If I had to buy every book I read, paying rent would be unmanageable. Accessing books for free is simple; I often swap books with friends, check out the free little libraries in my area, and, naturally, I cherish my local library. Nevertheless, as a fan and specialist in e-readers, I usually rely on a device for my reading. While I utilize and assess e-readers, I must still manage to use my library card to read without cost. This is where Libby proves invaluable.

Libby ranks as the top app on my smartphone. It links you with library systems (of which you are a cardholder) so you can borrow and read e-books through the Libby app or on an e-reader, like a Kindle. After using Libby for several years, it has become an essential part of my reading routine and an indispensable tool for remaining well-informed.

How does Libby function?

Libby, integrated into the OverDrive framework, connects you with your library’s digital offerings. To get started with Libby, log in using your library card details. If you hold multiple library cards, feel free to attach as many as you’d like to your account. Once logged in, you can explore your library’s digital collection. Some titles may be available for immediate borrowing, allowing you to check them out and have them automatically added to your library.

Other titles may require you to place a hold. Highly sought-after books typically lead to long wait times, but here’s a pro tip: Having multiple library cards lets you compare wait times across various libraries, helping you find the quickest route.

When a hold becomes available, it will show up in your library, ready for checkout. Libby allows you to borrow books for a duration of two weeks. Some titles can be renewed, while others, with patrons waiting to borrow them, can’t be renewed.

Where can you read books via Libby?

You have a few choices for reading your Libby titles. You can read directly within the Libby app on a smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, you can access them through a web browser using the Libby site. The greatest advantage of the Libby app or website is the synchronization of your reading progress across all devices. Therefore, if you forget your iPad at home, you can continue reading on your iPhone and resume right where you left off.

Libby also allows you to access its books as ePUB files. The easiest way to do this is by using Adobe Digital Editions, so if you own a device with Adobe capabilities but not Libby access, like certain e-readers, you’ll still be able to enjoy your borrowed titles.

To read on an e-reader, you may send your books directly to a Kobo or Kindle device. Kobo offers the smoothest integration with Libby. You can log in through OverDrive (Libby’s parent organization) on your device, and when you borrow books, they will automatically show up in your library.

For Kindle users, there are a couple of additional steps involved in the process.

How to access Libby books on Kindle

To access Libby books on a Kindle, select the “Read With Kindle” option within the Libby app. This will redirect you to Amazon, where you’ll click the “Get Library Book” button. The book will then automatically show up in your Kindle library and devices. Just a reminder, once the book is in your library, you’ll need to download it on your Kindle to begin reading.

What is the best e-reader for Libby?

The most suitable e-readers for Libby are either the Kobo Libra Colour or the Kindle Paperwhite. Your choice will depend on how you use Libby. If you only have one library card, the Kobo is the most optimal e-reader for Libby. All of your borrowed Libby books will automatically populate on the device without requiring any additional actions. However, the drawback is that you can only link one Libby account to your Kobo at any time.

For those with multiple library cards, the Kindle Paperwhite serves as the best e-reader for Libby. Even though it requires an extra step to get your books on the device, you can borrow simultaneously with multiple cards.

If purchasing an e-reader isn’t an option, you can begin using Libby right away by reading on a smartphone or tablet that you already own. If you choose to read on a tablet, I suggest the iPad mini, which is more compact than other versions, reducing wrist strain while holding the device. An iPad’s screen may sometimes be too shiny for comfortable reading, and if that strains your eyes, consider applying a paper-like screen cover.

Avoid using the Barnes & Noble Nook and Boox e-readers for Libby, as both involve cumbersome steps to get your library books onto the devices.

Drawbacks of Libby

There are not many drawbacks to Libby — I would argue there are none at all. However, it’s wise to view Libby as the library