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

by OverDrive, Inc.

4.9
IOSBooks
Libby provides free access to library ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines using a library card. The app serves readers seeking cost-effective digital content with seamless borrowing and offline access capabilities.

Detailed Review

Libby, developed by OverDrive, Inc., represents a significant advancement in digital library services, enabling users to access millions of titles from local libraries without physical visits. The iOS application holds a remarkable 4.85 rating, reflecting its position as a market leader in library digital lending platforms. Its core functionality bridges traditional library services with modern digital convenience. The application's feature set includes comprehensive catalog browsing, instant borrowing of ebooks and audiobooks, and magazine access. Users can download content for offline reading or stream to conserve device storage. Unique capabilities include Kindle ebook transfer for U.S. libraries and Apple CarPlay integration for audiobook listening during commutes. The platform supports multiple library cards simultaneously, expanding access across different library systems. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with intuitive navigation, clear due date management, and seamless renewal processes. The interface prioritizes discoverability through curated collections and search functionality. Real-world usage patterns show high engagement during commutes, travel, and home reading sessions, with particular appreciation for the 'skip the line' notification system for popular titles. User feedback consistently highlights accessibility and cost savings, as evidenced by Love 🫠😍's August 5, 2025 review praising home access to numerous books. Fairview34568's same-day review emphasizes the straightforward borrowing and return process. While Soggyfoot's review acknowledges digital convenience, it notes some users still prefer physical books, indicating a limitation in format preference. The application's primary strength lies in democratizing access to literature through free library partnerships, though availability varies by library collection budgets. Wait times for popular titles can extend weeks, and the Kindle transfer feature remains geographically limited. Ideal for budget-conscious readers, students, and commuters seeking legal, cost-free access to current publications and classics alike.

Key Features

  • Digital library catalog browsing enables discovery of millions of titles across fiction, nonfiction, and periodicals without physical library visits
  • Offline downloading functionality allows complete access to borrowed materials during travel or areas with limited internet connectivity
  • Audiobook streaming with CarPlay integration provides hands-free listening experience ideal for commuters and multitasking users
  • Multiple library card support expands access to diverse collections across different library systems within a single interface
  • Kindle transfer capability (U.S. only) enables reading borrowed ebooks on Amazon's ecosystem with synchronized progress tracking
  • Automated hold management notifies users when reserved titles become available and facilitates one-touch borrowing

Why Users Love It

Free access to content
Seamless borrowing process

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

Screenshots

Libby, the library app screenshot 1Libby, the library app screenshot 2Libby, the library app screenshot 3Libby, the library app screenshot 4Libby, the library app screenshot 5Libby, the library app screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Libby, the library app's performance in Books over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#2

Best Rank

#2

All-time high

Average Rank

#2

30-day average

User Reviews

zthnfdy
Aug 5, 2025

Love having books at my fingertips for unlimited enjoyment Free access to great reads Love having books at my fingertips for unlimited enjoyment

kskibunny
Aug 5, 2025

I love using Libby. It is awesome for audiobooks, real books, magazines. Your virtual library I love using Libby. It is awesome for audiobooks, real books, magazines.

GoIrish560
Aug 6, 2025

It’s such a no brainer when it comes to a pleasurable app. All the books, e-books and magazines you could want. Love the App. It’s such a no brainer when it comes to a pleasurable app. All the books, e-books and magazines you could want.

Soggyfoot
Aug 6, 2025

It’s undeniable that an Audiobook or digital book on your phone is quite handy, and access to your library anywhere in the country incredible. Still prefer paper books It’s undeniable that an Audiobook or digital book on your phone is quite handy, and access to your library anywhere in the country incredible.

Love 🫠😍
Aug 6, 2025

Libby is such a fun thing to have you can read books without having to buy them and you don’t have to go to the library so you can just stay at your house and read them I love it so much because you have lots of books to read teachers have to search them up very good Love it Libby is such a fun thing to have you can read books without having to buy them and you don’t have to go to the library so you can just stay at your house and read them I love it so much because you have lots of books to read teachers have to search them up very good

App Details

Developer

OverDrive, Inc.

Platform

ios

Rating

4.9

Last Updated

10/7/2025