Libby
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Analysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
Libby is an application developed by OverDrive, Inc. that allows users to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines directly from their local library's digital collection. It is designed for individuals with a library card who wish to access a wide range of digital content on their mobile devices.
What is Libby?
Libby is a digital reading application that provides access to ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from public libraries. It acts as a gateway for library cardholders to browse, borrow, and enjoy a broad selection of digital content.
The application is published by OverDrive, Inc., a company dedicated to supporting local libraries worldwide in their digital offerings. Libby was first released on 2016-12-12 on the App Store and 2017-01-17 on Google Play.
Libby is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. On Google Play, it is listed as 'Libby: Read Library Books' and on the App Store as 'Libby, the library app'. It has received high ratings from users across both platforms.
Latest on Libby
Is this the real Libby app?
- Verified publisher infoSame developer on Google Play and the App Store (OverDrive, Inc.), and the developer website overdrive.com matches the publisher.
- Established since 2016Listed since Dec 12, 2016, 10,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | OverDrive, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Developer on the App Store | OverDrive, Inc. |
| Same developer on both stores | Yes |
| Android package name | com.overdrive.mobile.android.libby |
| iOS bundle ID | com.overdrive.dewey |
| On the stores since | Dec 12, 2016 |
| Installs on Google Play | 10,000,000+ |
| Developer website | overdrive.com |
| Content rating | Google Play: Teen / App Store: 9+ |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Users can access millions of ebooks and audiobooks from their local library.
- Titles can be downloaded for offline reading or streamed to conserve device storage.
- Reading progress is automatically synced across all of a user's devices.
- Ebooks can be sent to Kindle devices, a feature available for U.S. libraries only.
- The app includes a customizable ebook reader with options for font size, layout, and background color.
- An advanced audiobook player allows for adjustable playback speed from 0.6x to 3.0x and includes a sleep timer.
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Privacy and permissions
The Google Play listing indicates that Libby requests permission to access 'Location', 'Photos/Media/Files', and 'Storage'. These permissions are typically used for functionalities such as saving downloaded content or potentially for location-based library services, though the specific use cases are not detailed in the listing.
The store listings do not explicitly state how user data is collected, processed, or shared beyond the requested permissions. Information regarding data encryption, retention policies, or explicit user control over personal data is not available in the store listings.
OverDrive, Inc. publishes its privacy policy at company.cdn.overdrive.com.
Libby permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 3 permission groups. Google Play also lists 7 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is fewer than most tools & utilities apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 5).
- LocationCan use your approximate location
- Photos/Media/FilesCan read and change your photos, media and files
- StorageCan read and change files in shared storage
The App Store privacy label lists these data types:
- Linked to you: Diagnostics
- Not linked to you: Usage Data, Diagnostics
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
Libby at a glance
| Developer | OverDrive, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Category | Book |
| Rating on App Store | 4.9 out of 5 (4.6M ratings) |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.8 out of 5 (753K ratings) |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | 9+ |
What changed in the latest Libby version
App Store · Version 9.2.6, released Oct 1, 2026
The release notes are general and don't list specific changes:
“Bug fixes, performance optimizations, and preparation for our next round of features.”
Google Play · Listing updated Aug 26, 2026
The release notes are general and don't list specific changes:
“Bug fixes, performance optimizations, and preparation for our next round of features. Thanks for supporting your local libraries!”
Quoted from the store listings' release notes.
Pricing
Libby is available at no cost to the user. The Google Play listing indicates a price of 0, and the App Store listing states 'Free'.
The store listings do not mention any in-app purchases or subscription models associated with the Libby application itself. Access to content is facilitated through a user's existing library card.
Libby compared with similar apps
| App | Rating | Installs | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Libby | 4.9 | – | Free |
 Google Play Store | – | – | Free |
 MapQuest | 4.4 | 10M+ | Free |
 Speedtest by Ookla | 4.6 | 100M+ | Free |
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How to get Libby safely
To ensure a safe installation, users should only obtain Libby from recognized sources: Google Play or the App Store. It is crucial to verify that the developer listed is 'OverDrive, Inc.' to avoid counterfeit applications.
Users are advised against downloading Libby from third-party websites, unverified app repositories, or through APK mirrors, as these sources may offer modified versions that could compromise device security or user privacy. Before completing the installation, reviewing the requested permissions, such as 'Location', 'Photos/Media/Files', and 'Storage', is recommended to understand what the app will access on the device.
How to install Libby
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for Libby, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is OverDrive, Inc..
- Check that your device meets the listing's requirement: Android 7.1 and up.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
On iPhone and iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for Libby, or use the App Store button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is OverDrive, Inc..
- Make sure your device has iOS 13.0 or later and about 5 MB of free space, as the listing states.
- Tap Get (or the price), confirm the download, then open the app from your home screen.
Libby version and app details
| Google Play | App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | – | 9.2.6 |
| Last updated | Aug 26, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 |
| First released | Jan 17, 2017 | Dec 12, 2016 |
| Package name | com.overdrive.mobile.android.libby | – |
| Bundle ID | – | com.overdrive.dewey |
| Requires | Android 7.1 and up | iOS 13.0 or later |
| Download size | – | 5 MB |
| Content rating | Teen (Diverse Content: Discretion Advised) | 9+ (Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes; Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence) |
| In-app purchases | No | – |
| Contains ads | No | – |
| Languages | – | 18 (including English) |
| Developer | OverDrive, Inc. | OverDrive, Inc. |
Who Libby is for
Libby is designed for anyone who possesses a valid library card and wishes to access digital library resources from their mobile device or tablet. It caters to a broad audience, including general readers, students, and audiobook enthusiasts.
The application explicitly mentions suitability for kids, teens, and adults, offering a diverse range of content from bestsellers and new releases to classics, memoirs, and children's books. It is particularly useful for individuals who prefer digital formats for reading and listening, or those who want to borrow library materials without visiting a physical branch.
Libby for kids and families
Pros
- Provides extensive access to millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from local libraries.
- Allows for flexible reading and listening with options to download for offline access or stream content.
- Features automatic syncing of reading progress across multiple devices.
- Offers a highly customizable reading experience with adjustable font sizes, layouts, and background colors.
- Includes an advanced audiobook player with adjustable playback speed and a sleep timer.
Cons
- The feature to send ebooks to Kindle is limited to users with U.S. library cards only.
- Requires an active library card to access and borrow digital content.
- Specific details regarding data collection and privacy beyond permission groups are not explicitly stated in the store listings.
Libby: frequently asked questions
Is Libby free to use?
Yes, Libby is available at no cost. The Google Play listing indicates a price of 0, and the App Store listing states 'Free'.
Which devices support Libby?
Libby is available on devices running Android, downloadable from Google Play, and iOS devices (minimum iOS 13.0), downloadable from the App Store.
Who is the developer of Libby?
Libby is developed by OverDrive, Inc.
What kind of content can be accessed through Libby?
Users can access a broad range of content including ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from their local library's digital collection.
Can Libby content be read offline?
Yes, users have the option to download books for offline reading, which helps save storage space and allows access without an internet connection.
Does Libby work with Kindle devices?
Yes, Libby allows users to send ebooks to Kindle, though this functionality is available only for U.S. libraries.
Libby
- Category
- Book
- Version
- 9.2.6
Download
Looking for the Libby website or sign-in? Go to overdrive.com →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
Libby ratings breakdown
Google Play 4.8 average from 752,545 ratings
- 589%
- 48%
- 31%
- 20%
- 11%
App Store 4.9 average from 4,563,728 ratings
- 590%
- 47%
- 31%
- 20%
- 11%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 2, 2026.
