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• How Does Libby Work? Your Complete Overview in 2026

How Does Libby Work? Your Complete Overview in 2026

Helping kids really get into reading can be much easier when you have constant access to a variety of books to choose from. And that’s where digital libraries like Libby can help. Being a reading tutor, I often get questions like “How does Libby work?” So, I’ve decided to collect the most recent and relevant reviews on this app to help you make a decision if it’s the best option for you.

Score summary:

• Expectations vs. service provided: 8/10. The app provides access to a free digital library, which most users praise.
• Book availability: 9/10. The app has a large selection of ebooks and audiobooks, especially bestsellers.
• Accessibility: 6/10. Users might have to wait a while for popular books, since one title can be borrowed by one person at once.
• Safety: 10/10. Libby app reviews claim the app is completely safe to use.
• Interface: 6/10. There are plenty of reviews, especially on Trustpilot, pointing out a negative experience with the UI.
• Value for money: 10/10. The app is totally free for any reader with a valid library card.

⭐ Overall score: 8/10

Math & reading from 1st to 9th grade

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Rating methodology

Ratings in this article are based on reviews across the following criteria: the app’s satisfaction of expectations, book availability, accessibility, interface, safety, helpline, and value for money. Each criterion is evaluated based on publicly available user feedback from Reddit, Trustpilot, and other sources.

For example, a 10/10 score means mostly positive feedback with rare complaints, while a 5/10 score indicates user experiences are divided. Final scores represent the overall balance between negative and positive feedback.

What is Libby?

Libby is a free app from OverDrive that lets you borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your local library to read on your phone or tablet anytime, anywhere. Basically, it’s like an actual library, but on your device.

So, how does the Libby app work? First, you will need to get a library card from your local library. Then you just enter your card details, search for a book you want to read, and borrow it. The app is available for both iOS and Android. And for those who like to read on Kindle, it’s also possible.

Libby pros and cons

Going through the Libby app reviews, I can say that the overall experience very much depends on what matters most to users. Some value ebook selection, some prefer a vast audiobook catalog, some prioritize the ability to read books on Kindle, etc. So, to help you define the pros and cons of the app, I tried to collect opinions that appear most frequently in reviews.

How does the Libby app work? Benefits

As I was searching and analyzing reviews of how the Libby service works, I noticed some clear benefits users singled out. For example, since users can download books and send them to their Kindle, they can read or listen to them offline on a plane without needing an Internet connection. 

This might not seem that significant, but it’s actually very important when it comes to keeping students from getting an academic burnout. What is academic burnout? It’s when kids are so exhausted by schoolwork that they totally lose interest in anything related to learning.

So, if your kid doesn’t want to read books from the school curriculum anymore, getting them to read stories they like and care for on apps like Libby can be a great solution. And it works for adults, too. Many users claim the variety of content keeps their love for books afloat. For example, here is one Reddit reader sharing how access to both heavy and fun books has helped them to prevent burnout (as of September 2025).

Another Reddit user in this discussion also adds how helpful audiobooks can be when you are tired of reading e-books (as of August 2025).

One interesting benefit people also mention about Libby is the “Deep search” feature, which lets users search for titles even if their library doesn’t currently own them. So, when you find a book that you want to read, and it’s not there yet, you can click the “Notify me” button and find out when your library gets it. Here is a Reddit Libby app review mentioning how convenient that is (as of January 2026).

Libby reviews: complaints

While the app is a favorite for many readers, quite a lot of Libby reviews include complaints. Usually, they are pretty similar and voice concerns about technical problems and UI.

Here is a review from Google Play discussing several issues with how the app works on Android.

Another user on Google Play claims to have had a negative experience with downloading books that they didn’t want because they were shown under the wrong tags.

Apart from these complaints, the other thing some users might be concerned about is the reading support that apps like Libby don’t provide.

For those who want more than access to the library, Brighterly offers online reading lessons to help kids get into books. Their tutors also get quite positive feedback on          Trustpilot.

Is Libby actually good & Does it match user expectations?

