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You can borrow library ebooks on a Kindle or Kobo, but the steps depend on your reader, library, and the formats offered for that title. Libby can deliver eligible Kindle-format loans to Kindles through Amazon for U.S. libraries. Many newer Kobo eReaders can borrow through built-in OverDrive; older Kobo models may need a computer and Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) to transfer a compatible EPUB or PDF.
Choose the route that fits your eReader
| Decision point | Kindle | Kobo |
|---|---|---|
| Where the route is documented | Kindle-format public-library ebooks through OverDrive are available for U.S. libraries. OverDrive: Kindle books in Libby | Depends on whether your library participates in Libby/OverDrive and offers the title. Kobo: Borrow books using OverDrive |
| Borrow directly on the reader | Borrow an eligible title in Libby and choose Kindle delivery through Amazon. OverDrive: Kindle books in Libby | Supported models can borrow through the built-in OverDrive area. Kobo: Borrow books using OverDrive |
| Borrow in Libby, then get the ebook on the reader | Kindle delivery appears only when that title offers Kindle reading; format and reading preference can affect availability. OverDrive: Kindle books in Libby OverDrive: Why can’t I send a book to Kindle? | Compatible ebooks can sync when the Kobo uses the same OverDrive library card; not every Libby ebook syncs. Libby: Read books on Kobo |
| Older-device fallback | The cited Kindle route is Kindle-format delivery; these instructions do not establish a general USB-transfer workaround for Kindle eReaders. | A compatible EPUB or PDF loan can be transferred from a computer using ADE. Kobo: Add books with Adobe Digital Editions |
| Other Libby media | Confirm the title’s available format in Libby. | Libby audiobooks and magazines are not supported on Kobo eReaders. Libby: Read books on Kobo |
Borrow an eligible library ebook on Kindle
Libby’s Kindle delivery route is documented for U.S. libraries. The ebook must offer Kindle as a reading option; a library card by itself does not make every title Kindle-compatible. OverDrive: Kindle books in Libby
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- In Libby, open the title and check its “Read With” options, or filter the collection for Kindle.
- Borrow a title that offers Kindle reading. Choose the Kindle delivery option and follow Amazon’s prompts to send it to your Kindle.
- If Kindle delivery is missing, check the title’s formats and your reading preference. Libby says downloading another format, such as EPUB, can prevent Kindle delivery unless you borrow the book again. A preference set to read in Libby can also affect the available option. OverDrive: Why can’t I send a book to Kindle?
Borrow on a Kobo with built-in OverDrive
Check the reader and library
Direct borrowing requires a Kobo model with built-in OverDrive, an internet connection, a valid public library card, and a library that participates in Libby/OverDrive. The library’s catalog and the title’s availability determine what you can borrow. Kobo: Borrow books using OverDrive Kobo: OverDrive FAQ
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Link the card and borrow
- On your Kobo, open the OverDrive setup through the device or Kobo account settings. Kobo’s current help guide describes linking a library card through the Libby setting in Kobo account settings, then signing in with a QR code or browser code. Follow the prompts shown for your device. Kobo: Borrow books using OverDrive
- Borrow directly from Discover > OverDrive on the Kobo, or borrow the ebook in Libby. Kobo: Borrow books using OverDrive
- If you borrowed in Libby, sign in to OverDrive on the Kobo with the same library card used in Libby, then connect the Kobo to Wi-Fi and sync. Libby: Read books on Kobo
If the loan does not appear
- Confirm the Kobo is signed in with the same library card as Libby.
- Check that the loan is a compatible ebook. Not every Libby ebook syncs to Kobo; audiobooks and magazines are not supported on Kobo eReaders. Libby: Read books on Kobo
- If the title is unavailable, your library may allow you to place a hold. Kobo says libraries set lending periods and availability; a Kobo loan automatically expires at the end of its lending period. Kobo: Borrow books using OverDrive
Transfer a library ebook to an older Kobo with ADE
For a Kobo model without built-in OverDrive, or a compatible loan that does not sync, a computer transfer may work if the title offers EPUB or PDF download. ADE transfers apply to supported eReaders, including older Kobo models identified by OverDrive. Kobo: Add books with Adobe Digital Editions Kobo: OverDrive FAQ
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB (2024 model) – Auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and weeks of battery life – Metallic Jade
- Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Upgrade your reading experience – The Signature Edition features an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and 32 GB storage.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Adapts to your surroundings – The auto-adjusting front light lets you read in the brightest sunlight or late into the night.
Rank #4
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) – 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Raspberry
- Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
Rank #3
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024 model) – 7" glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black
- Our fastest Kindle Paperwhite ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns.
- Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
- Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
Rank #2
Amazon Kindle 16 GB (2024 model) – Light and compact, with fast page turns, and high contrast ratio – Black
- Light and compact - With adjustable brightness, high contrast ratio, and fast page turns.
- Effortless reading in any light - Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
- Escape into your books - Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free reading experience.
- Read for a while - Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
- Take your library with you - 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.
#1 Best Overall
Amazon Kindle 16 GB (2024 model) - Light and compact, with fast page turns, and high contrast ratio - Matcha
- Light and compact - With adjustable brightness, high contrast ratio, and fast page turns.
- Effortless reading in any light - Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
- Escape into your books - Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free reading experience.
- Read for a while - Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
- Take your library with you – 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.
- On a computer, find the loan in Libby’s Shelf > Loans or on your library’s OverDrive website. In Libby, choose Read With… > Other Options… and select EPUB or PDF if offered. Format options vary by title. Libby: Can I transfer books to an ereader from Libby?
- Install ADE on a Windows or Mac computer and authorize it. Connect the Kobo by USB and accept the connection prompt; Kobo’s guide describes authorizing both the computer and the eReader. Kobo: Add books with Adobe Digital Editions
- Open the downloaded file in ADE. If the library downloads an
.acsmfile, it is a license file rather than the ebook itself: ADE verifies it and downloads the EPUB or PDF. - In ADE’s Library view, drag the ebook onto the Kobo listed under Devices. Eject the reader before unplugging it. Kobo: Add books with Adobe Digital Editions
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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