Libby

Libby is a consumer-facing mobile and web application developed by OverDrive, Inc., a digital distribution company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The app allows users to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines from participating public libraries, schools, and universities using a valid library card or institutional credentials. It is free to use, with no fees or subscriptions, because the content is licensed by the library or institution rather than purchased by the end user. Libby launched in 2017 as a more modern, user-friendly alternative to the older OverDrive app, and it has since become the primary way many patrons access their library's digital collection. The service works by connecting to a user's local library system. After signing in with a library card, users can browse the library's available titles, place holds, borrow items, and read or listen directly within the app. Libby supports Kindle and other e-reader integration in some regions, as well as offline downloads for reading or listening without an internet connection. The app is available on iOS, Android, and web browsers, and it has been praised for its clean interface and ease of use compared to its predecessor. Libby is part of a broader OverDrive ecosystem that includes the legacy OverDrive app, Sora (a reading app for K-12 schools), Kanopy (a streaming video service for libraries), and TeachingBooks (a resource for children's and teen literature). OverDrive itself was founded in 1986 and has grown into a global leader in digital distribution for libraries, schools, and publishers. The company was acquired by Rakuten in 2015 and later sold to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) in 2020. Libby remains a key product in OverDrive's mission to connect readers with digital content through their local institutions. As of the 2020s, Libby is used by millions of readers across thousands of library systems in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other markets. It competes with other library reading apps such as Hoopla and CloudLibrary, but its deep integration with OverDrive's extensive catalog and its focus on user experience have made it a dominant player in the library digital lending space. The app continues to receive updates and new features, including improved recommendation tools, magazine support, and accessibility enhancements.

Libby was developed by OverDrive, Inc., a company founded in 1986 that became a leading digital distributor for libraries and schools. OverDrive launched its original e-reading app in the early 2000s, but by the mid-2010s the company sought to create a more modern, intuitive experience for library patrons. In 2017, OverDrive released Libby, named after the library card mascot, as a new app designed to simplify borrowing and reading digital content. The app quickly gained popularity for its clean design and ease of use, and OverDrive eventually began phasing out the legacy OverDrive app in favor of Libby. In 2015, OverDrive was acquired by Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce and internet company, for approximately $410 million. Under Rakuten, OverDrive continued to expand its digital library services, and Libby became a flagship product. In 2020, Rakuten sold OverDrive to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), a global investment firm, for a reported $500 million. Despite the ownership changes, Libby continued to operate as a free service for library users. Throughout the 2020s, Libby expanded its features to include magazine lending, improved recommendation algorithms, and better accessibility options. It also integrated with more library systems worldwide, including in Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The app became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical library visits were limited and demand for digital content surged. OverDrive reported record usage of Libby during this period. As of the mid-2020s, Libby remains the primary consumer app for OverDrive's library lending service, with millions of active users. The legacy OverDrive app was officially discontinued in 2023, making Libby the sole app for most users. OverDrive continues to develop Libby with regular updates, and the app is available in multiple languages and regions.

• 2023

  Legacy OverDrive app discontinued; Libby becomes primary app.

• 2020

  OverDrive sold to KKR by Rakuten.

• 2017

  Libby app launched by OverDrive.

• 2015

  OverDrive acquired by Rakuten.

• 1986

  OverDrive, Inc. founded.

Free library reading app for borrowing ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines with a library card.

• Libby app

  Free library reading app for borrowing ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.

1. 1OverDrive: Free ebooks, audiobooks & movies from your library.overdrive.com