Libby, by OverDrive

Pros: My reading has skyrocketed since using this app—Libby makes books so accessible, especially since I have a busy schedule and hard time stopping by the library. I have saved SO much money by using Libby, and have tried out more genres than I normally do, since you don’t waste a trip to the library getting a new book: simply tap to download and tap to return if you don’t like it. The waitlist system is very clear, browsing is easy, and a sizable catalog make this very much worth it. Cons: Libby loses one star for some basic syncing and history issues. If I delete Libby off my device (sometimes I get rid of it when I’m busy and I don’t want to be tempted with a quick read!), when I redownload it, I lose all history of what books I’ve previously checked out and read. When you tag books, eg “To Read”, these tags are NOT synced across devices. I now have a motley “To Read” list spread across my phone and iPad. Likewise, these lists are lost if you remove the app off your local device. I’ve emailed Libby twice to request these be synced across devices and no luck yet. Overall still a wonderful app and love how it makes reading yet more accessible. A TIP for readers—if practical, try to get multiple library cards for nearby areas. It opens up a larger catalog of books for you to read, and a waitlisted book in one library may be immediately available in another. :)

I give Libby a 5 star rating. It was so very easy to work with, so easy to figure out. I never had to request help from the library staff. I have read more than 60 audio books using Libby App. Search is easy. Returns are automatic or if you want to return early, no problem it is a simple procedure. Hold worked without a hitch. I cannot praise this App. Enough. Port Saint Lucie Libraries has now switched us to "Cloud Library"for all audio books. I have had one problem after another with this "Cloud Library". App. First of all I cannot seem to set my setting the way I would like. I accidentally requested an e-book on this app. And couldn't figure out how to return it. It was on the app. Showing overdue for awhile, may still,be,out there somewhere. I did go to the library and try to get help, however there seems to be only one person who can help, and she had not responded to my request for help and it has been 2 weeks. And, the gentleman with whom I spoke when I went to the library tried to convince me that it was NOT possible to borrow an ebook in Cloud Library even tho I have a photo of that book indicating that it is in an overdue status. I am looking forward to the day I am asked to review "Cloud Library", I will go into more depth re: my problems working with this App.

I’ve only browsed one ebook sample but have listened to several audiobooks and the interface is leaps and bounds better than Hoopla and OverDrive. Cons: I’d give it a 5th star if the sleep timer for audiobooks had more than the 30 minute option (custom timer would be best along with 15 minute intervals up to an hour, then 30 minute intervals thereafter), the UI colors could be customized (at the least a dark mode, but I’d also like to change the blurred background color for audiobooks while in landscape mode), and I could customize my library card color tags/icons? (a minor gripe but two of my cards are too similar in color). I’m also not a fan of the settings menu but I can’t put my finger on why right now... Pros: The book layout is great (Hoopla doesn’t even do landscape or two page mode🤬). As a whole, the Libby interface puts books at your fingertips quickly and offers a sleek & modern yet minimalist design that appeals to the eyes. The sort/refine/preferences works well although an ability to sort series by order in the series both ascending and descending is missing. The ability to sync Libby across multiple devices is FANTASTIC (again, looking at you Hoopla) and saves the hassle of logging in on each device and manually downloading each book (again, Hoopla, sup?). The audio/book sample feature (Hoopla comeon!) is conveniently placed, as is the book sample, review, and jacket information.

It is almost too perfect. A simple idea at first, just an online library. However, with so many apps where you pay large amounts of money just to get access to audio and digital books, this is the only one I have found that is actually free and amazingly easy to use. Because it is a library app, all you need for it to work is a library card and a library that has an online section. You can check out the audiobooks like a normal library. There are even considerate touches like a timer for sleep, and a manual bookmark. Unlike a physical book, these online one will automatically save your spot even if you have to turn it in, and so when/if you wanted to check it out again you will pickup where you left off! You do have a limit of 7 books checked out at a time, there are waitlists for popular titles, and it automatically returns the title after a certain amount of time (you have control over this) but I see these as minor things, and if you put a hold on a book it will automatically loan it and send you an email/notification. I love this app and would love to rant all day about why. If you are at all considering getting this I would deeply recommend.

I used to exclusively read e-books using my Kindle app. And don’t get me wrong: I was grateful the Kindle app was free. The problem was that I spent a fortune every year buying books. And even though I read the free samples before buying, and only purchased those I felt hooked by, it’s surprising how many books are just awful; the sample was the best part. When I found out about Libby, my life changed. I still buy books after reading on Libby if I know I’ll want to read again and again. But Libby made it possible for me to save SO much of my hard-earned money. I also love their UX—it’s easy, lovely to look at and use, and the fact you can not only put a hold on books but also delay them is fantastic. I love that I can see where I am in the waiting line. I love the in-book features such as being able to translate or define a word. I love that it detects when I’m finished and with one click can return early. I love being able to share my Libby account across devices. They make nearly everything effortless. Perhaps the only problem I have ever had was that they don’t have every single title I’ve looked for. But, thank you Libby for everything you do for me and fellow bookworms. I highly recommend to others!!