What is Libby?
Libby is a free app that allows users to borrow and read eBooks and audiobooks from their local public library. The app was developed by OverDrive, a company that provides digital content solutions to public libraries and schools.
With the Libby app, users easily search for and borrow digital books from their local library’s collection. The app supports a wide range of eBook and audiobook formats and provides a user-friendly reading experience with customizable settings, such as font sizes and background colors. Users also listen to audiobooks directly within the app and even speed up or slow down the narration.
Libby is available for free on both Apple and Android devices and is downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.
How to Use Libby?
Here are the basic steps for using the Libby app:
- Download and install the Libby app from the App Store or Google Play Store on your mobile device.
- Open the app and select “Find My Library.” Enter your local library’s name, zip code, or location to find your library’s digital collection.
- Once you have selected your library, you will need to sign in with your library card number and PIN. If you don’t have a library card, sign up for one online or in person at your local library.
- Browse the library’s digital collection in Libby and find the book you want to borrow. Search by title, author, or subject, or browse the collections by genre or format.
- Once you have found the book you want, tap on “Borrow” or “Place Hold” if the book is currently unavailable. If you place a hold, you will receive an email notification when the book becomes available for you to borrow.
- If you choose to borrow the book, you will have the option to read the book in the app or download it for offline reading. If you choose to listen to an audiobook, stream it or download it for offline listening.
- When you’re finished with the book, return it early or let it expire at the end of the lending period. The book will then be automatically removed from your device.
What are Libby’s Accessibility Features?
- Screen reader support
- Adjustable text sizes
- High contrast mode
- Closed captioning
- Voice controls
- Dyslexia font
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Full-screen menus
- Reduced text variation
- Reduced motion
- Reduced haptics
- Navigation bar labels
For more information about accessibility in Libby, visit Libby Help or check out OverDrive’s accessibility statement. Note that some settings are only available for the English language.
How to Read Aloud with Libby?
Libby provides an easy way to listen to audiobooks on your mobile device, including the ability of adjustable playback speed, setting sleep timers, and more. Here’s how to listen to audiobooks in Libby:
- Open the Libby app and sign in with your library card and PIN.
- Tap on the book cover of the audiobook you want to listen to.
- On the book details page, tap the “Listen” button.
- If it’s your first time listening to an audiobook in Libby, you’ll be prompted to select your preferred playback speed.
- Once you start listening to the audiobook, pause, rewind or fast-forward using the on-screen controls.
- To set a sleep timer, tap the “ZZZ” button in the upper-right corner of the screen and choose a time duration.
If you want to read along with the audiobook player, Libby offers a feature called “Read Along,” which highlights the text as the narrator reads the book aloud. Here’s how to use Read Along:
- Open the Libby app and sign in with your library card and PIN.
- Tap on the book cover of the audiobook you want to read along with.
- On the book details page, tap the “Read Along” button.
- The app will display the eBook version of the audiobook, with the text highlighted as the narrator reads it aloud.
What are Web Content Accessibility Guidelines?
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of international standards for making digital content, such as websites, apps, and documents, more accessible to people with disabilities.
WCAG assists content creators about whether their digital content is accessible to the widest possible audience, including people with disabilities and vision problems.
Is Libby the Same with OverDrive App?
While both Libby and OverDrive are owned by the same company, OverDrive Inc., they are different products.
Is Libby Better than Amazon Kindle?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to access a large selection of eBooks and audiobooks for free from your local library, then Libby may be the better choice for you. But if you want a device or app specifically designed for reading eBooks, with a wider selection of titles available for purchase, then Kindle may be a better option.
