Ebooks and Libraries #libby #kindlereading

/ Mae Clair

Hello, SEers! You’re with Mae as we venture a bit deeper into February. Today, I’d like to share an app that makes borrowing Kindle books from your local library remarkably easy. I have no affiliation with the makers of Libby, nor am I receiving compensation for this post. As an avid reader, I simply couldn’t resist sharing. 

How many times have you considered purchasing an ebook but hesitated because you weren’t certain the story would be a good fit, or the price was higher than you wanted to spend? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could borrow that book without cost?

You can download Libby from the App Store or Google Play (depending on our mobile device). If you’re not already a member of your local library, sign up! Library membership is free and offers a wealth of services. 

Young woman in a cafe reading an ebook and drinking coffee

Open Libby
Click ADD LIBRARY
Enter your zip code
Select your library from the list that populates

From here you can either:
Request a library card (I already had one, so I’m not sure how this works, but I think it’s awesome you can request a card from within the app)
If you already have a card, select ENTER LIBRARY ACCOUNT DETAILS, then enter your card number.

Once your account information is set, you can begin browsing for books. Search by title, author, or genre. You can also see new titles that have recently been added to your library by scrolling. Go even deeper in your searches by applying filters.

And here’s the best part—if you read on a Kindle like I do, when you borrow a title simply click the button that says READ ON KINDLE. Libby will connect to Amazon’s account log-in. Once you enter your username and password, the book will automatically download to your Kindle.

Your library will determine how long you can keep a book on loan and how many loans you can have at one time. You can manage loans through the app by returning your title early or extending the borrowing period. Libby also allows you to place “holds” on books if the title is unavailable.

If you enjoy reading as much as I do, I think you’ll love Libby. It’s a great way to try out new-to-you authors and venture into genres you might not normally explore. I love that libraries have embraced the digital age by making lending so easy. This isn’t just for U.S. readers, but works internationally as well.

Have you used Libby? Are you ready to give the app a try? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Ready, set, go!

UPDATES:

Story Empire’s own Harmony Kent who lives in the UK, was able to find this link regarding international use through Overdrive: https://company.overdrive.com/2018/11/01/uk-libraries-join-country-wide-digital-book-club/ Thank you, Harmony!

Also, I should have mentioned that you don’t have to worry about returning a book with Libby (though you’re certainly able to do that with a click on your Kindle if you finish reading early). At the end of the lending period, the book will automatically disappear from your Kindle, and Amazon will send you an email notification. If you haven’t finished reading the novel, you can always request more time through Libby. The Amazon Kindle interface is truly seamless. Happy reading!

bio box for author, Mae Clair

113 thoughts on “Ebooks and Libraries #libby #kindlereading”

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  3. We discovered Libby at the start of the pandemic, and my kids are pros now at checking out books on their devices. It’s been wonderful for them to have, especially in the early months when we were locked down and couldn’t go anywhere. Even my husband, a self-confessed “non-reader” uses it from time to time to read nonfiction books and magazines.

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    • Hi, Ekta. I so love hearing things like this. Thank you for sharing how Libby has made a difference for you and your family. I am so thankful libraries made this fantastic app available for those of us who love to read. And I’m delighted to hear young readers are making use of it too.
      Thanks for visiting and commenting. Have an awesome (reading) day! 🙂

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  6. I am in the gang with the most other commenters. 😉 I never before had heard about this app, but it sounds very interesting. Maybe its usable here in Germany too. Honestly, i love to have books forever on my device(s), as i often come back to most books, for a second or third read. 😉 However, thank you for this great information, Mae! xx Michael

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    • Michale, it’s supposed to work internationally, so I hope it works in Germany, too. If not, maybe there is a different option available like Overdrive or Bookbox, which Harmony mentioned working in the UK.

      Like you, I love being able to have books that remain on my devices indefinitely because I go back and read them over and again, but Libby makes a nice alternative for those books you’re not sure about. Then, if you read one you really love you can always purchase it after the fact. I’ve already done that. But I’ve also read a book through Libby that I was glad I didn’t purchase. It was an “okay” read, but I would have been disappointed had I spent $$$ on it.

      Crossing my fingers Libby (or an alternative) works for you! 🙂

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  8. My local library has good access digitally to most books I want, but this would extend my reach to other library systems? How about to Universities? I once spent a week researching in the University Of Notre Dame’s amazing library. I’d love to revisit there digitally.

