Libby
An app that lets you borrow library ebooks with your library card.
What Libby does
Libby is the free library app from OverDrive. Sign in with your library card and you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library, then read or listen on your phone. There's nothing to buy, but you can only read what your library carries.
If you have a library card, Libby is the first app to try when you want to read for free. You add your library, sign in with your card, and browse the same digital collection your library pays for. Borrowed books can download to your phone, so you can keep reading without a connection.
The catch is that libraries buy a limited number of digital copies. New and popular titles often have a waitlist, and the wait can be long. You place a hold and Libby tells you when it's your turn. Older and less hyped books are often ready right away.
In the US, you can also send many library ebooks to a Kindle. Libby does not open your own EPUB or PDF files, so if you want to read files you already have, pair it with a general ebook reader.
Alternatives to Libby
Who it's for
Skip it if: Reading your own EPUB or PDF files. People who want new releases the day they come out.
Pricing
Free planLibby is free. All you need is a card from a library that offers it. Your library pays for the books, so you never pay to borrow.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Free books, paid for by your library
- Ebooks and audiobooks in one app
- Works offline once a book is downloaded
- Simple to set up if your library supports it
Watch out for
- Popular books can have long waitlists
- The catalog depends entirely on your library
- You can't add your own books
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Try this idea: “an app where I keep track of the library books I'm waiting for, when they're due, and what I want to borrow next”
Questions people ask
Is Libby really free?
Yes. The app and the books are free. Your library covers the cost, and you sign in with your library card.
Do I need a library card for Libby?
Yes. Libby only works with a card from a library that offers it. Many libraries let you sign up for a card online.
Why do I have to wait for some books?
Libraries buy a set number of digital copies. When they're all borrowed, you place a hold and wait your turn.
Can I read Libby books on a Kindle?
In the US, many library ebooks can be sent to a Kindle from Libby.