How to Borrow Free eBooks with Libby (Library App)

Borrow free ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your public library using the free Libby app — all you need is a library card.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Download the Libby app
2.Find your library
3.Sign in with your library card
4.Browse and borrow a book
5.Read or listen to your book

Download the Libby app

~15s

Search for "Libby, by OverDrive" in the App Store or Google Play Store. Install the free app. On Amazon Fire tablets, search in the Amazon Appstore.

Find your library

~15s

Open Libby and tap "I'll search for a library." Type your city or the name of your library system (for example, "Chicago Public Library" or "Multnomah County Library"). Select your library from the results.

Sign in with your library card

~17s

Tap "Sign In With My Card" and enter your library card number (the long number on the back of your card) and your PIN. If you do not know your PIN, contact your library — it is often your birth year or a 4-digit number you set up.

Browse and borrow a book

~19s

Tap "Library" to browse available titles. Search for a book by title or author, or browse categories. When you find a book you want, tap "Borrow" — if it is available, it goes to your loans immediately. If there is a wait list, tap "Place Hold" and Libby will notify you when it is your turn.

Read or listen to your book

~15s

Tap the "Shelf" button (the person icon) to see your borrowed books. Tap any book to open it. For audiobooks, tap the headphones icon to start listening. Tap the "Aa" icon while reading to change font size and background color.

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Libby is a free app from OverDrive that connects to your public library's digital collection. With a library card, you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free — no fees, no late charges, and no driving to the library. The books automatically return themselves when the borrowing period ends (usually 14 or 21 days). Most public libraries in the United States participate in the Libby program.

The app is available for iPhone, Android, and Amazon Fire tablets. Once you borrow a book, it downloads to your device so you can read it offline. If there is a waiting list for a popular title, Libby will automatically notify you when it is your turn and add it to your loans.

If you do not currently have a library card, many libraries now offer instant digital cards you can get online in minutes without visiting the library in person.

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