Libby, by OverDrive

Do you enjoy reading, but lack the time to sit down with a good book? Are you interested in trying an audio or ebook? I have just the app for you. Introducing, Libby! A free app and service provided by OverDrive which connects directly to your local library's entire database of audiobooks and ebooks! I know, it sounds too good to be true. Worry not, I have tried it, and it is just as exciting as it seems!

My experience with Libby began over a year ago. I was looking for something other than music to listen to during morning treadmill workouts. I downloaded a digital copy of Dave Grohl's book The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music. Total plug here, but if you're a fan of music, I totally recommend listening to this audiobook. Okay, plug over. Back to your regularly scheduled content.

Fact: Libby makes borrowing online content fun! Its interface is beautiful and the simplicity of its design makes navigating the app a breeze. Plus, it's free! If you are anything like me and find yourself lacking the time to read as often as you’d like, the ability to borrow audiobooks comes in handy! You can listen anywhere you’d like, on a bike, train, morning commute, here, there… well actually anywhere!

With all this excitement, it is important to remember there are cons to everything. In this case it comes in the form of content caps. This means, the amount of content on the app is based on the digital catalog provided by the library to which you belong. To combat this, you can sign up for library cards for other libraries as well! That you aren’t stuck in one content pool, which affords access to a far larger catalog. With greater access coomes the downside of greater number of users jockeying for content. Which isn’t as bad as it sounds, all it means is that you may have to put a hold on a book and wait a week or two. For me, that is no serious inconvenience. However, if it is for you, Libby may not be the right answer.

If you're still interested in Libby, the process to get started is simple enough. Just bust out your library card and sign up! If you don't have a library card, no worries, it's easy to procure one now-a-days. In fact, I'll even walk you through the process to apply for a digital library card from the local Youngstown and Mahoning County libraries! Just see the link below, and off you go! The video will also give you a bit of a preview of what to expect from the app. So don't be shy, have a watch!

I use an iPad for this tutorial video, but the process is extremely similar on iPhones, Androids, and/or tablets. If you encounter any issues, please reach out. I'd be more than happy to assist!