Based on all the reviews I’ve seen while searching for users’ feedback on Libby, I would say the service meets most people’s expectations. Even in a Reddit discussion about alternatives (as of May 2025), readers mention the platform being free and a great way to support local libraries that actually pay for the books.

Here is another user agreeing with this opinion in their Libby app review on Reddit (as of February 2025).

Another user in a Reddit discussion about the convenience of using Libby only on the phone also seems satisfied (as of January 2026).

However, for some, the app does fail to match the experience. For example, Trustpilot user shared a critique regarding the service’s limitations.

⭐ Rating: 8/10

I rate users’ overall satisfaction with the app as high, since most seem to enjoy it and get exactly what they expected.

Libby how does it work: Book selection & accessibility

Regarding Libby’s accessibility, the most obvious advantage is that the app is free. Users don’t have to pay anything for books, which can help reading lovers save hundreds of dollars. One review posted in December 2025 on Reddit shares an amazing economic benefit. A user claims to have saved $1350 a year on books.

Another great thing mentioned in many Libby app reviews is its compatibility with Kindle. For those who love to read books on this e-reader, it can be a deciding factor. But mind that this feature is only available in the U.S. So, if you are in another country, even though you might have a Kindle, you won’t be able to send a book from Libby there. Here is a Reddit user mentioning this restriction (as of December 2025).

However, another Libby app review by a Reddit user (as of December 2025) adds that it’s actually about the U.S. library card, not your actual location. So, if you own a library card from the U.S library, you should be able to send your books to Kindle.

Also, Reddit readers have noticed (as of January 2026) that not all books can be sent to Kindle. But you can check that before borrowing.

As for another Libby advantage I find very noteworthy is a special font for neurodivergent readers. There is even a separate Reddit thread about it (active as of August 2025), where users share opinions on how helpful that is.

Since a lot of people love listening to books instead of reading them, the question “How do Libby audiobooks work?” often comes up when deciding on a digital library to use. With Libby, users mention that the app’s selection of audiobooks heavily depends on your location and the number of libraries in your area.

This Reddit reader shares (as of February 2025) that there is a great amount of audio content available if you have multiple library cards.

Another Reddit user who claims to have three library cards even calls Libby the best platform for audiobooks (as of February 2025).

As for the availability of books in general, there is a Reddit discussion (as of April 2025) where several users agree that Libby offers more popular and newer titles than its main alternative.  

⭐ Rating: 9/10

I give Libby a high score for book availability, as they offer a large selection of popular titles in both ebook and audiobook formats.

How does the Libby library app work: Waiting list functionality

Scrolling through Libby reviews, I’ve noticed that the biggest problem for many is the waiting lists. Since one book can be borrowed by one user at a time, popular books often require weeks of waiting. A user on Trustpilot shares frustration with this issue.

⭐ Rating: 6/10

I give the app’s waiting list option 6 out of 10 points since it can be very long, especially for popular books.

Is Libby safe?

In terms of safety, I haven’t found any Libby app reviews that discuss safety concerns. There is one separate Reddit discussion about the service’s safety, where the users highlight that the app is completely safe to use (as of February 2024).

As for parents interested in an option to control what their kids read, there is a Reddit thread (as of August 2025) where users state the app has a “Content controls” feature, which allows you to filter which books your child can access.

⭐ Rating: 10/10

I give the app’s safety the highest score since there are no concerns in users’ feedback regarding any related issues.

Libby app review: Interface

A great portion of Libby feedback is opinions about the app’s interface. For example, this GooglePlay review says that although they love the app, they found it difficult to navigate.

As for those wondering “How does Libby work on iPhone?”, the app’s rating on AppStore is quite high with mostly positive reviews. Here is one comment mentioning the app’s interface

However, there are several negative comments on the app’s interface on Trustpilot. Here is one user’s complaint about usability.

There is also an entire detailed discussion on Reddit about the app’s UI. For example, one comment people seem to agree with states that the lack of predictive text in a search is their main inconvenience (as of February 2025).

