Libby, the Library App icon
Libby App Review: Comprehensive Analysis of Library Digital Lending Platform

by OverDrive, Inc.

โ˜…4.8
ANDROIDBooks & Reference
Libby provides free access to library digital collections worldwide. The app enables borrowing of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines using a library card, serving budget-conscious readers and audiobook enthusiasts seeking legal digital content.

Detailed Review

Libby, developed by OverDrive, Inc., represents a sophisticated digital gateway to public library collections, offering instant access to millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. The app serves as a modern replacement for OverDrive's legacy application, positioning itself as the primary digital lending platform for libraries worldwide. Its core functionality revolves around connecting users with their local library's digital catalog through a streamlined, mobile-first interface. The application's feature set includes comprehensive catalog browsing with filtering options, one-tap borrowing, and flexible reading/listening options. Users can download content for offline access or stream materials to conserve device storage. Notably, the app supports Kindle integration for ebook transfers in the United States and Android Auto compatibility for in-car audiobook listening. The synchronization system maintains reading progress across multiple devices, while customizable reading settings enhance the user experience for various content types. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with intuitive navigation and minimal learning curve. The interface employs clear visual indicators for availability status, loan periods, and hold positions. Real-world usage patterns show heavy engagement during commute times for audiobook streaming and evening hours for ebook reading. The app efficiently manages multiple library cards simultaneously, though some users report occasional performance issues with larger library systems or extensive personal collections. User feedback trends indicate overwhelming satisfaction with the core lending functionality, though specific feature comparisons with the previous OverDrive app emerge. Daniel Brinkman (July 4, 2025) praised the resolution of technical issues and called it 'a great app for finding my next audiobook or e-book.' Patricia Perez (July 3, 2025) noted missing features from the legacy platform: 'we could request books that weren't owned by the library yet, and see when up and coming new books were going to become available.' Multiple reviewers including Roberta Ransome (July 7, 2025) highlighted the value of accessing content during routine activities. The application excels in providing free, legal access to extensive digital collections with professional-grade reading and listening experiences. Limitations include geographic restrictions on certain features like Kindle integration and occasional gaps in title availability between libraries. The absence of a wishlist notification system for upcoming releases represents a notable omission compared to predecessor applications. Libby proves most valuable for regular library patrons seeking cost-effective access to current publications across multiple formats without physical visits to library branches.

Key Features

  • โ€ขDigital catalog browsing enables users to explore their library's entire collection of ebooks, audiobooks and magazines with advanced filtering and search functionality
  • โ€ขCross-device synchronization automatically saves reading progress and bookmarks across smartphones, tablets and computers for seamless continuation
  • โ€ขOffline downloading allows complete access to borrowed materials without internet connection, particularly valuable for travel or limited connectivity scenarios
  • โ€ขAudiobook streaming with Android Auto integration provides hands-free listening during commutes while conserving device storage space through cloud access
  • โ€ขKindle transfer capability enables US users to send borrowed ebooks directly to Amazon Kindle devices for preferred reading experience and extended battery life
  • โ€ขMultiple library card support manages several accounts simultaneously, expanding access to different collections and increasing availability of popular titles

Why Users Love It

Free access to premium content
Seamless multi-device synchronization

Perfect for: Library card holders seeking free digital books and audiobooks

Screenshots

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App Preview

Ranking History

Track Libby, the Library App's performance in Books & Reference over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#7

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1 from last week

Best Rank

#5

All-time high

Average Rank

#6

30-day average

User Reviews

Daniel Brinkman
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Jul 4, 2025

Fantastic app! A problem I had earlier was quickly resolved. This is a great app for finding my next audiobook or e-book.

Roberta Ransome
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Jul 7, 2025

I LOVE this app. connects me to my library and let's me borrow ebooks and listen while I do other mundane things, making them enjoyable!! thank you!!!

Jennifer Munro
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Jul 7, 2025

I love a good book. While I'm always slow to read, having the option to loan for free instead of amassing a growing number of read books in my home, is priceless. Libby is a great app

Catherine Imboden
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Jul 7, 2025

Libby is surprisingly easy to navigate. The sound quality for audio books is clear and streams well.

Cheri Terracciano
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Jul 7, 2025

Love this app. Borrow, read, or listen on my phone. Many, many authors and books of choice. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

App Details

Developer

OverDrive, Inc.

Platform

android

Rating

โ˜…4.8

Last Updated

10/7/2025