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Libby

Libby Instructions

Getting started with Libby

Libby is a free app that lets you borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines through your public library.

With Libby, you can:

  • Borrow up to 4 titles at a time

  • Place up to 4 holds on checked-out items

What You’ll Need

To use Libby, you must have a public library card.

Note: Your SUNY Oneonta student ID will not work with Libby.
However, you can quickly sign up for a free online eBook card through the Huntington Memorial Library in Oneonta.

Step One

Download or open Libby on your device:

Step Two

In Libby, follow the prompts to find your library and sign in with a library card.

If you already have a library card, you can search for your own library in the Libby app.

As an example, I’ll use our local Huntington Library.
If you're a student, you can sign up for a Huntington Library card by using the tabs on the left side under Huntington Memorial Library

Important: Your Milne Library college ID will not work on Libby. You need a public library card.

 

At the Huntington Library, your PIN is Pin you created in your application form. 

Step Three

Browse your library's catalog and borrow a title.

Important: Your selection will vary based on your library, since each library chooses what titles and formats to offer in Libby.

In the example above, I searched for Carry by Toni Jensen, the 2025 Common Read selection for Oneonta.

Libby shows two format options:

  • On the left, the audiobook version is indicated by the headphones icon and notes that the total listening time is approximately 10 hours.

  • On the right, you’ll see the ebook version of the same title, available for reading on your device.

To borrow either version, simple click the "Borrow" button on the top right hand corner of the format you prefer. 

Step Four

Borrowed titles appear on your Shelf and download to the app automatically when you're connected to Wi-Fi, so you can read them when you're offline.

On your Shelf, tap loans at the top of the screen. From there, you can:

  • Tap Read With... to choose where you'd like to read the book (Kindle or Libby), then finish sending to Kindle (U.S. libraries only) or start reading in Libby.

  • Tap Open In Libby, Open Magazine, or Open Audiobook to start reading or listening in the app.

  • Tap Manage Loan to see options like Renew and Return.