Go digital with Libby

Sarah Jones
·4 min read
Libby.
Libby.

Do you use our New Mexico Library to Go digital Collection? Have you noticed a message in the app letting you know about the new Libby app? Our vendor plans to fully discontinue the legacy OverDrive app at the end of April 2023. At that time, all users who try to access our library’s collection will need to upgrade to Libby.  Libby is OverDrive’s newer app for browsing and enjoying digital content from our library. It’s time to give Libby a try! All your loans, holds, and wish list items will be waiting for you in Libby when you add your library card. Libby also comes with new features we know you’ll love, like:

  • Tags to categorize books however you’d like—you can even sync your OverDrive wish list into a tag!

  • A central bookshelf for all loans and holds

  • Customizable notifications for ready holds, new magazine, and more

  • Compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sonos speakers

  • Extra learning and entertainment resources, like Universal Class

  • Easy access to OverDrive support staff

Why is this happening now? OverDrive launched the Libby app in 2017, with the goal of creating a simple and intuitive library app that builds on the core experience from the OverDrive app. They closely reviewed what was working with the OverDrive app and what could be improved. During this time, they didn't want to interrupt the experience for users, so the two apps have both been available. Thanks to feedback from librarians and readers like you, Libby is now a great app for everyone and there's no longer a reason to have two apps that do the same thing. If you've enjoyed using the OverDrive app, we really hope you'll love Libby.

But you might have some questions. How do you get started with Libby? You will need to download the app to get started with Libby. Why should you switch?

Overdrive will no longer access our collection in the end of April 2023. This means that the Overdrive app before then will no longer be under active development, meaning that they won’t be adding new features or updates. Libby, on the other hand, continues to have new features and updates added based on reader and librarian feedback. Libby also offers many unique features and options that are not available in the OverDrive app. Some of the unique features include a central shelf: loans and holds from all your libraries are automatically added to your Shelf, improvements to navigating book series: easily find the next book in a series from search results, title details, and your Shelf. Libby makes it easier than ever to discover books in a series. Unlimited tags: Create custom tags to categorize books however you’d like, and use Libby’s smart tags to track what you've borrowed or get notified about new issues of your favorite magazines. More notification options: Get push notifications on your mobile device (or emails from libbyapp.com) for available holds, expiring loans, and more.

Will your loans and hold transfer to Libby? Yes! Once you add your library card(s) to Libby, all your loans and holds will be waiting on your Shelf. How can you sync your OverDrive wish list to Libby? When you set up Libby, you’ll be prompted to import your OverDrive wish lists via an in-app notification. Your wish list items will become a tag that’s available on your Shelf. You can also create other tags in Libby to organize books however you want.

Can you read or listen offline? On mobile devices, Libby automatically downloads loans for offline reading when you’re on Wi-Fi (to reduce data usage) by default. Download settings can be adjusted in the app to better suit your needs. But, offline reading is not available when you access Libby in your web browser at libbyapp.com.

Can you use Libby on a computer? Yes, visit libbyapp.com to browse, search, read or listen and more on your computer. Will Libby work with your ereader? Yes!

Kobo: You can continue to browse for, borrow, and read library ebooks directly on your Kobo ereader.

NOOK: You can use libbyapp.com to download ebooks and transfer them (via Adobe Digital Editions) to an ereader. Learn more about transferring ebooks to ereaders on Libby Help.

Kindle: If you have a Kindle reader, you can send books to your Kindle (U.S. only) from Libby on a supported device, like an iPhone, Android tablet, or computer. Learn more about your Kindle options on Libby Help.

Kindle Fire: If you have a Kindle Fire tablet, you can sideload the app by following our instructions.

If you still need help or have questions, make sure to stop by the library. We are ready to help you navigate the change. We can get you FAQ answers, how to articles, videos about using the app, and library staff to offer hands on help navigating the new app.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Go digital with Libby