How to Borrow Free E-Books and Audiobooks from Your Library with Libby

Your local library card gives you access to thousands of free e-books and audiobooks that you can borrow and read or listen to on your phone, tablet, or computer — no trips to the library required. The app that makes this possible is called Libby, and it was created by a company called OverDrive.

Libby connects to your local library's digital collection. When you borrow a book through Libby, it appears on your device immediately and disappears automatically when the lending period ends (usually 14 to 21 days). There are no late fees, ever.

Because digital books are limited in how many people can borrow them at once, popular new releases sometimes have waiting lists. If a book is not available right now, you can tap "Place a Hold" and Libby will notify you when it is your turn. For books that are always available without a wait, look for books marked as "Always Available" — these are typically older titles and public domain classics.

Libby works on iPhone, Android, iPad, and Kindle Fire tablets. You can also read on a computer at libbyapp.com. You can have multiple library cards from different library systems in Libby at the same time — which is useful if you have cards from more than one county or city.

All you need to get started is a library card. If you do not have one, most libraries now let you get a digital card online by entering your name and address — no in-person visit required.

Audiobooks in Libby are especially popular for people who want to "read" during walks, drives, or household chores. The app remembers your place and lets you adjust the narration speed to your preference.