OverDrive (Libby)

Yes, the Libby app is entirely free; you just need a valid library card from a participating public library to log in. Because public libraries pay for the digital licenses, there is no subscription fee for the end user to borrow ebooks or audiobooks. You can even connect multiple library cards to maximize your catalog access.

OverDrive operates on a one-copy-per-user model, meaning if a library only owns three digital licenses for a popular ebook, only three people can check it out at once, creating a hold queue. You can place a hold and Libby will notify you when it is ready to be borrowed. Wait times can range from a few days to several months for bestsellers.

Yes, if you are in the United States, Libby allows you to seamlessly send borrowed ebooks directly to your Amazon Kindle device or Kindle app. You simply select 'Read with Kindle' during checkout, and it routes you to Amazon to complete the delivery. Audiobooks, however, must be streamed or downloaded within the Libby app itself.

As long as you have downloaded the audiobook files to your device beforehand (which Libby facilitates easily), you can continue listening without an internet connection. The app will track your playback position locally and sync it back to your account once you reconnect. This offline mode is perfect for flights or road trips.