You can keep borrowing and reading print books while adding library ebooks to your routine. In the U.S., Libby lets you send eligible ebook loans to a Kindle e-reader; you can also read many loans in the Libby app, without owning a Kindle. The library must offer the title, and the title must support Kindle delivery.
What you need to know before borrowing
- Kindle delivery is for U.S. library loans. Libby describes Kindle reading as available in the U.S. only. See Libby’s Kindle Books help section and its Kindle reading instructions.
- The title and format must be available through your library. Libraries choose their own collections, and not every Libby ebook can be sent to Kindle. Check the individual book’s reading options before borrowing.
- Print books remain a separate choice. Sending an ebook loan to Kindle does not replace or change how you borrow physical books.
How to send a Libby loan to Kindle
- Borrow the ebook in Libby using your library card.
- Open Shelf, then Loans, and tap Read With… on the loan.
- Choose Kindle. If prompted, sign in to the Amazon account you use with your Kindle.
- On Amazon, tap Get Library Book. The book will be available on devices associated with that Amazon account.
Libby’s official guidance says most Libby books can be read on a Kindle e-reader in the U.S.; “most” is not a guarantee for every title. Confirm Kindle appears under that book’s Read With options. See Libby’s Kindle instructions.
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Choose the reading destination that suits you
| Route | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Kindle e-reader | Available for eligible Libby loans at U.S. libraries. Select Kindle from the loan’s Read With… options, then complete delivery on Amazon. |
| Libby app | Read in Libby instead of sending the book to Kindle; Kindle hardware is not required for this route. |
| Fire tablet | Libby recommends installing and reading with the Libby app on Fire tablets rather than using the Kindle e-reader delivery route. |
For more on the app option and Fire tablets, see Libby’s Kindle Books guidance.
If Kindle does not appear or the book does not arrive
Kindle is missing from “Read With…”
- Check the title’s available formats and reading options in Libby. Some titles are not Kindle-compatible.
- If you already downloaded the book in another format, such as EPUB, Libby says you need to borrow the title again before sending it to Kindle.
See Libby’s help for choosing a reading format.
The book was sent but is not on the device you want
Open Amazon’s Your Books page and use Deliver or remove from device to choose the device. Amazon account association determines which devices can receive the loan.
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When the loan ends—and how to return it early
Kindle library books are returned automatically when the lending period ends. If you finish sooner, you can return the book through Amazon or from a Kindle e-reader. Libby’s instructions are at Reading Kindle Books on a Kindle ereader.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep print books in your routine
Use the format that fits the moment: borrow a print book as usual, and send an eligible digital loan to Kindle or read it in Libby when that is more convenient. The library’s collection and each title’s format options determine what is available; there is no need to give up print books to borrow ebooks.
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- 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.
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- Kindle Paperwhite – 7“ Paperwhite display with high contrast ratio and fast 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
- 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.
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