Libby is a free app from OverDrive that lets you borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local public library. With a valid library card, you can browse your library's digital collection, borrow titles, place holds on unavailable books, and read eligible eBooks on supported Kobo eReaders.
Note: The Libby app is not created or supported by Rakuten Kobo. If you have questions about the Libby app, please contact Libby's customer support.
Following the recent software eReader update to version 6.0 or later, users will need to re-add their library card to continue borrowing Libby content.
Before you start
To borrow library books with Libby, you'll need:
- A valid public library card
- Access to a participating library that supports Libby
- A supported device, such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, or compatible Kobo eReader
- An internet connection to borrow and sync your books
Add your Public Library Card to your Kobo Account.
You can add your public library card to your Kobo account and borrow eBooks directly from your library.
To add a library card:
- Select My Account > Settings
- Select Libby
- Click Get Started
- Click on Add Library
- In the Find a public library field, enter the name of your library.
- Select your library from the search results.
- Sign in to Libby by OverDrive using one of the following methods:
- Scan the QR code displayed on your Kobo eReader with your phone, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- Use a web browser to visit the URL shown on your Kobo eReader, then enter the code displayed on your eReader and follow the prompts.
Once you complete the sign-in process, your library card will be linked to your Kobo account and ready to use for borrowing library eBooks.
Borrow Library Books
Borrow on Your Kobo eReader
- Go to your Home screen.
- Tap
Discover at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Overdrive or Libby
- Search for the book that you'd like to borrow.
- Tap on the book title or cover that you'd like to borrow.
- Tap the
More icon.
- Tap Borrow with Overdrive/Libby App.
If the book is available, you'll see a dialogue that confirms that you've checked out the book. Simply sync your eReader to see the book on your Home screen. If the book isn't available, you'll have the option to place the book on hold. You'll be notified by email when the book is available.
Items you've borrowed are automatically returned at the end of their lending period.
Borrow Using the Libby App
- Open Libby.
- Search or browse your library's collection.
- Select a title.
- Tap Borrow.
- Confirm the loan.
The title will appear in your Libby Loans shelf and sync to eligible devices.
Borrow Using Your Library's Website
Many libraries allow you to browse and borrow titles directly from their website. After borrowing a book, it may appear automatically in Libby and on supported Kobo devices.
After you borrow a title, it may automatically appear in Libby and on supported Kobo devices after syncing.
For detailed instructions, go to https://libbyapp.com/
Understanding holds
If a book is currently unavailable, you may have the option to place a hold.
When you place a hold:
- You join a waiting list for the title.
- You'll receive a notification when the book becomes available.
- Your position in the queue depends on availability and library policies.
- You can manage or cancel holds from Libby at any time.
Returning borrowed books
Library books automatically expire at the end of the lending period.
You do not need to manually return a title before the due date unless you choose to do so.
When the loan period ends:
- The title is automatically returned to the library.
- Access to the book is removed from your library account.
- The title may remain visible in your borrowing history, depending on your library settings.
How library lending works
Unlike books purchased from the Kobo Store, library books are available through library lending licenses.
As a result:
- Libraries may only have a limited number of copies available at one time.
- Popular titles may require a wait.
- Borrowing periods are determined by your library.
- Availability varies by library.
If a title is unavailable, you can place a hold and wait for a copy to become available.
Borrowed books versus purchased books
If you use both Kobo and Libby, your library books and purchased books may appear together in your library.
- Purchased books remain in your Kobo account permanently unless removed.
- Borrowed library books have a due date and are automatically returned when the loan expires.
You can identify library books by viewing the title details or loan information.
Limitations when using Libby with Kobo
Depending on your device and location, some limitations may apply:
- Audiobooks borrowed through Libby cannot be played on Kobo eReaders.
- Certain library content may only be available in the Libby app.
- Availability of features and titles may vary by library.
- Not all books found in the public library are available with Libby. The library book must also be sold on Kobo.com.
Common Questions
Do I need to pay to use Libby?
Can multiple people borrow the same eBook at the same time?
Can I renew a library book?
What happens if I don't return a book?
Can I read library books offline?
Can I use multiple library cards in Libby?
How many books can I check out at a time?
Each library sets its own lending periods and maximum number of books that can be borrowed at once.