OverDriveLibby

OverDrive Libby is a mobile reading and listening application from OverDrive that provides access to digital library content, including eBooks and audiobooks, through participating libraries and schools. Launched in 2017 as Libby by OverDrive, it was designed to replace the older OverDrive app with a simpler, more user-friendly interface for discovering and borrowing library titles.

Users borrow titles with a library card from a participating library. They can search the catalog, borrow or place holds, sample titles, and download for offline reading or listening. Loans and holds are synchronized across devices through a user account. Content can be returned early by the user, and loans have due dates with possible renewals if allowed by the library.

Libby provides features to customize the reading experience with adjustable font size, themes, and line spacing, as well as bookmarks, highlights, notes, and progress syncing across devices. For audiobooks, playback controls include speed adjustment and a sleep timer. The app supports multiple libraries and allows switching between them without signing out.

Availability and platform: Libby is available on iOS and Android devices and can be used through a web interface at libbyapp.com. Features and catalog access vary by library, and access depends on the library’s lending terms and licenses.

Development and impact: Libby was developed to streamline digital lending and has contributed to wider use of library eBooks and audiobooks, with a focus on a streamlined user experience and cross-device syncing.

See also: OverDrive; digital library; eBook; audiobook.