Frequently Asked Questions by readers new to Libby

Q. What is Libby?

Libby is a free app that enables you to borrow ebooks from your public library. For reading, you can stream ebooks with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere. All you need to get started is a library card.

(NOTE: In some places you may see mention of "Audiobooks" and "Magazines" - please note that these types of material are not yet available in our collection.)

Q. How do I get started with Libby?

Sometimes the question is as simple as, “What do I do first?” Simply download the Libby app on your phone, tablet, device

or use libbyapp.com on your web browser:

Follow the prompts to find your library, enter your library card, and then begin browsing and borrowing.

(For more details, see below for a step-by-step explanation titled "Getting started with Libby").

Q. Can I transfer books I borrowed onto my eReader?

If you have a NOOK, Kobo, or similar ereader, you can download Libby books on a computer, then use Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) to transfer them to your device:

1. On a computer, go to libbyapp.com. Add your library and card, if needed.

2. Go to Shelf > Loans, then select Read With…

Note: If you have a reading preference set, select Manage Loan, then Read With…

3. Click Other Options.

4. Select EPUB or PDF. (Format options vary by title.)

5. Open the file in ADE and transfer the book to your ereader.

(Note: If you do not have ADE on your reader/computer, get it at the ADE website)

Q. How do I return books?

Books are automatically returned to the library on their due date. When they’re returned, they’re also removed from your Loans and deleted from your device (if downloaded).

If however you finish a book early, you can return it before its due date using the steps below:

1. Go to Shelf > Loans.

2. Tap Manage Loan.

3. Tap Return Early, then Return.

Q. How do I search for a book?

You can use the search bar at the top of Libby to search for a book, author, keyword, or genre. There are a number of ways to filter your searching including saving specific searches, only seeing certain formats, and seeing books available to borrow right now. You can learn more about our search options here.

Q. Can I renew my borrowed book like in a physical library?

Yes. If no one has a hold on the book, you can renew a title a few days before it’s due using these steps:

1. Go to Shelf > Loans.

2. Tap Manage Loan.

3. Tap Renew Loan, then Renew.

Q. Why do I need to wait for a copy of a digital book?

This question comes up often. Digital library books work just like physical library books. In most cases, libraries buy individual “copies” of digital titles from publishers. Publishers often require that each digital copy is only loaned to one person at a time (just like physical library books). This ensures that authors, narrators, and other creators are paid fairly for their work, even if it’s consumed digitally.

Even if there’s a lot of demand, the library’s budget might not allow for more digital copies of a popular title. Most libraries have limited budgets that cover their physical collection and other services, in addition to digital titles.

Remember that if all copies of a digital title are checked out, you can place a hold and wait for it to become available.

(Source: https://company.overdrive.com/2021/02/01/helping-first-time-libby-users-get-started/ )

How to change your reading settings

Tapping the “A” icon when reading an ebook will provide you with several options, including the ability to change the font spacing, size, and style such as a dyslexic font. You can also switch to night mode or a sepia background.

Did you know?

Sample any eBook (even without library membership)

Even if you don’t (yet) have a library card, you can tap an eBook in the collection you are browsing and preview up to ten percent of the eBook. Even if all the copies of the title are currently borrowed, you can still access the sample.

This helps you decide if you want to borrow a title.