Your Library Card Unlocks Thousands of Free Books

There are few simple pleasures as profound as a trip to the local library. It's a trusted community hub, filled with stories, knowledge, and the quiet joy of discovery. But as our lives get busier, it can be hard to make that trip as often as we'd like. The wonderful news is that your library card is now a key that can unlock a massive digital collection of books, available to you 24/7, right from your armchair.

This is all made possible by a fantastic, free app called Libby (this is quite literally my favorite app). Many of you have told me you're already using it to read more than ever. For those who are curious, today we’ll demystify what Libby is, how to get started, and how to use its features to create the most comfortable reading experience for you.

As a reminder, all polls are anonymous. I just like to hear from the readers, and so many of you never email me!

Library in Your Pocket: “Borrowing eBooks & Audiobooks Free with Libby”

What is Libby? Your Digital Library Card

Libby is a free, modern, and user-friendly app that connects to your local public library. It allows you to browse your library's entire digital catalog and borrow e-books (which you read on a screen) and audiobooks (which you listen to) with your existing library card number. It’s a seamless way to have a constant supply of new titles without ever having to worry about late fees, as digital books are returned automatically.

Getting Started: Your First Digital Checkout

1. Download the App: Find and download the free "Libby, by OverDrive" app from your phone or tablet's app store (the Apple App Store for iPhones or the Google Play Store for Androids).

2. Find Your Library & Sign In: When you first open the app, it will ask if you have a library card. Tap "Yes," and it will help you find your local library system (e.g., "Los Angeles Public Library"). You’ll then be prompted to enter your library card number and PIN, just as you would at the library's front desk. This is usually a one-time setup.

Using Your Digital Library: The Basics

• Browse & Borrowing: You can search for specific authors or titles, or browse curated collections, just like in a real library. When you find a book that's available, simply tap "Borrow."

• Placing a Hold: If a popular book is currently checked out by other patrons, you can tap "Place Hold." The app will tell you the estimated wait time and will send you a notification when the book is ready for you to borrow.

How to Read & Listen

This is the best part—you can enjoy your borrowed titles right away.

• Reading an eBook: You can read borrowed e-books directly within the Libby app itself. It has a clean, simple reader where you can tap or swipe to turn the pages. You can read these eBooks on a computer, tablet, smartphone or e-reader device (read our article on e-readers here). If you own a Kindle, Libby also gives you the option to send most books directly to your Kindle device with a few taps (reply to this email if you’d like more help setting this up!).

• Listening to an Audiobook: Audiobooks also play right inside the Libby app. You can listen through your phone's speaker, use headphones, or connect your phone to your car's stereo via Bluetooth to enjoy your book on a drive.

Making It Your Own: Adjusting for Comfort

This is where the digital library truly shines.

• For eBook Readers: While reading, tap near the top of the screen to bring up the menu, then look for a text icon (often "Aa"). Here, you can make the font size as large as you need for comfortable reading, change the font style to one you prefer, and even switch the page background to a gentle sepia or dark mode for easier nighttime reading.

• For Audiobook Listeners: In the audiobook player, look for the "speed" icon (it often looks like a speedometer or says "1x"). Tapping this allows you to adjust the playback speed. You can slow down a narrator who speaks too quickly, or speed them up if you're trying to get through a book faster.

Quick Tech Tip

In the Libby app, you can set your reading and listening preferences to only show you books that are "Available Now." When Browse, look for a "Refine" or "Preferences" option. Applying this filter is a great way to find a wonderful new book to start immediately, without having to wait on any hold lists.

Tech Term Demystified: 'eBook' vs. 'Audiobook'

These terms are often used together because they are both done through a device, but they describe two different formats. An eBook (electronic book) is a digital version of a book that you read with your eyes on a screen. An Audiobook is a recording of a narrator reading the book out loud, which you listen to with your ears. The Libby app is fantastic because it gives you free access to both formats with your library card.

Good News Byte

The resources available through your digital library are expanding far beyond just books! Many library systems now use apps like Libby or another one called Hoopla to offer free access to digital versions of popular magazines, streaming independent films and documentaries through a service called Kanopy, and even online courses. It’s a wonderful expansion of the free, trusted community resources that libraries provide.

Did You Know?

The very first "e-book" is widely considered to be the U.S. Declaration of Independence! In 1971, a student at the University of Illinois named Michael S. Hart started Project Gutenberg by typing the entire text of the document into a university mainframe computer, with the dream of making books freely available to all. That single document was the beginning of the digital library revolution.

Your Turn to Explore the Digital Library!

This week, find your local library card (and if you don't have one, consider visiting your local branch to sign up!). Then, download the free Libby app to your smartphone or tablet and try just logging in with your card number. It’s the first step to unlocking a world of thousands of free books and audiobooks.

Wishing you a week filled with good stories,

Steve