Get to Know Libby!

Libby is our app to access e-Books and e-Audiobooks, but there are so many little features that make reading more experiential, rather than consuming information. You can access APL’s catalogue by searching for “Ontario Library Consortium” and entering your library barcode (long string of numbers on the back of your library code) and your pin. And voila! Having been a longtime Libby user, here are some quick tips and tricks to make Libby your new favourite app!

1. You can adjust lighting
   When you are reading at night, you can change the settings to make your screen dimmer and easier on the eyes. Then, you can change the lighting to be brighter when it’s daytime or you’re outside. It’s a great feature that promotes accessibility and doesn’t hurt your eyes too much!          

        
   
   Click the “A” on the top right corner, second letter from the left. Scroll to the “Lighting” options and select the one best suited to your eyes.

2. You can adjust text size
   You can make the text smaller or larger based on your preference. This feature brings more comfort and enjoyment to reading, without straining your eyes.
   Click the “A” on the top right corner, second letter from the left. The first option to adjust the Appearance of your e-Book is “Text Scale”. Move the scale to the left to decrease the size of the text, or to the right to increase it. Select the option that best suits your needs.
3. Skip the Line vs. Borrow Now     

   Skip the Line lets you borrow an e-Book or e-Audiobook that you previously put on Hold, though you will only have 7 days to use the item before it gets automatically returned. Borrow Now means you can have the full 21-day (e-Book) or 14-day (e-Audiobook) access to the item and can renew if no one is waiting to use the item after you.
   
   Note: If an item is returned before you have finished it and you want to access it again, put yourself on Hold for it. Once it is your turn to access it, your place will be held from when you previously had the item, and you will be able to read from where you left off!

4. Time playing e-Audiobook to your sleep schedule     

   E-Audiobooks are wonderful for consuming information without having to physically read. You can do many things at the same time, such as cooking, cleaning, and driving! Another great use for e-Audiobooks is to listen before bed. There is a feature that lets you time how long the Audiobook will play, and it will stop all on its own!

    

   Click the Moon icon on the top right corner, second to the left. You can choose from a selection of pre-set times (turn the timer off, to the end of the chapter, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes) or use the vertical sliding scale to pick a time that is suitable for you. As you drag the scale downwards, the timer will increase.

   
   
   

5. Deep Search     

   If you cannot find an e-Book or e-Audiobook that you want, this feature lets you know if it is On Order at your library, or it will give you the option to be notified when/if it comes in.
   
   
   Go to the Magnifying Glass icon to Search; this is the first icon on the bottom of your Libby app screen. Enter the name of the book you want to read. If no results come up, Deep Search will automatically be turned on. If there are results, but not what you were looking for, scroll to the bottom and click the Deep Search It will look like a blue button in front of a background of ocean water. This will bring you all the possible results for the title you have entered. When you find the one you are looking for, there will be options for how to proceed.

   

   Notify Me – Libby will send you a push notification when/if your library acquires this title and it is ready for checkout.
   Read Sample – Libby will let you read a small section of this item to see if it is of interest to you.
   Save – You can make tags, which essentially act as folders, for items you want to read. Regular Tag is the tag that Libby has made for you. This can be used as a Wishlist, where you can tag books you want to read later. You will be able to find this tag again on the bottom icons of the Libby screen. It is the price tag on the far-right corner.
   
   

6. You can download the app as many times as you want!

There is no limit to how many devices you log into with Libby! Additionally, you cannot incur late fees or lost fees, as the e-Books and e-Audiobooks automatically get returned by their due date. Happy reading!

If you want more information: Top 15 most frequently asked questions about the Libby app | Libby Life: Blog, Podcast, Book Clubs & More.