How to Use Your Library Card to Borrow Free E-Books and Audiobooks

Your public library card gives you access to thousands of free e-books and audiobooks on your phone — here's how to set it up.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Download the Libby app
2.Enter your library card number
3.Browse and borrow e-books
4.Read e-books and listen to audiobooks
5.Send e-books to your Kindle or Kindle app

Download the Libby app

~24s

Download the free "Libby" app from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (Android). Open the app. Tap "Yes" when asked if you have a library card. Search for your library by city, county name, or zip code. Select your library from the results.

Quick Tip

Many libraries offer digital library cards you can get online instantly — no visit required. Go to your library's website and look for "Get a Library Card" or "Digital Card."

Enter your library card number

~21s

Select your library from the search results. Tap "Sign In with My Card." Enter your library card number — this is the long number on the back of your physical library card. Enter your PIN (usually your birthdate as MMDD or the last 4 digits of your phone number — check with your library if you're not sure). Tap "Sign In."

Browse and borrow e-books

~31s

Tap "Search" at the bottom to look for a specific book by title or author. Tap "Browse" to explore popular books, recent releases, or categories. When you find a book you want, tap it, then tap "Borrow." If it's available, it downloads to your device immediately. If there's a waiting list (popular books may have holds), tap "Place a Hold" and you'll be notified when it's your turn.

Quick Tip

The "Available Now" filter (look for it in the search or browse filters) shows only books you can borrow immediately without waiting. Great for finding something to read right now.

Read e-books and listen to audiobooks

~21s

Borrowed e-books open directly in the Libby app for reading. Increase text size by tapping anywhere in a book and looking for the Aa font button. Audiobooks play back in the app with controls for speed, sleep timer, and bookmarks. Books automatically return after the loan period (usually 21 days) — no action needed from you and no late fees ever.

Send e-books to your Kindle or Kindle app

~22s

If you prefer reading on a Kindle or in the Kindle app, Libby can send borrowed books there. When borrowing a book, tap "Read Now" → choose "Send to Kindle." You'll be directed to Amazon's website to confirm delivery to your Kindle device or the free Kindle app. This is optional — books read just as well in the Libby app itself.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Use Your Library Card to Borrow Free E-Books and Audiobooks

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Your public library card gives you free access to thousands of e-books and audiobooks through apps on your phone or tablet. The Libby app (by OverDrive) is the most popular and easiest to use. You can borrow books without leaving your home, and they're delivered instantly to your device — and they automatically return themselves so you never pay a late fee.

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