Get to Know Libby: Your Library in Your Pocket
- 07/22/2025
- 13:44
- maureen
If you love your library but wish you could carry it with you wherever you go, well, there’s an app for that! Libby is a free app that lets you borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more using your library card. Whether you’re road-tripping, waiting at the doctor’s office, or curled up on the couch, Libby gives you access to thousands of titles, anytime, anywhere.
And just like your physical library shelves, the digital collection in Libby is curated by your local library. That means your library makes decisions about what content to purchase for you to check out! The same way as the physical books on library shelves.
Getting Started with Libby
Step 1: Get a library card
If you don’t already have one, stop by Seymour Library to sign up. It’s quick and free!
Step 2: Download the Libby app
Avalable for iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire, and desktop at libbyapp.com.
Step 3: Set up your library
Open Libby, tap the three lines (☰) at the bottom of the screen, and search for Finger Lakes Library System.
Step 4: Sign in
Tap “Sign in with my card” and enter the number and letters on the back of your library card.
Watch the video below for a quick tutorial!
Bonus: Add More Libraries
You can link multiple cards to your Libby account! Use your Seymour Library card to access the OWWL Library System and Southern Tier Library System. This particular partnership allows you to check out content currently available at these systems, but does not allow you to place holds.
Live in New York State? You can also get digital cards from:
More cards = more books at your fingertips!
Finding & Borrowing Books
Search Smarter
You can search by title, author, series, subject, narrator, and more. Use filters like:
- Format (ebook, audiobook, magazine)
- Language
- First in Series
- Standalone titles
Tip: Tap the library card icon next to a title to see availability across all your connected libraries. You’ll also see wait times at each location.
Sample Before You Borrow
Preview a few pages or minutes of a title before committing. Libby even creates a smart tag called “Sampled” so you don’t forget what caught your eye.
Organize with Tags
Tags are a game-changer for managing your reading life!
You can create custom tags like:
- “Maybe”
- “TBR” (To Be Read)
- “New Releases”
- “Book Club Picks”
- “NPR Reads” or “Reese’s Book Club”
Use tags to track reading challenges or organize books by mood or genre. You can even export and share tags with friends and family! Learn more about tagging…
Audiobook Tips
Love listening? Libby has tons of audiobook-friendly features:
- Adjust playback speed
- Sort by audiobook length
- Sample before borrowing
- Love a narrator? Tap their name to see other books they’ve voiced!
Want some more Libby secrets from the experts at LibbyLife? Check out this blog for more hidden gems audiobook features in the Libby app.
Magazines in Libby
Stay up-to-date with your favorite publications!
- Search or browse categories
- Refine by language or interest
- Subscribe to get new issues automatically
- Customize your reading preferences
Managing Holds Like a Pro
Got a hold ready? You usually have 3 days to check it out.
Too busy to start reading right now? Use:
- Delay Delivery to push back a single title up to 6 months
- Suspend All Holds to pause everything without losing your spot in line
Sort your holds shelf by “Expected Next” to help prioritize your reads.
Never Miss a Title with Notify Me
Looking for a book that’s not in your library’s collection? Tap “Notify Me” to get an alert if it’s added in the future—no need to keep checking back.
Kindle Users: You’re Covered!
Prefer to read on your Kindle? After borrowing an ebook, simply tap “Read with Kindle” to send it to your device (Amazon account required). Need more info on how to read with Kindle from the Library app?
Try Libby Today!
Libby makes it easy to discover, borrow, and enjoy digital content from your library—anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re a power reader, a casual browser, or an audiobook lover, Libby has something for everyone.
Need help getting started? Stop by Seymour Library and we’ll walk you through it. Happy reading!