Libby is widely considered the best free audiobook app. Compared with other paid platforms like Audible, it allows you to access vast, high-quality audiobooks without subscription fees as long as you have a local library card. How does it work for audiobooks? Is it 100% free? Can I listen to Libby audiobooks offline? Is Libby actually for you? Let's figure it out in this article!
Furthermore, we'd like to share with you a great gimmick to convert Libby audiobooks to MP3 and back them up. No matter whether you're an avid listener or you're just getting into audiobooks, you will find all you should know about Libby audiobooks here.
Overview: Get to konw Libby audiobooks
Libby is a free app and website by Overdrive that allows users to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from local libraries. To enjoy audiobooks with Libby, you can install the Libby mobile app or https://libbyapp.com/ website. It requires only a valid library card, then enter your library card number/PIN, and browse for audiobooks and borrow the ones you like.
is supported by over 22,000 public libraries worldwide that use OverDrive to lend digital materials. Libby can merge different library systems into one. Just add all your library cards to a single Libby app, and it is easy to access all your favorite ebooks and audiobooks. You won't need to use any other library app. Currently, over 90% of public libraries in North America are compatible, and the service reaches more than 92,000 libraries and schools across 115 countries.
How to get Libby audiobooks to work?
How to borrow and listen to audiobooks on Libby
To access Libby audiobooks, you can go to the Libby website or download the Libby app. Next, simply add your library card and search for titles. Borrow the book, then navigate to your Bookshelf to open and play it.
Here is a detailed instructions to guide you How to Borrow and Listen to Libby Audiobooks.
In addition, Libby allows users to add multiple library cards from different systems or multiple cards from the same system, consolidating all loans and holds onto a single shelf.
A user-friendly interface for playing Libby audiobooks
You can play Libby audiobooks with the Libby app or on the Libby website. Both the Libby app(iOS/Android) and the web player have a user-friendly interface, allowing users to browse, borrow, and listen to audiobooks online. It offers a superior and convenient experience for audiobooks, featuring customizable playback speeds (0.6x to 3x), a 15-second skip/rewind button, and a sleep timer.
However, the Libby web player requires a constant internet connection to stream. To listen to Libby audiobooks offline, you must use the Libby mobile app on a smartphone or tablet. As long as you have downloaded the audiobooks in the Libby app, it is easy to enjoy them without the Internet connection.
Note: Audiobooks commonly consume significant smartphone storage. A typical 10-hour book often takes up more than 300 MB. You may need to regularly remove the finished titles in the Libby app to free up storage.
Pros and Cons of Libby Audiobooks
Pros:
- Completely free: Libby is a totally free app, allowing users to access a large number of audiobooks without subscription costs. All you need is a valid library card from your library.
- User-friendly and convenient audio player: A flat fee for access to a vast selection of content.
- Multiple library card supported: Users can add multiple library cards to increase access to more titles.
- Offline listening & syncing: Content can be downloaded for listening without internet, for instance, in airplane mode.
- No late fees: Titles are automatically returned, preventing penalties.
Cons:
- Short lending period: Libby audiobook lending periods typically range from 7, 14, or 21 days.
- Long wait time: Popular audiobooks often have massive waiting lists, with holds sometimes taking months to become available.
- Limited selection: The titles are limited to what a user's library system purchases.
- Loan limits: It depends on the individual libraries. The common limits range between 10-30 loans and 10-20 holds simultaneously.
- Device limits: It only supports web browser access and iOS/Android apps. There is no dedicated desktop application and the downloaded books can't be transferred to other devices.
Still can't find the best balance by using Libby app for audiobooks and other paid audiobooks services?
Extra tips: How to listen to Libby Audiobooks without the Libby app
While the Libby app is very convenient to access a large number of audiobooks, is it possible to back up audiobooks from Libby? If you're worried about losing access to Libby audiobooks immediately upon expiration, just keep reading! Epubor LibAudio Mate is such a tool that allows you to download libby audiobooks as local MP3 files.
Tip 1: Run Libby app and download Libby audiobooks on PC/Mac
First, you need to install an Android emulator on your PC/Mac, and then install the Libby for Android app in the Android emulator. Next, simply download Libby audiobooks with Libby app in the emulator as if on your smartphone.
Please read this step-by-step guide for LibAudio Mate Guide to learn more details.
Tip 2: Convert Libby audiobooks to MP3s and back them up locally
Then, you can launch Epubor LibAudio Mate. Click the "Refresh" button to load the downloaded Libby audiobooks and convert them.
After the conversion process is finished, just click the "Open" button to locate the MP3 audio files in the output directory.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has armed you with the knowledge you need to know. From my perspective, Libby is really suitable for patient reader and listener who are willing to wait for popular books and want to save money. Moreover, with the help of Epubor LibAudio Mate, you can easily download your favorite Libby audiobooks as MP3 files.
Nancy Hello, my name is Nancy! I’ve been always a book enthusiast, and I love reading very much. As an editor for Epubor, I’m glad to share all my favorite books, audiobooks, and tips to read E-books all I know.
