Summary

The website content introduces "Libby," an app that revolutionizes reading by providing free access to e-books, audiobooks, and magazines through a user's local library.

Abstract

"Libby" is a library app that has transformed the reading habits of its users by offering a convenient and cost-effective way to access a wide range of digital reading materials. The app allows library patrons to borrow e-books, audiobooks, and magazines directly to their mobile devices or Kindles. Its user-friendly interface and features such as automatic returns, syncing across devices, and the ability to place holds on popular titles, have made reading more accessible and enjoyable. The author expresses a personal fondness for Libby, emphasizing how it has enabled them to read more frequently and effortlessly, even during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opinions

The author has a strong admiration for Libby, describing it as a lovable and helpful tool that has significantly improved their reading experience.
Libby is praised for its ease of use, from the initial setup with a library card to browsing and borrowing books.
The app is appreciated for its practical features, such as keeping track of reading lists, managing loans and holds, and seamlessly integrating with Kindle devices.
The author values the cost-saving aspect of Libby, noting that it allows for extensive reading while adhering to a budget.
Audiobooks available through Libby are highlighted as particularly beneficial for multitasking and enjoying literature during times when reading a physical book is not feasible.
The author expresses gratitude for Libby during the pandemic, as it provided a means to continue enjoying library resources despite social distancing and library closures.
The overall sentiment is that Libby is a cherished resource that enhances the joy of reading and offers a modern solution to traditional library borrowing.

Reading

Have You Met Libby?

I’ve fallen a little in love. When you meet her, you might, too (Spoiler alert: Libby is a library app)

Libby changed the way I read.

Thanks to her, I read and listen to more books, more often, and more easily than I ever have before.

I think she can help you do that, too.

Libby is lovely and helpful and provides a wealth of information. From her picture, you will probably agree she is very cute. Before rumors get started, though, I should clarify that I’m not crushing on someone besides my husband. That’s because Libby is not an actual person.

Libby is a library app.

I found Libby a few years ago. My memory is fuzzy as to exactly how. I think I may have seen a flyer at my local library, informing patrons she exists.

Libby is not a person, but an app that allows library patrons to check out digital copies of e-books, audiobooks, and magazines for free. Libby has a lot of features to help the user actually read more. I loaded the app onto my phone right away.

Since using Libby, I’ve read and listened to more books, more often, and more easily than I ever have before. If you haven’t tried using Libby, I highly suggest you do.

It’s easy to sign up for Libby

To use Libby, you must have a valid library card. If you don’t, sign up for one with your local library.
Install the Libby app from the app store compatible with your IOS or Android device.
Once the app has loaded, find your library from the list provided, and enter your library card number.

After doing this, you will have an immense library, right at your fingertips!

Here’s how to borrow using the app:

Set your preferences:

1. Choose your preference for seeing everything or just what is currently available.

2. Select whether the app will show you books, audiobooks, or magazines; or leave the app set to show them all.

Click the bottom “Library” tag to browse the library inventory for what you want to listen to or read.
Enjoy your borrowed items right from the Libby app on your phone and/or you can choose to read them on your Kindle.
Click the bottom “Shelf” tag to see information about your loans, holds, and tags.

Image by author, a cropped screenshot of Libby App on her phone

Things I love about Libby

Libby is a sweetheart. There is a lot to love about her.

Libby is good at keeping lists. She will keep track of:

what you’re reading now
your recent loans and returns
an activity timeline of books you’ve borrowed, even after the library has recalled them.

Libby lets you add your name to a waiting list

If the reading or listening material you want is currently unavailable from your library system, you can place a hold on it.
It can take quite a while for a popular book to be ready to check out — but it feels a little like getting a present when it’s finally your turn.

No mad dashes to the library and no late fines. Thank you, Libby!

You can borrow (or return) a book any time of the day or night and don’t have to wait for the library to open.
When your loan is up, the app automatically returns your borrowed digital material. There may first be an offer to renew unless someone else has a hold on it.

Helpful hack: Before a loan you downloaded to your Kindle is about to expire, place your Kindle in airplane mode. Return of the loan will occur, but you will still have access to it on your Kindle until you reconnect the device to the Internet. 😉

Libby loans audiobooks

Audiobooks are perfect for when you are doing a task that doesn’t require concentration (cooking, ironing, painting, or driving are some examples). Listening to books at the times, when reading them would be impossible, increases the number of written words we can enjoy.
If you check out both the audio and digital version of the same book, you can read or listen to it whenever either option suits you best. OR, it is easy to go back and forth between two different books without confusing the plots, if you are listening to one and reading the other.

Libby is free

Libby, like any library, provides reading material for free.
I still buy books when I know I will want permanent copies of them; when the library does not have them; or if I want to support an author. However, Libby allows me to read as much as I want, while still sticking to our budget.

Libby works not just on a phone, but sometimes on a Kindle

Many Libby loans (from US libraries) are readable from both the Libby phone app and a Kindle. If the two devices sync, the reader can read from either, and automatically pick up at the spot where they left off.

There are some tremendous advantages to digital books

I still enjoy holding and reading a real (traditional paper) book, but I now appreciate the beauty of a digital version.

Here are some of my reasons:

I read fast and usually go through more books than I can carry when I travel. Having digital books on my phone or Kindle helps me pack lightly and ensures I’ll have enough to read. Thanks to Libby, even if I read all the ones I’ve borrowed, I can always return a loan and check out another.
I may not always have a book with me, but I always have my phone. With my book downloaded on it Libby, I can read it any time. No more wasted time while waiting at an appointment!
I can read in bed without turning on a light.
Digital books don’t take up any bookshelf space. We find this helpful since our shelves are already overflowing.

My love for Libby grew during the pandemic

In the past year of social distancing because of COVID-19, sometimes visits to libraries became inadvisable or impossible.

With our other activities curtailed, we’ve all had more free time to read, so a lack of library material could have been a tragedy.

During this time, Libby became my hero. I’ve so grateful she provides a virtual means to access the treasures of the library.

Now you know the reasons I love Libby

I’ve introduced you, so now perhaps you’ll go meet Libby.

Once you do, it won’t surprise me if you fall in love with her a little too.

💕💗😍

Happy reading.