Have you ever heard the fact there are more libraries in the United States than there are McDonald’s restaurants? I have no idea if that is true, but I think it is pretty cool! I absolutely love libraries. I am lucky enough to live in an area that is rich with libraries and has a really great library system.
My library system subscribes to the Libby App. This is the link to their site. You’ll start by downloading the app from your app store. Once you are signed in with your library card, this app allows you to borrow digital assets from the library, my favorite of which is audiobooks! I love having something in my ears and really having my mind stimulated while I am running around doing all my tedious and monotonous chores around the house.
I have probably listened to 100 different books on Libby. I want to start cataloging them here on my blog, but I felt I needed to start with this discussion of the Libby App and pay homage to this great tool. Using Libby, you can also borrow e-books and e-magazines. Recently, I have been viewing quilting magazines through the app, and it has been great. While I nurse the baby, I can just thumb through a beautiful magazine and get all kinds of inspiration
Libby is really user-friendly.
Finding a Book – Once you are signed in you can browse your library’s entire digital catalog. The search features are great. You can include or exclude just about anything. You can browse specific subjects. You can filter the results so you only see audiobooks or e-books. You can filter to see only books that are currently available. This is your friend.
Placing a Hold – Libraries generally have a limited number of licenses on a book, so you may want to read something really popular and have to wait. Libby will give you an estimated wait time once you place a hold on the book. Then when it is your turn to borrow the book, Libby will notify you. I have missed this a few times. I try to keep my notifications on my phone to a minimum, and I am not great at checking my email. If you do not go through the process of checking out the book when it’s your turn, after a few days, the app will move on to the next person.
Options When Checking Out an Asset – Before checking out the book, just see what options are available to you. You may be able to change the borrowing window to a longer window, which will keep you from having to renew the asset as quickly. I would also take the time to see how long the checkout window is and how long the asset you check out is and plan accordingly. The assets are returned automatically unless you return them early and it is always a bummer to have to wait at the end of the line again to finish a book that is half-finished.
The Libby App has allowed me to learn and enjoy it so much. My library system is all tax-payer funded and also fee-free, so we don’t have to worry about the costs coming out of our pocket on a per-use basis. This really does give me access to so much that I wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise. I am consuming ALOT of media over here and books, audiobooks, and magazines add up quickly.
Just a note: I am in no way affiliated with Libby or any library system at this time.
Does your library subscribe to the Libby App? Do you love it? Let me know!
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