How to Borrow eBooks from the Library: Libby, OverDrive & Hoopla Guide
Borrowing ebooks from the library is one of the best-kept secrets in America. With a free library card, you can access hundreds of thousands of ebooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby, Hoopla, and CloudLibrary — all completely free, with no ads, no subscription fees, and automatic returns so you never pay a late fee. In 2025, US public libraries circulated over 600 million digital items, a number that has more than doubled since 2019. Yet many library cardholders have never borrowed a digital title. This guide walks you through every major library ebook platform, from initial setup to advanced tips for getting the books you want faster.
Why Library eBooks Are Worth It
If you read regularly, library ebooks can save you hundreds of dollars a year. The average ebook costs $10-$15 to purchase. Audiobook subscriptions like Audible run $15 per month for a single credit. With your library card, you get unlimited access to these same titles at no cost. Here is what the numbers look like:
Library ebooks work on virtually any device: iPhones, Android phones, iPads, tablets, Kindle e-readers, laptops, and desktop computers. The reading experience is identical to purchased ebooks, with features like adjustable fonts, bookmarks, highlights, and notes. Audiobooks play through the same apps with speed controls, sleep timers, and car mode.
The only limitation is availability. Libraries license ebooks similarly to physical books — they own a certain number of copies, and when all copies are checked out, you join a waitlist. Popular new releases may have wait times of several weeks. However, there are strategies to minimize wait times, which we cover in the tips section below.
Libby by OverDrive: Complete Setup Guide
Libby is the most widely used library ebook app in the United States. Developed by OverDrive, it is supported by over 90% of US public libraries. Here is how to get started:
Step 1: Download the App
- iPhone/iPad: Search “Libby” in the App Store
- Android: Search “Libby by OverDrive” in Google Play
- Desktop: Visit libbyapp.com in any web browser
Step 2: Find Your Library
Open Libby and tap “Find My Library.” You can search by library name, city, or zip code. Select your library system from the results. If your library uses OverDrive (most do), it will appear in the list.
Step 3: Sign In
Enter your library card number and PIN. Your library card number is usually on the back of your physical card. If you registered online, it was provided in your confirmation email. Your PIN is typically the last four digits of your phone number or a PIN you set during registration. If you do not know your PIN, contact your library.
Step 4: Browse and Borrow
Use the search bar or browse categories to find titles. Tap on any book to see details, then tap “Borrow” to check it out immediately. If the book is unavailable, tap “Place Hold” to join the waitlist. Borrowed books appear on your “Shelf” and can be read directly in the Libby app or sent to a Kindle device.
Step 5: Configure Loan Settings
In Settings, you can set your default loan period (7, 14, or 21 days) and choose whether books download for offline reading or stream. We recommend enabling downloads so you can read without an internet connection.
Libby Supports Multiple Library Cards
If you have cards from multiple library systems, add them all to Libby. Tap the library icon in the bottom menu, then Add A Library. This lets you search multiple catalogs simultaneously and dramatically increases the number of ebooks available to you.
Hoopla: Instant Borrowing with No Waitlists
Hoopla is the second most popular library digital platform. Its biggest advantage over Libby is that there are never waitlists — every title in the catalog is available for instant borrowing. The trade-off is a monthly borrowing limit, typically 5-15 items per month depending on your library.
Getting Started with Hoopla
- Download the Hoopla app from the App Store or Google Play, or visit hoopladigital.com
- Create a Hoopla account with your email address
- Select your library and enter your library card number
- Browse by category: ebooks, audiobooks, comics, movies, music, or TV
- Tap “Borrow” on any title for instant access
Hoopla content is streamed rather than downloaded by default, so you need an internet connection to read or listen. However, the app does allow temporary downloads for offline use. Loan periods vary by content type: ebooks and audiobooks are 21 days, movies are 72 hours, and music albums are 7 days.
Hoopla is particularly strong for comics and graphic novels, with thousands of titles from Marvel, DC, Image, and independent publishers. It also has a robust movie and TV section with content from studios like Paramount, Lionsgate, and A24.
How to Send Library Books to Kindle
If you prefer reading on a Kindle device or Kindle app, Libby makes it easy to send library ebooks directly to your Kindle. Here is the process:
- Borrow the ebook in Libby as you normally would
- Tap “Read With...” and select “Kindle”
- Sign in to Amazon when prompted (you will be redirected to Amazon’s website)
- Select your Kindle device from the dropdown and tap “Get Library Book”
- Sync your Kindle — the book will appear in your library on your device within minutes
Library books on Kindle look and function exactly like purchased books. You can highlight, take notes, and use the dictionary. When the loan expires, the book is automatically removed from your device. Your highlights and notes are saved in case you borrow the book again later.
