Can I get Libby on Kindle Paperwhite?
Yes, you can get Libby books on Kindle, Kindle Fire tablets, or even the Kindle app for reading, regardless of whether you are in the US or not.
As borrowing ebooks from libraries proves far more economical than purchasing them, a growing number of readers are turning to public libraries to access free ebooks and audiobooks through platforms like Libby—a digital gateway to thousands of titles. But what exactly is Libby, and How to get Libby on Kindle? Below, I will share the steps on getting Libby on Kindle, kindle fire, or Kindle app.
1. What is Libby?
Libby is a popular digital reading app that allows users to borrow and read eBooks and audiobooks from their local public library. It was developed by OverDrive, a company that specializes in providing digital content solutions to libraries and schools.
With Libby, library patrons can access a wide range of digital books and audiobooks using their library card.
You can access Libby via online app, Android or iOS app. There is no desktop version of Libby App currently.
Although the Libby app is user-friendly and provides features like adjustable font sizes, background colors, and the ability to download books for offline reading, many people want to use their kindle to read library books.
Here comes to the questions – Can I get Libby on Kindle? To this question, the answer is “Yes”. If you're interested in reading Kindle books on your Kindle paperwhite, Kindle Fire, or even the Kindle app, you won't want to skip this article.
2. Step-by-step guide to get Libby on Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Fire, Kindle App
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to borrow books using the Libby app.
Step 1 Visit Libby online App or download &install the Libby App.
You can just visit the Libby online app. Or you can download the Libby app for free from the App Store (iOS devices) or Google Play Store (Android devices).
I will use the online Libby app as an example here.
Step 2 Add Your Library Card.
When you launch the Libby app, you will be request to add your library card.
Please just click on "Yes" when asked if you have a library card.
You'll be prompted to enter your library card number and PIN. If you don't have a library card, you may need to visit your local library to obtain one.
Step 3 Borrow a book via Libby.
After logged in to your Library, you can use the search bar to find books by title, author, genre, or keyword. When you find a book you want to borrow, tap on it. You'll see options like "Borrow" or "Place Hold" if the book is currently checked out by other users.
If the book is available, click "Borrow".
Then you'll be redirected to a new page. Here click on “Borrow" button.
Step 4 Connect libby to kindle and Send Libby books to Kindle.
All your borrowed and downloaded books will be available in your "Shelf" within the Libby app. Now you can go to the "Shelf" to find your borrowed books. Here you can click "Read with Kindle".
The Libby will connect to your Amazon account and send out your kindle books. Now selelct the your target kindle devices or kindle apps, then click on "Get Library Book". The book will be sent to your Kindle device or app.
Step 5 Download Libby to Kindle and Read Libby on kindle.
Now go to your kindle device, or kindle app, tap "Sync” to download your library books borrowed with Libby.
Pro tip 1: You can also borrow Libby books on Android, iOS, and Kindle Fire using the steps outlined above.
Pro tip 2: This method only works for those who possess US library cards. If you don't have a US library card, please follow the steps below to download Libby on Kindle.
Pro tip Llibby "read with kindle" not showing--Download Libby as Epub and Convert Libby epub to kindle supported format!
There is a good chance that the book you borrowed does not have the “Read with Kindle” option. Why does this happen?
- 1. Not all books on Libby are Kindle-compatible. This is one of the most common reasons the option is missing.
- 2. Some libraries may disable the “Read with Kindle” feature due to cost or other policy considerations. For example: Your library card is not from a U.S. library, and Kindle delivery is only supported for U.S. users. For this kind of libraries, they may support kobo eReader. I've already share this kobo libby set up guide: How to get Libby to Kobo.
- 3. Occasionally, the missing option may be caused by a temporary glitch in the Libby app — try reinstalling the app or restarting your device.
Regardless of the reason why the “Read with Kindle” option is missing, here is the most effective solution to help you read Libby books on your Kindle. Do you know besides the "Read with Kindle" option, you may have two more option, like "Open in Libby" and "Download Epub". Now I will show you how to download Libby book as epub and then convert the epub to kindle supported format.
