I love to read and am always in the middle of a few books at any given time. In addition to
reading from a physical book or my eReader, I also like listening to books being read to me!
When it comes to audiobooks, I use something called Libby. Developed by OverDrive, Libby is an app that offers users access to a vast library of audiobooks and
ebooks.
The best part? Libby is completely free to use and it's available worldwide. Whether you're in a bustling city or a remote village, as long as you have an internet connection, you can access Libby and start listening to your favorite
books.
So, how can you access Libby?
1. Download the App: Libby is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Visit the
App Store or Google Play Store, search for "Libby by OverDrive," and download the app to your smartphone or tablet.
2. Sign In or Sign Up: Once you've installed the app, sign in or sign up for a free account. You can use your existing library card if your local library is affiliated with OverDrive, or you can sign up
for a new account directly through the app.
3. Browse and Borrow: Once you're logged in, you can start browsing Libby's extensive catalog of audiobooks and ebooks. You can search by title, author, genre, or browse curated collections. When you find a book you want to borrow, tap the "Borrow"
button.
4. Enjoy: Once you've borrowed a book and it is available, you can start listening to it. Libby offers convenient playback controls, allowing you to adjust the playback speed, set bookmarks, and even download books for offline listening.
Now that you know how to access Libby, why should you consider listening to audiobooks? Here are a few compelling reasons:
a. Maximize Your Time: One of the most significant advantages of audiobooks is their
ability to turn idle time into productive reading sessions. With Libby, you can listen to books while doing other tasks like driving, cooking, or walking the dog.
b. Convenience and Accessibility: With just a few taps on your smartphone or tablet, you can access a vast library of audiobooks from anywhere in the
world.
c. Overcome Reading Barriers: For some individuals, traditional reading methods pose challenges due to factors such as dyslexia, vision impairment, or learning disabilities. Audiobooks on Libby provide an inclusive alternative that breaks down these barriers.
d. Enhance the Reading Experience: Audiobooks offer a unique reading experience that adds depth and richness to storytelling. With narrators bringing characters to life, audiobooks on Libby offer a captivating immersive experience. Some narrators I've listened to include Tom Hanks, Donald Sutherland, and Kelly Ripa.
e. Expand Your Literary Horizon: With Libby's extensive library of audiobooks, you can explore a diverse range of genres, authors, and topics—all for free. From best-selling novels to classic literature, non-fiction to self-help, Libby offers something for everyone.
With Libby, you can typically borrow up to a set number of books at a time (like 10 books at a time, etc.), depending on your library's policies.
In some cases, popular titles may have a waiting list, but Libby notifies you when your hold becomes available, ensuring that you never miss out on your next great read.
Give Libby a try today. If you love books and would love to read even more, this audio option may open up a whole new world for
you.
