Got to Love That Libby

Ok fellow readers, I don’t know how I’ve missed Libby all this time! If you’re like me and you’ve just heard of the hype, get ready to jump on the fan bandwagon.

Libby is basically your local library made virtual. Yes! The library has now come to our living rooms, nay closer, the palm of our hands! Libby is an app for readers, story lovers, and the life-long learners. You can borrow digital ebooks and audiobooks from your Library’s OverDrive Collection. Those familiar with OverDrive should note that Libby has access to the same titles but as the “daughter” of OverDrive, she is way more user friendly, especially for those new to the whole digital reading experience.

Even in 2021 there are a lot of people out there who don’t read, especially amongst the population of people with IDD. But that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy a good story! Audiobooks are like portable, instant magic. People can listen to a story being read aloud to them even when they are alone. There’s something special gained by listening to tone and inflection in voice as well. Listening to stories has been cited as a way to develop understanding of syntax, ability to focus, and communication skills. Of course it also sparks the imagination. Some people like to have their ears and hands employed at the same time. I know cleaning my home and mowing my lawn go a whole lot better with an audiobook. A story can make someone’s day a little brighter.

The Libby app is completely free and available for Android and iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch). Not only is downloading the app free, but also the content is free, just like your city library. Books can be streamed via Wi-Fi or mobile data. You can also download them to use offline wherever you are. Content can be synced across devices and even sent to a Kindle. One of the first things users will see when they download the app is Libby walking you through finding your library and entering your library card. Oops! Don’t have a card? It’s ok. I haven’t had a card since I moved and I was still able to borrow a book within minutes. By providing a mobile phone number and name, many locations will create a digital library card for you to use inside the app. (You’ll still need to ask your local librarian for a real card when you’re ready to visit in-person again but this digital card is perfect for your quarantine browsing.)

Unlike other reading apps, everything on Libby is FREE. However, there is one catch. Remember, when you take books out of the library there is a time limit for when the book is due back so other readers have a chance to borrow. Though Libby is a digital library, you still have a time limit because there are only so many content licenses. The perk about borrowing and reading/listening in the virtual world is Libby grabs the book back when your time is up – no overdue fees because you forgot to mark the calendar…or oops that sweater was hiding the book you haven’t touched in weeks. If you really did want to finish that content, you can request it again, it just might be on a waiting list.

So other big-wig reading apps out there might not make you wait for content, but they come with a subscription fee. For those of us on a budget, Libby is the perfect app to get to the Library without leaving home.