I Downloaded This: Libby
Save your money and support public libraries!
I loved reading books as a child. My mom would bring me to the local public library on the regular (thanks, Mom!) and I’d also hit up the school library, taking home stacks of books. I was even a librarian aide in high school (because I decided Chemistry II was too hard, but no one needs to know that part).
I’m not 100% sure when I stopped picking up books, but if I were a guessin’ gal, it was sometime around college when I was assigned to read all the textbooks. Plus, I had high-speed internet for the first time, so I chugged from that wild and zany fountain of knowledge instead of picking up books for leisure. After college, I’d pick up a book from time to time. I really loved (and still love) visiting bookstores, and the idea of holding a book and flipping through its pages is great, but ultimately, it wasn’t something I ever got back into.
Until… audiobooks.
I’m now reading books on the regular, averaging two a month! Most of them are audiobooks, and I borrow almost all of them from the public library. FOR FREE. I might have to write a separate post about public libraries because they rule, but for now, I’m just gonna encourage everyone to sign up for a library card from their local (or not local) public library ASAP. Bezos doesn’t need more of your money, and I’m sure it’s easier for public libraries to ask for money if people are actually using their services.
So, why should I download Libby?
Libby is a free app that most public libraries use where you can enjoy ebooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines from your public library. It’s available on web, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire tablets.
Here’s why Libby is great:
It’s free!
The user interface is decent. (I was not a fan of Overdrive’s interface, Libby’s predecessor, even though it had more features.)
You can add multiple library cards. Remember, some libraries don’t require you to be a resident to borrow from them!
Even though I mostly use Libby to listen to audiobooks, the ebook reading experience is nice through the app, too. (Graphic novels can be a little clunky though.)
Your progress can sync across devices, so you can start on your phone and continue on your computer, etc.
The sleep feature is key for me. I love falling asleep to audiobooks. Sure, I lose my place often and find myself having to re-listen to parts, but it’s a great way to turn off most of my brain so it can shut down.
Downsides of Libby:
There’s reasons, but digital loans have holds, too. But, 1) there are so many other books out there to check out while you wait for your turn, and 2) most libraries have ebooks and audiobooks that will be accessible to all for a limited time.
As mentioned earlier, reading graphic novels through it can be clunky. The navigation also can be slightly confusing as I always forget what the main menu icons mean.
Not all public libraries use Libby. In fact, my own local public library doesn’t use it, but thankfully, I have cards from other libraries.
Overall Rating
Libby App review: Free ebooks & audiobooks from your library
👍🏽 Free to download and use, supports multiple library cards and multiple devices, borrow ebooks and audiobooks from the convenience of wherever, whenever!
👎🏽 Not available at all public libraries, hard to read graphic novels, still gotta wait if there’s a hold.
5 out of 6 thumbs up!
Do you love Libby or is there another app you love to use to read? Lemme know!