so they can be used without a connection. The website requires internet access, making the mobile apps the better option for offline use.
• Reading and listening controls: Audiobooks include a sleep timer with preset or custom durations from 5 to 120 minutes. CarPlay supports audiobook playback, playback controls, and speeds from 1x to 2x.
• Kindle borrowing: At U.S. libraries, most ebooks can be sent to Kindle or read in Libby. This gives Kindle readers another way to use eligible library loans, though the option is limited to U.S. libraries and most, not all, ebooks.
• Organization and discovery: Tags help readers organize titles; smart tags can track borrowed or sampled items and notify readers about certain new library titles. Inspire Me uses generative AI recommendations: when a reader uses a tag, the model receives a random selection of titles from it, without the tag name or description.
• Formats and continuity: Libby supports EPUB and PDF, annotation tools, and reading sync, useful for readers who want to mark up titles and keep reading progress aligned.
• Library Extras: Participating libraries may link to additional learning or entertainment resources, including Kanopy and Craftsy. Access depends on the library.

Pricing

Libby costs nothing. The free plan is free to install, and digital library content is free to borrow with a valid library card. There are no subscription costs, in-app purchases, or late fees; no free trial is offered. This is a compelling fit for library cardholders who can find the titles they want in their library’s collection.

The trade-off is not a tier or a spending cap but the library’s catalog and lending rules: the library sets loan and hold limits, and Libby cannot provide titles its library does not offer. Readers seeking guaranteed access to a particular catalog or physical materials should look elsewhere.

Platforms

Libby supports iOS 10+ and Android 7.1+ apps, plus browser access on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook computers. The supported platform list also includes web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Mobile apps support offline downloads; browser use requires an internet connection.

Who it's for

Libby is best for public library cardholders who want to borrow digital books, audiobooks, or magazines at no charge and are comfortable with library-set availability and limits. Audiobook listeners may value CarPlay and the sleep timer, while Kindle owners at U.S. libraries can send most ebooks to their device.

It is a poor fit for readers without access to a participating library, anyone who needs physical materials, or those who require offline browser reading. OverDrive says it does not sell personally identifiable information or use or disclose it for third-party advertising. Libby says it does not use third-party cookies and offers an in-app Reset Everything option to delete certain data. OverDrive also says it encrypts data at rest and in transit, maintains a dedicated security team, and commissions independent security audits.

Pros and cons

• Pro: No borrowing charge or late fees. The plan has no subscription cost or in-app purchases, and loans return automatically.
• Pro: Offline mobile access. Downloaded ebooks and audiobooks remain usable without an internet connection.
• Pro: Flexible audiobook listening. A 5-to-120-minute sleep timer and CarPlay controls serve listeners at home and in the car.
• Con: Access hinges on a library card and its collection. The library determines both available titles and lending limits.
• Con: Browser access is online-only. Readers who need offline access must use the mobile app.
• Con: Digital-only lending. Libby does not cover physical library materials.

Alternatives

Ebook Reader Software is the broader category to explore when comparing reading apps. Choose Readest instead if open-source software or Linux support matters; it has a free plan and a Plus Plan at $4.99 a month. Adobe Digital Editions is another free alternative for readers looking beyond Libby’s library-borrowing service.

Thorium Reader is a free alternative for readers who want an option available on Linux. eBoox is a freemium alternative with a free plan and no ads. Kobo Books may suit readers seeking a paid audiobook option: Kobo Plus Listen costs $7.99 a month after a 14-day free trial, plus applicable taxes.

MLOL Reader is a free alternative available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. ReadEra offers a free plan without ads or registration, while its Premium plan costs $14.99, paid once. Calibre-Web is a free alternative available on web, Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Verdict

Choose Libby if you have a participating public library card and want its digital books, audiobooks, and magazines without subscription costs or late fees. Its strongest case is free access paired with useful mobile downloads and audiobook controls. Look elsewhere if your library’s selection or limits do not fit, you need physical materials, or you want offline use in a browser.