⭐ Rating: 6/10

I rate the app’s interface 6/10 due to many users complaining about confusing UI and difficult navigation. 

How much is Libby?

We’ve already covered the app being a free service for readers that is paid for by local partnering libraries. So, no subscriptions and no hidden costs for the final user.

Libby price

So, how much do libraries pay for Libby? Although I didn’t find any reviews about exact costs, there are comments stating how expensive it can be. As one Libby library app review on Reddit states (as of July 2025):

There is also a Reddit discussion (as of February 2025) where users share opinions on how much libraries pay for books. A librarian shares that the libraries have to limit the number of licences they can buy to cut the expenses.

⭐ Rating: 10/10

I give the app’s value for money the highest score since it’s totally free for end users.

Libby library vs apps like Libby: How do they compare?

	Libby	Hoopla	Sora
Availability	Waitlists common	Instant access	Waitlists common
Catalog	Best for new releases/ popular books	Best for older titles, Comics, Movies, Music, TV shows	Educational focus
Cost	Free	Free	Free

Based on reviews I’ve seen, the biggest debates when choosing a digital library involve Hoopla vs Libby comparison. And many readers choose both to get the best of each service. For example, here is a user in a discussion on Reddit explaining why (as of February 2025).

Brighterly as personalized reading support

Even if you have already decided on the library app for your kid, it’s only the first step. There is an essential human support a child might need to actually get into books and comprehend stories. The Brighterly math and reading platform can be a solution. Their reading tutors know how to help students enjoy reading without stressing, even if they struggle at first.

Here is one of the parents sharing on Trustpilot how great it has been for their child.

Brighterly reading program includes practice tasks with reading worksheets full of visuals and interesting stories, which turns reading into a fun activity.

And when parents need to identify where the kid is in reading skills, there are effective reading tests to use. It’s a great way to see how far your kid has come and track their success. 

Libby review: Reddit & Trustpilot

When I was collecting reviews, I immediately noticed a striking difference between an average Libby review on Reddit and on Trustpilot. Reddit comments and discussions are usually full of app’s satisfied users voicing what they like or sharing tips if something is not working. 

Here is one of many examples of a positive Libby review on Reddit (as of December 2025).

In terms of tips and app-crashing discussions, there is a Reddit thread about an app not working with many replies sharing the same issue (as of January 2026).

And here is another similar Reddit discussion (as of November 2025) on the app crashing and users wondering if it’s just them.

In contrast to Libby reviews on Reddit, Trustpilot reviews are much harsher, often comparing the app to Overdrive predecessor and mentioning a confusing interface and technical glitches. Here is one example of a user criticizing the UI.

Verdict: Is the Libby app worth it?

Based on the reviews, here is how I would rate Libby:

• Expectations vs. service provided: 8/10
• Book availability: 9/10
• Accessibility: 6/10
• Safety: 10/10
• Interface: 6/10
• Value for money: 10/10

⭐ Overall score: 8/10

So, is it a good choice for kids?

I would say it can be great for children who already love reading. It’s got tons of books that are safe and free. But it’s not a replacement for a teacher. If a kid is having trouble with reading, just getting access to books won’t fix it.

So, Libby is a good option for you if your child:

✅ Enjoys browsing and choosing their own books.

✅ Uses a tablet or Kindle for reading.

✅ Doesn’t need help managing the waiting lists and borrowing due dates.

Libby isn’t the best option if your child:

❌ Is far behind in reading and needs personal help from a teacher.

❌ Gets annoyed waiting a long time for popular books.

❌ Prefers more visual content, like comics.

Next steps: Enhance your learning with tutor help at Brighterly

According to Libby reviews, the app opens the door to lots of stories, but your child will need to have basic reading skills to process them. So, while Libby provides content, Brighterly can provide the teaching.

With Brighterly tutoring, you take advantage of:

✅ One-on-one teaching in real time.

✅ Professional tutors who are good with kids and make learning fun.

✅ Effective and creative practice materials.

Ready to see the difference? Book free reading lesson to help your child do their best.