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  9. I always just buy my favorite authors to have on my Kindle, but I love the idea of using Libby to try new authors I’m not sure about. I balk at paying over $7.99 for a book I might or might not like. And I know I’m paying for an author’s blood, sweat, and tears, but it feels odd to pay $12.99 or more for an e-book.

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    • I’m the same way, Judi. I buy my favorite authors in Kindle format or paperback. I don’t have a problem spending $14.99 (the going rate) for an ebook by an author I love, but I do balk at spending that (or even less) for an author I’m not sure about. That’s were Libby is great. There are not many indie titles (at least not in my local library) but there are plenty of others to tempt me. Definitely one of the best apps I’ve downloaded!

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  11. I’m surprised that this is the first time I’ve heard of this scheme! It does make sense and I can see that it might also help to support libraries and keep them open. I’m off to investigate – many thanks!

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    • I think libraries had to adapt to new ways of lending, Alex, especially with ebooks becoming so popular, and then the pandemic which kept many regulars away. Libby is wonderful. I’m so glad you’re going to check it out. Happy reading!

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  14. It usually takes others to point out things to me that I didn’t know existed. I think it’s a great idea, though my problem s finding the time to read the 150+ titles I’ve already got waiting. I’m reading more than ever before, but I keep buying new ones, so I’m not gaining any ground. 🤣 Oh well, as I tell others, I file this one under the category of nice problems to have.

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  16. Well, this is a new one on me! Never heard of such a thing, and I’m so glad you shared it. It just might be a handy thing for me to have someday, even though I’m greedy about keeping my own library of books. Yes, even eBooks. But that doesn’t mean I might not be feeling “iffy” about one, and want to read it before investing in ownership. Plus, with my husband’s retirement looming on the horizon, I might want to use it for budgetary reasons. Definitely going to check it out, Mae. Thanks SO much for sharing! 🤗❤

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    • I’m like you, Marcia, I like my own library of books, even ebooks. I’ve already purchased books I’ve read through Libby because I wanted them in my library. But I’ve also read one book I’m glad I didn’t invest in, so it is definitely good for the ones you’re on the fence about. I think you’ll find it a handy little app. Happy browsing and reading!

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  17. Libby is a fantastic program. It’s handy when you’re doing research. One time, I only needed to read Chapter 13 of a certain nonfiction book. Libby saved the day! But I always forget about it when it comes to pleasure reading. Thanks for the reminder, Mae!

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    • Oooh, thanks for pointing this out, Sue. I do a lot of research into wildlife, both for my talks and my books. And lately, I’ve been doing more and more research on legends and the like. I’m definitely gonna check this app out! 😀

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  18. Pingback: Ebooks and Libraries #libby #kindlereading – Jackanori, (MPD)

  22. I have Libby, Mae. I wanted to check out some books from our library but I had to hold them until they’re available. The library prompt me to download the Libby app. So far I have it on my iPad. I could borrow the audiobook and download to the audio app also. It’s awesome! 😊😊 Great article, Mae!

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    • Someone else mentioned audio books too, Miriam. I hadn’t even thought of it for that use, but that’s fantastic. I’m so glad libraries embraced this and made ebooks available to so many. And I just love how it works with Amazon. So glad you’re enjoying it on your iPad. Many thanks for sharing!

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      • It’s a long way to get the books to the public libraries though. Do not all the books are available in the libraries. The publishers would get the reviews from the few national library journals, then submit the books to the public libraries for consideration of purchasing. I think our county would purchase 10 copies of the new books for circulation. I don’t know if the local library determines whether or not to purchase and have permanent copies.

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      • Thanks for that information, Miriam. I had no idea how libraries choose books. I know my own books have shown up on library lists out of state, but not on my local library (they have print copies of my books). My local library doesn’t appear to have many indie titles but they do have many of the mainstream authors I follow and other books I’ve considered purchasing but was on the fence about. I do know that of the ebooks I have read, not many copies are available. Thanks for sharing and building on this post, Miriam!

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    • So, Miriam, we probably use the same library–OC Library. I can download digital books from them already. What is the advantage of Libby? Why do you like it? Maybe to get access to other libraries outside the OC system? Or University libraries?

