Libby, the library app
Ratings & Reviews
Editors’ Choice
There’s only one thing easier than visiting the library: bringing it to you. Meet Libby, an app that lets you log in to your local library to access ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, all for the reasonable price of free. Sign in, link your library card, and go—it’s that simple.
It’s great being able to listen to audiobooks when I have a long drive or a house projects! I just wish I didn’t have to wait 6- 12 months to get the books that I want to listen too… please buy more audiobooks - it’s the best way to read books for busy people!!! I also like that you’re able to freeze the hold in case you’re finally listening to one of the audiobooks you waited six months for another one becomes available so you don’t lose your place in line!!
It’s so nice to have this option for people who have a hard time getting out of the house, and it’s so nice also that the books return themselves when due. I struggle with anxiety when it comes to late fees for books! I wish there were more copies of some books but that’s okay, patience is a virtue 😊 the only thing I’d change is that I do wish that the app had an option to scroll down to read instead of page turning but that’s a minor thing and not necessary to love this app!
This app is very easy to use. With notifications and it’s tagging capabilities I always know what’s up next on my reading list. I like that it gives me wait times for books that aren’t available yet and notifies me when they are ready for me to check out. They have audio books and e-books. If you like physical books you can check them out in the app and pick themup at your local library. The search feature works like a charm and I can always find what I’m looking for.
Google Translate doesn’t work in this app. It makes it very difficult for readers to find the meaning of words because they have to leave the app and manually type the words into Google Translate instead of simply copying and pasting them.I recommend adding a built-in Google Translate feature that supports all languages, or at least allowing users to copy and paste text directly from the app. This would make reading much easier and more convenient for non-native English speakers.
I absolutely love this app. I highly recommend having multiple library cards to go between, that gives you the biggest options for books or audiobooks. You still won’t be able to find Audible exclusives on here, and sometimes I can find the books I’m dying to get a hold of. But for the most part this app does have so many options and I’m okay with waiting on books I want to read if it means I’mNot supporting Jeff Bezos with Audible.
This app is honestly exactly what I’d want from a digital library app. The only thing I wish I could change is that I’d want it to be a bit clearer when an ebook is not available as a kindle book. Sometimes it’ll only be able to be read in the Libby app but I don’t know that until I’ve checked it out, which is a bummer since I loathe reading on my phone. But also, this app makes getting library books even more accessible so who am I to complain? Love it.