Got to Love That Libby

Ok fellow readers, I’ve been a major fan of Libby for about five years now. I have to make a fuss. If you’re asking “Who or what is Libby?,” get ready to jump on the fan bandwagon.

What is Libby?

Libby is basically your local library made virtual. Yes! The library can 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.

Why Libby?

Even in this day and age there are a lot of people out there who don’t read, especially amongst the population of people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy a good story! Libby is one way to open up the world of literature to people who struggle to or can’t read.

Audiobooks, in my opinion, 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.

How much does Libby cost?

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.

How do I use Libby?

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 at home or on-the-go 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.

One more resource

Ok, so I know I’m such a book nerd but I HAVE to share one more resource with my fellow story lovers and neighbors. If you reside in the state of Pennsylvania, you must check out the Free Library of Philadelphia at freelibrary.org.

You don’t need to live in Philly to benefit from this great foundation. Anyone who lives in the state of Pennsylvania can get a Free Library card. The website states:

“A Free Library card is available at no cost to anyone who lives, works, pays taxes, or goes to school in the City of Philadelphia. In addition, anyone who lives in the state of Pennsylvania can obtain a Free Library card without charge.“

Click Get a Library Card to sign-up online. Once you get your card number, link the free digital card to the Libby app on your mobile device. Now you can start listening to tons of titles read by famous authors and voice talent actors. There are also a lot of EBooks.

In the Libby app you can toggle between different libraries so it’s worth not only checking out your local branch but also adding the Free Library of Philadelphia. Chances are between the two you can find the title you want or shorten your wait time.

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. Celebrate September, Library Card Sign-up Month, by visiting your local library and connecting virtually via Libby.

Want more? Check out the helpful videos like this Libby Overview.