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  23. What a great idea, Mae! I will have to check this out. I haven’t been to the library much since I got my Kindle, unless to take the grandkids. So this is ideal to borrow books on the Kindle! Thanks for sharing this information 🙂

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    • Totally free, Staci. I’m not sure if you’ll find the same amount of content as you would with Scribd, but I’ve already downloaded and read a number of books I wanted to try. It’s so user-friendly, too. A win-win for readers!

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  26. Wow, Mae! This is a goldmine for readers! And it’s the perfect solution for mainstream books that the publishers are putting out at $15 for the Kindle version. Thank you for sharing! This app will be on my phone before the day is over. Great stuff!! Thanks for sharing!

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    • Jan, that’s exactly how I use Libby. I just mentioned to Diana, I don’t mind paying $14.99 for an ebook from an established author I love, but I’ve been burned by paying that for ebooks from mainstream authors, and then ended up hating the book. Libby is a wonderful alternative. Happy reading!

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  27. That sounds very cool, Mae. I don’t belong to our local library because there’s a hefty fee (we’re too small to support a library on tax dollars alone). Your post raised questions for me about my library’s technological capabilities. I’ll have to see if they’ve even considered online lending. That would make it worth the membership for sure. I’m pretty committed to supporting our indie community financially by buying books. Do you know if authors are paid through library lending?

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    • I’m not sure how authors are supported through the lending. I know that Kensington has placed my books in several libraries (at least I’ve had readers tell me they borrowed them through out of state libraries). My local library has paperback copies of all of my books, but I couldn’t find them through Libby, so I don’t think there are many indie titles in the mix.

      I use Libby more for mainstream novels with hefty ebook prices. If I don’t know an author but am considering purchasing the book, Libby is a nice alternative. I’ve also turned around and purchased a paperback copy of a book I read on Libby because I liked it so much. When I really like an author, I don’t think twice about paying $14.99 for an ebook, but if I don’t know the author I like the ability of Libby to allow me to borrow the novel. As I said, I don’t think there are many indie books in the mix.

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    • Sharon, that’s what I’m finding out. Apparently the international use is through Overdrive. I’ve only been using Libby for a few months now, but I’m in love with it, and have been telling every reader I know to download it. I wish I would have discovered it sooner!

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  29. Wow, this is the first I’ve heard of Libby. I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks so much, Mae. I’m impressed local libraries are doing this now. Bravo for them!

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    • I was thoroughly impressed too, Gwen. I guess between the popularity of ebooks and the pandemic, they had to make adjustments. I don’t know how long Libby has been around, but I was so thankful when I discovered it. It’s an excellent way to try books you’re not sure about, or discover new authors. Happy reading!

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    • Hi, Rachel Ann. I am so excited to hear about that! I hadn’t even thought about it for audibooks application. I’m glad to hear you and your family are making use of Libby. It is such a wonderful app. Thank you for sharing!

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  33. Mae, thanks for the tip. I’m going to give it a shot. I’m a slow reader so a time frame always frustrates me. But having easier access to library books might encourage me to read more and even increase my speed. Great tip, Mae.

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    • Great! I’m glad you’re going to give it a try. And you can always request an extension through the app if the time frame limitation isn’t enough for you to finish a book. Apparently, each library sets their own lending period. Mine allows 14 days. And if a book isn’t working for you, it’s easy to return and request another. Libby makes it so you don’t even have to manually return the books if you don’t want to. At the end of the lending period, they automatically disappear from your Kindle unless you request an extension!

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  35. I have Libby and love checking out books from my local library through the app. Especially those I want to read but don’t want to pay a high price for. Our library allows us to request books and be put on a waiting list. Then, they’ll send an email saying when the book is available.

    Great post, Mae!

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    • My library does the same, Joan. I haven’t requested a book yet, but I have borrowed several. Like you, I love that I can read a novel I’m not sure I want to spend the money to purchase. I’ve been burned before buying a pricey ebook only to have it turn out as a dud. I’ve also gone back to Amazon after reading something on Libby and bought the book, just because I enjoyed it so much. I did that with a paperback copy of something I really wanted.

      I just love Libby! Glad to hear you were already making great use of it!

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    • Yay! It’s a wonderful little app, Jill. And the Amazon Kindle interface is seamless. I usually return my books early (because I finish reading them ahead of time), but you don’t even have to do that. At the end of the lending period, the book automatically disappears from your Kindle, and Amazon even sends you an email to let you know. I wish you happy reading!

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