Pro Tip: Kindle Compatibility
The Kindle Send feature works with most Kindle devices and the Kindle app for iOS, Android, Mac, and PC. It does not work with Kindle Fire tablets using the Kindle app — on Fire tablets, read directly in the Libby app instead. Also note that Kindle Send is only available for ebooks, not audiobooks.
Borrowing Audiobooks from the Library
Library audiobooks are a game-changer for commuters, exercisers, and multitaskers. Both Libby and Hoopla offer extensive audiobook catalogs narrated by professional voice actors. Here is how they compare for audiobook borrowing:
Libby Audiobooks
- Largest selection of library audiobooks
- Same waitlist system as ebooks
- Download for offline listening
- Sleep timer, playback speed (0.5x-3x)
- Bookmarks and chapter navigation
- 21-day default loan period
Hoopla Audiobooks
- No waitlists — instant access
- Smaller catalog than Libby
- Counts toward monthly borrow limit
- Streaming with offline download option
- 21-day loan period
- Strong selection of classics and backlist titles
If you listen to a lot of audiobooks, consider getting cards from multiple library systems. Each card gives you separate access to both Libby and Hoopla, effectively multiplying your monthly borrowing capacity.
Other Platforms: CloudLibrary & Palace Project
While Libby and Hoopla dominate the library ebook landscape, two other platforms serve significant numbers of libraries:
CloudLibrary is used by some library systems as their primary or supplementary ebook platform. It functions similarly to Libby with a catalog of ebooks and audiobooks, a hold system for unavailable titles, and apps for iOS, Android, and web. If your library uses CloudLibrary, download the cloudLibrary app and sign in with your library card.
Palace Project is an open-source alternative developed by the New York Public Library and the Digital Public Library of America. It is growing in adoption and offers a similar borrowing experience to Libby without the commercial licensing model. Palace is particularly notable because it aggregates content from multiple sources, potentially giving you access to titles not available on other platforms.
Platform Comparison Table
| Feature | Libby | Hoopla | CloudLibrary |
|---|---|---|---|
| eBooks | Yes (largest catalog) | Yes | Yes |
| Audiobooks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Movies/TV | No | Yes | No |
| Music | No | Yes | No |
| Waitlists | Yes | No | Yes |
| Kindle Support | Yes | No | No |
| Borrow Limit | Varies (typically 20+) | 5-15/month | Varies |
| Offline Access | Yes (download) | Limited | Yes |
Pro Tips for eBook Borrowers
Use Tags and Lists
In Libby, create custom tags to organize books you want to read. Tag books as 'To Read,' 'Summer,' or any category you like. This makes it easy to find titles when you're ready to borrow and helps you track what you've read.
Adjust Your Hold Settings
In Libby Settings, you can configure holds to auto-borrow when available or to notify you first. If your reading queue is full, choose notification so holds don't expire while you're in the middle of another book.
Check Availability Across Libraries
If a title has a long waitlist at one library, check other libraries where you have a card. Wait times can vary dramatically between systems. A book with a 12-week wait at one library might be available immediately at another.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I borrow ebooks from the library?
Download the Libby app, select your library, enter your library card number, and browse the catalog. Tap Borrow on any available title. Books are automatically returned after the loan period, typically 14 or 21 days.
Is Libby really free?
Yes. Libby is completely free to use. You need a valid library card, which is also free for residents. There are no subscription fees, no hidden charges, and no ads. The ebooks and audiobooks you borrow are licensed by your library.
Can I read library ebooks on a Kindle?
Yes. Libby supports sending ebooks directly to your Kindle device or Kindle app. After borrowing a title in Libby, select Send to Kindle. The book appears in your Kindle library and is automatically removed when the loan expires.
What is the difference between Libby and Hoopla?
Libby uses a traditional lending model where popular titles may have waitlists. Hoopla offers instant borrowing with no waitlists but has a monthly borrow limit, typically 5-15 items. Hoopla also offers movies, music, and comics in addition to ebooks and audiobooks.
How long can I keep a library ebook?
Most library ebooks have a loan period of 14 or 21 days, configurable in your app settings. You can renew if no one is waiting. Books are automatically returned at the end of the loan period with no late fees.
Can I place holds on popular ebooks?
Yes. If an ebook is checked out, you can place a hold. You will be notified by email or push notification when it becomes available. Hold times vary from days to weeks depending on the title popularity and number of copies the library owns.