Libby

What It is?

ebooks have been around for awhile, but Libby is somewhat new. I’m impressed that there is an incredible app out there for borrowing ebooks from libraries. I remember when I first borrowed books from libraries I never wanted to borrow the ebooks because it was too complicated. Now, it is easier than ever.

Libby is simply an app that library patrons can download and use to place holds on and borrow ebooks from their library. Multiple library cards can be connected to one Libby account, and ebooks can be downloaded onto your kindle or mobile device for easy reading once it is your town to borrow the ebook.

The Good and the Bad

Pros:

Easy search function for any book or series
Multiple library cards can be linked through one account
Books can be read through Kindle or any mobile device
Libby allows you to deliver books later or suspend hold, making it easier to read the book when you want to

Cons:

Long wait times, especially compared to physical copies at the library
The wait times are not the most accurate
Each library card gives you a different number of books you can put on hold, and some library cards do not give you many
Each library card gives you a different amount of time you can borrow each ebook

My Thoughts

I have gone through a lot of phases when it comes to book reading. As a teen, I bought a lot of books and ebooks. As a teenager and college student, I borrowed physical copies from the library. Post-grad, I purchased books again because I had more money. My reading really picked up, and now I read books by buying them (both physical copies and ebooks), borrowing physical copies through the library and friends, and borrowing them through Libby. I buy the ones I know I’ll love and borrow the ones I’m not sure about.

I was hesitant to borrow ebooks, but when I received a new Kindle for my most recent birthday, I decided I wanted to try. I downloaded Libby, and I have to say I am happy that I have dabbled in borrowing ebooks. It allows me to borrow books that I’m not dying to read or not sure if I will like, plus I can read it from my Kindle or my phone on the go. Libby makes it easy to search books and see which library has the shortest line. The downside is the wait times and the inconsistency of when books are available to be borrowed. If there is a book I want to read sooner, borrowing a physical copy is still the better bet because those lines are much shorter, at least in my experience.

So is Libby worth it? I would say yes, but it might not be able to replace everyway to read a book because of its limitations. You will probably still buy or borrow physical copies, but Libby is worth looking into.