Libby & Hoopla
Your library card. Thousands of free books and movies. On your phone.
Best-kept secret in tech
Most US libraries pay for two free apps — Libby and Hoopla — that let you borrow e-books, audiobooks, and movies just like physical books. Brand-new releases. Free. Limited only by your library card.
If you don't have a library card, signing up is free at any local library — and many libraries let you sign up online with proof of address.
Libby — for e-books and audiobooks
Made by OverDrive. The cleanest, most popular library app.
- Install Libby from the App Store or Play Store. Free, no ads.
- Open it. Tap "Yes" when it asks if you have a library card.
- Tap "Search For A Library". Type your zip code or library name.
- Pick your library from the list.
- Type your library card number (no dashes).
- You're in. Browse the catalog like a bookstore.
- Tap "Borrow" on any book — instant download. Read in the app, or send to a Kindle.
Borrow limits: Most libraries let you have 5-10 books out at a time, for 14 or 21 days. Books "return" themselves automatically — no late fees, ever.
Tip: Popular new releases have a hold list. Tap "Place Hold" — it'll be ready when it's your turn (often 2-8 weeks).
Hoopla — for movies, TV, comics, and instant books
Different model — no holds, ever. Borrow up to a monthly limit.
- Install Hoopla Digital from the App Store or Play Store.
- Tap "Sign up". Type your email and pick a password.
- Pick your library.
- Enter your library card number.
- Done. Browse movies, audiobooks, music, and comics.
- Tap "Borrow" — instant access. No waiting list ever.
Monthly limit: Most libraries give you 5-10 borrows per month. Resets on the 1st.
Best uses: Movies you can't find elsewhere, indie films, comic books for grandkids, audio versions of self-help books.
Reading on a Kindle
- In Libby, after you borrow a book — tap "Read with…" → "Kindle".
- It opens Amazon. Sign in with your Kindle account.
- Click "Get Library Book". The book lands on your Kindle automatically.
- It removes itself when the loan ends.
Other free library apps to know
- Kanopy — free movies (often arthouse, documentaries). Limit usually 4-10 a month.
- cloudLibrary — alternative e-book app some libraries use instead of Libby.
- Flipster — free magazines.
- RBdigital — newspapers and magazines.
- Brainfuse — free tutoring (helps grandkids with homework).
Check your library's website to see which they offer.
No library card?
Walk into any local library with a photo ID and a piece of mail showing your address. Free. Takes 5 minutes. Many libraries also let you sign up online — search "[your city] library card application".