1Once borrowed, choose "Read with">>"More Options">>"ePUB".
You will get an acsm file.
2Convert ACSM to epub.
Now you can convert acsm to epub with Adobe Digital Editions.
3Remove drm from Adobe epub.
Launch Epubor Ultimate-- the best ebook converter and ebook ripper. If you still have not installed it, just download and install it first from the button below.
Then click "Adobe" tab to load your downloaded epub, then drag it to right side. Done! Your libby books are drm free now.
4Transfer libby epub to kinle.
Once you've obtained the drm-free epub files, you can just "Send to kindle" by web. This is the easiest way for transferring epub to kindle ereader or kindle library.
3. Libby app for kindle: Another way to read Libby on Kindle Fire
Unlike the Kindle PaperWhite or Oasis, the Libby app is compatible with Kindle Fire. This means you can simply download and install the Libby app on your Kindle Fire, borrow books, and read them using the Libby app for Kindle Fire.
Before proceeding, it's important to identify the Kindle Fire tablets that are compatible with the Libby app.
| Device | Year |
|---|---|
| Fire HD 10 | 2017 |
| Fire HD 8 | 2018 |
| Fire HD 10 | 2019 |
| Fire HD 8 | 2020 |
| Fire HD 10 | 2021 |
| Fire HD 10 Plus | 2021 |
| Fire 7 | 2022 |
| Fire HD 8 | 2022 |
| Fire HD 8 Plus | 2022 |
| Fire HD 10 | 2023 |
| Fire Max 11 | 2023 |
1 Download and install Libby on Kindle Fire.
Get Libby from Amazon Appstore, and install it on your Kindle Fire tablet.
2As for inputting your library card number and borrowing books, the steps are the same as in Part 2. However, when it comes to reading Libby books, you don't need to use Kindle devices or apps. Simply choose to read them within the Libby app.
This provides an alternative method for reading Libby books on your Kindle Fire tablet, especially for those don't belong to a U.S. library.
4. FAQ on Getting Libby to Kindle
Q1: Can I use Libby app on Kindle?
A: You cannot install Libby app on Kindle eReader, like kindle paperwhite. But you can install Libby app on Kindle fire tablet and use to borrow and read library books. If you want to set up libby with your Kindle, you don't need to link libby to your kindle. When you borrow a books, just choose the kindle version, and the libby will take you to Amazon's website to borrow this book. When you sync your Kindle device, your borrowed library books will appear on your Kindle, no matter it is a kindle paperwhite or a kindle fire.
Q2: Is it true that only U.S. Libby users can read ebooks on a Kindle?
A: Yes, it is true that only U.S. Libby users can read ebooks on a Kindle. This limitation is due to the integration between Libby and Kindle, which is currently restricted to U.S. library networks and Amazon accounts. You can read library books on Kindle borrowed from U.S. library networks only. So as long as you have a U.S. library card and U.S. Amazon account, you should be able to read your libby library books on your kindle no matter where you are. In such case, you can download Libby books as epub and then transfer it to kindle eReader.
Q3: Can I read Libby on Kindle in UK?
A: The Libby app in the UK does have a "Read with kindle" button, but it currently doesn't function. Therefore, the issue isn't that UK libraries lack Kindle-compatible ebooks; rather, it's that Libby in the UK does not currently support this feature.
Q4: Can I listen to libby audiobook on kindle?
A: You can listen to Libby audiobooks via Libby app, but you cannot listen to Libby audiobooks on Kindle or Kobo eReaders since it's not supported. However, if you're using an Amazon Fire tablet, you have the option to listen to audiobooks from your library through the Libby app.
Q5: Can I download Libby books for offline reading?
A: Sure. You can download Libby books for offline reading. But Libby doesn’t automatically download the book, you have to click "Download" button to download it. The icon should look like a little cloud with an arrow pointed down when you first check out the book. Click it and it will change to a loading circle or give an error. Once downloaded it should turn in to a box with a check mark.
