OverDrive’s Libby App Will Change in July

OverDrive is a library vendor that provides digital reading services. Through OverDrive, you can check out eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, and magazines. You can also stream movies and series. OverDrive supports mobile access to digital books through the Libby app

In July, OverDrive will release a new version of the Libby app. The app will include improvements based on feedback from library users and libraries. You will find new features, refinements, and design changes. Get the details about what will be different.

Our logo will be at the top of all Library and Search screens.

Do you use Libby to borrow from more than one library system? If so, it will be easier to know which collection you're in. You'll find our logo at the top of every screen in the Library and Search areas of Libby. You will be able to tap the logo to:

  • find library branch details,
  • activate another saved card at your library, or
  • switch to another library system's collection.

Tags will move to the Navigation Bar on every screen.

You can use tags to organize lists of titles you want to read, get notified about, and more. Instant access to tags will make it easier to keep track of your reading in the app.

Navigation bar across the bottom of the screen will include these options: Search, Library, Menu, Shelf, and Tags.

Timeline and Notices will move to the Shelf.

You'll be able to find all information about current or past loans and holds in one place.

Libby's Menu will include direct links to more features.

With fewer taps or commands, you will be able to:

  • manage your cards,
  • use accessibility features,
  • adjust navigation preferences,
  • search Libby Help, and more.

Design refinements will make it easier to navigate the Libby menu. You will be able to find each option at the top level of the menu. There will be clear sections for Your Libraries, Settings, and Help & Support.

Title descriptions will display in lists.

Evaluating titles while browsing will be quicker and more convenient. Each title in lists and search results will have a three-line excerpt of its description.

Backup and Recovery options will expand.

You will be able to create a Recovery Passkey. With the Passkey, you can back up your library cards, tags, and reading history on your device. You will also be able to transfer that data to other devices. It's simple, secure, and free of logins or passwords to remember. Passkeys are supported in Libby on iOS 17+ and Android 9+ devices.

Additionally, for enhanced security, Setup Codes will reverse direction. If you choose to copy Libby to a different device, you'll get an eight-digit setup code.
Currently, the code displays on your original device and you enter it on your new device.
After this change, the code will display on your new device. You will enter the code on your original device to copy your data to the additional device.

OverDrive recommends using a recovery passkey wherever possible, rather than a setup code. It’s simpler, safer, and works even if you no longer has your original device.

When this change launches, you'll find a new screen with prompts to add a passkey in "Your Cards." To back up your Libby data, we'll give you a recovery passkey. Create Recovery Passkey. Use this later to restore your data, or to keep two devices in sync. Enter setup code. If Libby on your other device is displaying an 8-digit code...