How do I use the Libby app for OverDrive?

Learn about Libby

• The Libby app was designed specifically for smartphones and tablets. You can also use it online in a browser window via Libbyapp.com. 
• The "classic" OverDrive app was discontinued on May 1, 2023. Kindle Fire users may still use this app for the time being, but Libby is now available in the Amazon Appstore for newer Kindle Fire tablets.  (Note: If you have a Windows or Mac computer, the only way to download an eBook for offline reading is by using the Kindle app for your device, or if the file is available as an ePub, download to Adobe Digital Editions.)

Install Libby

1. Get the app for iOS, Android devices, or newer Kindle Fire tablets
2. Install Libby and open it. Follow the prompts to set up the app and add your library card and PIN to it.

Use Libby

• Search for and borrow a book.
• Read or listen.
• Place a hold.
• Suspend a hold.
• Check out or cancel an available hold, or have it delivered later.
• Change your notifications.
• Return a title early.
• Make a wish list (tagging).
• Get more help.

Search for and borrow a book.

1. Tap the library icon at the bottom of the screen to browse, or tap the magnifying glass to search, and find a title you're interested in.
2. Pick an available book and tap on “Borrow” to check it out immediately, or tap on the book cover to see details before you borrow.

Read or listen.

• Tap the shelf icon at the bottom of the screen (to the right of the Libby icon), to find your checkouts (loans) and holds.
• Tap the book cover to read or listen.
• You'll find reading options at the top of the screen.
• Tap "Back" go back to your shelf.
• Libby downloads automatically over Wi-Fi, but streams over a cellular connection. Downloading can take a few minutes.
• Get more how-tos for reading eBooks or listening to eAudiobooks from Libby Help.

Place a hold.

• Tap the library icon at the bottom of the screen to browse, or tap the magnifying glass to search, and find a title you're interested in.
• If all copies of that title are checked out, you can place a "hold," which puts you in line to check it out when it becomes available.
• Tap a book cover to read more about a book before placing a hold, or simply tap "Place Hold."
• Verify by tapping the red "Place Hold" button.

Suspend a hold.

1. Tap the shelf icon at the bottom of the screen, then look at the top of the screen for "Holds" and tap.
2. Tap "Manage Hold," then tap "Suspend Hold."
3. Use the slider to choose how long to suspend the hold—anywhere between one week to six months. (You'll keep your place in line.) Then tap "Update Hold."
4. You can also suspend all your holds at the same time.

Check out or cancel an available hold, or have it delivered later.

1. When your hold is available, you'll be notified by in-app notifications, push notifications, and/or email.
2. Tap the shelf icon at the bottom of the screen, then tap "Holds" to find your available hold. You have three days to either borrow it, suspend it, or have it delivered later. Find more information in Libby Help.

Change your notifications.

Libby app users will be notified by in-app notifications, push notifications, and/or email.

• Learn how to activate or reactivate email notifications from OverDrive, including Libby.
• Learn how to adjust your push or in-app menu badge notification preferences.

Return a title early.

1. Tap the shelf icon at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap "Manage Loan" next to the title you want to return early.
3. Tap "Return Early," and then "Return!"

Make a wish list (tagging).

Libby does have a Wish List feature—it just goes by another name: "tagging." Here's how to tag books in Libby.

As of March 31, 2021, you can sync your wish lists from the OverDrive app & website with your tags from Libby.

Get more help.

Find information and troubleshooting tips on Libby's help site.

Still having issues? You can Get Help Using FVRL's Online Resources.