Libby Library App Reviews: Honest Guide to Features, Pros & Cons
How people read books has changed greatly in the past ten years. Instead of carrying heavy books everywhere, many readers now enjoy ebooks and audiobooks on their phones or tablets. The Libby app is one of the most popular apps for borrowing digital books. Created by OverDrive, Libby connects directly to local libraries and makes it easy to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines for free with just a library card.
In this blog, we will go through what Libby is, how it works, its main features, the pros and cons, and what real users say about the experience. If you are thinking about downloading Libby and using it for your reading habits, this review will help you understand everything in simple words.
What is the Libby App?
Libby is a free app from OverDrive that lets you borrow digital books, audiobooks, and magazines from your local public library. Instead of paying for each book on Kindle or Audible, you can borrow them for free as long as your library is partnered with OverDrive.
The app is available on iOS, Android, and even works on computers through a web browser. All you need is a valid library card from a participating library. Once you sign in, you can browse the digital collection, borrow items, and start reading or listening instantly.
Key Features of Libby
Libby is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Some of the main features include:
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Ebooks and Audiobooks: You can borrow thousands of titles in both ebook and audiobook formats.
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Magazines: Many libraries now also include popular magazines in the app.
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Offline Reading/Listening: Download books and listen or read without the internet.
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Bookmarks and Notes: Save your favorite quotes or important parts of a book.
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Adjustable Reading Settings: Change font size, background color, and lighting for comfortable reading.
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Playback Speed Control: For audiobooks, you can adjust the speed to go faster or slower.
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Sync Across Devices: If you start a book on your phone, you can continue on your tablet.
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Multiple Library Cards: Add cards from more than one library and switch between collections.
How Libby Works
Using Libby is very similar to checking out a physical book from a library. Here is the process in simple steps:
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Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
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Find your library by searching for your city or library name.
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Enter your library card details to sign in.
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Browse the collection for ebooks, audiobooks, or magazines.
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Borrow a title if it is available, or place a hold if it is checked out.
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Read or listen in the app or send the book to your Kindle (U.S. users only).
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Return the book when you are done, or it will auto-return when the loan period ends.
This simple borrowing system is one of the main reasons Libby has become so popular with readers.
Pros of the Libby App
Many users love Libby for the following reasons:
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Completely Free: No cost at all if you have a library card.
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Wide Selection: Access to thousands of titles, including new releases and bestsellers.
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No Late Fees: Books return automatically at the end of the loan period.
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Cross-Device Sync: Easy to continue where you left off on different devices.
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Offline Use: Download once and read anywhere.
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Clean Interface: The app design is modern and easy to navigate.
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Supports Kindle: In the U.S., books can be sent directly to a Kindle for reading.
Cons of the Libby App
Like any app, Libby also has some downsides:
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Limited Copies: Just like physical libraries, digital copies can “sell out.” If many people want the same book, you may have to wait.
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Library Dependent: The size of the collection depends on what your local library has purchased. Some libraries have smaller collections.
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No Desktop App: Works in browsers on computers, but no dedicated desktop app.
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Hold Times: Popular books often have long waitlists.
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Account Needed: You must have a valid library card, which not everyone has.
User Experience Reviews
Positive Feedback
Most reviews from users on app stores and websites are very positive. People love how easy it is to borrow books without spending money. Many mention how smooth the reading and audiobook experience is, especially with features like dark mode and playback speed. Parents also find Libby useful for children’s books, since they can borrow as many picture books as they want without paying.
Critical Feedback
Some users complain about long wait times for popular titles. For example, if a new bestseller is released, there may be hundreds of people waiting. Others feel frustrated if their local library does not have a large digital collection. A few users have also noted that the app can be confusing at first for people who are not very tech-savvy.
Comparing Libby with Other Apps
When compared with paid services like Kindle Unlimited or Audible, Libby stands out because it is completely free. Kindle Unlimited has a monthly subscription cost, while Audible charges for credits. On the other hand, Libby depends on what your library owns, so you may not always find every book.
Still, for anyone with a good local library system, Libby is often the best choice. You get the same quality ebooks and audiobooks without paying.
Who Should Use Libby?
Libby is perfect for:
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Students who need access to books for free.
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Casual readers who don’t want to buy every book they read.
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Audiobook listeners are looking for affordable alternatives to Audible.
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Parents want free access to children’s books and magazines.
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Travelers who want to download books to read offline.
Basically, if you have a library card and enjoy reading, Libby is worth having on your phone.
Final Thoughts
The Libby Library App is one of the best tools for modern readers. It combines the traditional idea of borrowing from a library with the convenience of digital reading. While it has some drawbacks like waitlists and limited availability, the overall experience is excellent. The fact that it is free, easy to use, and available on most devices makes it a must-have app for book lovers.
Whether you read daily or just a few times a year, Libby gives you access to a world of stories without emptying your wallet. For many people, it has changed the way they think about libraries and digital reading.