Even more, you can download libby audiobook to mp3 format with Epubor. Learn more in our guide on how to download Libby audiobook to MP3 format.
Q6: How to get libby on Kindle Oasis or Kindle Scribe?
A: While the Libby app itself cannot be directly installed on a Kindle eink device due to compatibility reasons, you can still borrow ebooks from your local library through the Libby app and then choose the Kindle version when available. Once borrowed, these Kindle ebooks will be available in your Amazon library. You can sent them to the Kindle eReader and kindle app using "Deliver or remove from device" option.
And you can download and read it with your kindle eReader, like kindle Oasis or Kindle Scribd or Kindle App.
Q7: How do I open Libby books on a Kindle?
After you borrow a library book, select the “Read with Kindle” option. Connect Libby to your Amazon account, and once the book is delivered to your Amazon account, simply sync your Kindle to open the Libby book on your device.
If the “Read with Kindle” option is missing, choose the “EPUB” format instead. Download the EPUB using Adobe Digital Editions, remove the DRM with Epubor Ultimate, and then transfer the DRM-free EPUB file to your Kindle device.
Q8: Libby book not showing up on kindle -- How to fix it?
Common reasons for Libby books not showing up on kindle
- Format Compatibility: Not all Libby books are Kindle-compatible. If a book only supports the "Libby" or "EPUB" format, it will not transfer to a Kindle e-reader.
- Missing "Get Library Book" Step: Simply borrowing in Libby is not enough. You must follow the redirect to Amazon and click the "Get Library Book" button for the license to transfer.
- Account Mismatch: Your Libby app and Kindle device may be linked to different Amazon accounts.
Fixes for Libby book not showing up on kindle
- 1. Verify Compatibility and Format. In Libby, tap the book jacket and scroll to "Read With". If "Kindle" is not listed, the book is only readable within the Libby app.
If you accidentally downloaded the book in EPUB format first, you may need to return the book and borrow it again to select the Kindle option. - 2. Manually Trigger Delivery from Amazon. If you have already clicked "Get Library Book" but it hasn't appeared.
Go to the Amazon Content & Devices page on a web browser.
Find the book title under the "Books" tab.
Select "Deliver or Remove from Device."
Check the box for your specific Kindle and select "Make Changes" to force a new delivery. - 3. Sync and Network Refresh.
Manual Sync: On your Kindle, tap the Sync icon in the quick menu.
Correct Account: Ensure the email address on your Kindle (Settings > Your Account) matches the Amazon account you used during the Libby checkout.
Hard Restart: If the book is listed on your Amazon account but won't download, hold the Kindle's power button for 40 seconds until it restarts.
Q9: Can I remove drm from Libby books, like audiobooks and ebooks?
For Libby ebooks: We've already learned how to deliver libby ebooks to kindle. Now you can download kindle books via kindle for pc , and try to remove drm from libby books with Epubor Ultimate—the best Kindle DRM removal and ebook format converter. With it, you can easily convert your books downloaded via Kindle for PC to DRM-free ePub format.
For Libby audiobooks: Is there any way to staudioipe drm from Libby Audiobooks? Sure, try LibAudio Converter. This tool will help you convert your Libby audiobooks to mp3 with Chapter splitted.
Iris Yan is a passionate member of the Epubor team, dedicated to enhancing your ebook reading experience. She shares insightful tips, tricks, and practical advice to help you get the most out of your digital library. Join her on the journey to reading excellence today!
I was very excited to read that I could read Libby books on my Kindle Paperwhite.
However, after spending 2 hours following the above instructions it does not work on my Kindle Paperwhite. I live in Australia and there is no option in Libby to 'Read with Kindle' any borrowed book.
Thanks
AB
Hello, thanks for your comment.
"Read with Kindle" is only available in the US. I suggest you download the books as acsm files, then open the acsm files via Adobe Digital Editions ti download your book in Epub format.
And then you can use Epubor Ultimate to remove DRM. If there are any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com.
Best regards,
Epubor Team