I recently discovered an app called “Libby” that connects you to your local library, and so far I really like it. You can place a hold on books (join waitlist), or borrow them for a certain amount of time. There are no late fees as they automatically take the book back from you once your allocated time is up, and everything is completely free, it’s also kindle compatible. What is your preferred way of reading/listening to books and what are some of your favorite features in the apps/tech you use?
Libby is my #1 And now that Spotify has free audiobooks for premium members I can use that as a backup!
Bundles of thinly-distributed bleached cellulose compound bound with high-adhesive epoxy between graphically illustrated printed flaps of thicker cellulose compound.
I read actual books as well, but am finding that I like audio books a lot too!
Have you tried bundles of thinly-distributed bleached cellulose compound bound with high-adhesive epoxy between graphically illustrated printed flaps of thicker cellulose compound 2.0 yet? It rocks.
Libby is mine as well! I love that it’s free.
I do use Audible ocasionally when I don’t want to wait for a loan… usually I try to find a free trial or a reduced price 😅
For Kindle books, I also do Amazon if I don’t feel like waiting for the loan as well :)
My favorite is Hoopla.
Same concept as Libby, but there’s no waitlists. The app is easy to use and their audiobook collection is quite large. The only downside is my library’s limit on check-outs but since I only use it for my work commute it doesn’t bother me.
Hoopla occasionally has waitlists. Generally with very popular books (I’ve had.to place holds two times ghis year, both on the current “it” biography.) Those are the only ones though
I work my way around the limit by using hoopla to download long audio times (15+ hours) and box sets🤣
I can’t get Hoopla. Our library isn’t in the system yet. I did talk to the librarian about it though.
My library’s version of Hoopla doesn’t offer audiobooks. I’m so jealous every time I hear people talk about how great their selection is. I do use Hoopla for comics and manga though.
I wish more people knew about Hoopla. I’m too impatient about waiting to use Libby anymore, but having free audiobooks just on-demand has been amazing.
Hoopla’s graphic novel collection is HUGE. My local library could never.
I love Libby as well. I browse and check out the book on my phone and then send it to my Kindle e-ink device.
LPT, if you think you’ll run out of time before your loan is up (and can’t renew because of wait-list) then put your device in airplane mode. You’ll be able to keep reading beyond the due date!
When the book I want isn’t available on Libby and i don’t want to spend money for an audiobook but already have the ebook (for books on kindle unlimited, for example), I just turn on the Spoken Content feature in the Accessibility section of the iPhone and my phone just reads aloud what’s written on the screen and switches pages automatically! I usually use it on the Kindle app and I find that the voice isn’t too robotic! You can also adjust the speed
Libby and my kindle. I don’t like supporting Amazon so heavily but my kindle is like the one purchase in my entire life that has gotten the most mileage and has been arguably the most useful (excluding something like a car, I mean for leisure).
Getting a kindle seriously changed the amount I read, and adding Libby to that made it from an Amazon machine to a library machine. I now usually have books on me but also have a kindle book going that I can read on the kindle or seamlessly on my phone if I happen to not have the kindle with me. Having a backlight is so much better than a booklight too.
I recently downloaded the Kindle app. I like it, my physical Kindle doesn’t. 😅
Though the Kindle menu in general is a bit clumsy at times and could do with a small makeover.
The problem with Overdrive/Libby is they’re getting a stranglehold
Libby for audiobooks, graphic novels, and comics (all through my library)
Kindle for most books.
Blue Fire Reader for PDFs and other formats.
I bought an Amazon Fire 7 recently specifically for reading books through Libby and BorrowBox (I’m in the UK, so alas, no Libby available through my Kindle), but I’ve also got the Shonen Jump app on there for keeping up with some ongoing manga, and CDisplayEx for reading manga I’ve purchased.
I also try to get a free trial for Kindle Unlimited every year.
I use a Kobo. It’s DRM policy is much more ratoinal than Amazon’s. It also works with Overdrive (the app that sits “under” Libby) in Canadian libraries.
Whatever is free with my card(s): Libby, Hoopla and CloudLibrary
I also buy from Chirp sales and get books under $3.
Or free borrows for being an Amazon Prime member
MoonReader+ for my digital reads. so many features! so many display options!
SmartAudiobookplayer for my digital listens. speeds up playback without having the narrators sound like chipmunks.
I have a broad spectrum of approach and use everything to get the best price. I use Libby which doesn’t always have the books I want but it’s useful. I use Chirp for deals. I use Apple because they sometimes have books I’m looking for at little cost. Audible is my usual though. I buy extra credits but often the book I want has a price lower than the cost of a credit. I just bought something for $3 instead of using an $11 credit.