Libby eBooks

Using Libby

How do I get started with Libby?

From the Libby website or the Libby app (for iOS and Android), find Olathe and Johnson County Library and add your Library card, then dive in!

For more guidance, visit the Libby Help site for a variety of step-by-step instructions.

How do I login to Libby?

Login to Libby by adding your Library card number and PIN/password. If you don’t have a Library card, here’s how to get started.

If I'm already signed into Libby through another library, can I also use it for Johnson County Library's eBooks/eAudiobooks/eMagazines?

Yes! You can add multiple library cards to Libby so you can easily switch from one library's collection to another's. You will need to add your library card(s) to Libby on each device or web browser you want to use.

How do I sign out?

Remove your Library card from Libby or reset the app to remove your data from a specific device or web browser. These actions apply only to that device/browser, and you can always re-add your Library card to see your checkouts and holds again. See the Libby Help site instructions for signing out.

Is there a wish list in Libby?
In Libby you can create and customize tags to make a list of what you want to read, your favorites, what you've borrowed, and more. If you use Libby on multiple devices, you can sync tags, reading progress, and more.

Why does Libby track checkout history? Can I turn off that feature?
Libby automatically tracks your loans, holds, renewals, and returns to conveniently help you remember what titles you've read or where you left off in a series. Manage your timeline to filter, export, clear, or completely turn off your reading history on each device you use for Libby. Data in Libby is managed according to the OverDrive Privacy Policy.

Is there a limit to how many eBooks/eAudiobooks I can check out or renew?

You’ll be able to check out up to 10 titles at a time. Magazines do not count toward your 10 item limit. You’ll be able to place up to 30 titles on hold at a time.

Can I read eBooks from Libby on Kindle?

Often, yes! Many eBooks on Libby are supported by Kindle. In Libby, you can specify if you prefer to read your books via Kindle or Libby. Learn more about reading with Kindle.

For Amazon Fire tablets, the Libby app is not currently available to download in the Amazon App Store. Instead, you can read books in the Kindle app or go to our Libby site via the device’s web browser to access all your Libby checkouts.

How can I get a title I want onto Libby?

If you’d like to see a specific title added to our collection, please submit a suggestion for purchase!

Kindle and Amazon Fire Compatibility

Can I read eBooks from Libby on Kindle?
Often, yes! Many eBooks on Libby are supported by Kindle. In Libby, you can specify if you prefer to read your books via Kindle or Libby. Learn more about reading with Kindle.

For Amazon Fire tablets, the Libby app is not currently available to download in the Amazon App Store. Instead, you can read books in the Kindle app or go to our Libby site via the device’s web browser to access all your Libby checkouts.

Will the Libby app ever be available on Kindle/Amazon Fire tablets?
Libby is not currently available to download from the Amazon Appstore. OverDrive, maker of Libby, has requested information and a timeline for approval from Amazon but has not yet received an update.

In the meantime, here are some options for Fire tablets:

  • Internet browser: Use the tablet's Silk browser to visit our Libby site. Explore the collection, access your shelf, and stream your checked out eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. Older web browsers may not support Libby (learn more). If you have trouble accessing Libby through the Silk browser, use the Libby Support form to report the issue and get help, or switch to a compatible device.
  • Deliver to Kindle: On a different device, use our Libby site or the Libby app to check out and deliver eBooks via Kindle. Then on your Fire tablet, read your checkouts from the Kindle app.
  • OverDrive app: On your Fire tablet, download the legacy OverDrive app with instructions to get started. Eventually this app will be retired, and while we don't know how long it will still be around, for now it continues to be available from the Amazon Appstore until further notice.

Please note: While instructions for installing the Libby app may be offered by other online sources, those instructions and software are not authorized or supported by OverDrive or the Library. See the official instructions for getting started with Libby.

eMagazines FAQs

How long can I keep eMagazines checked out on Libby? 
The eMagazines on Libby are checked out for 21 days, and they can be renewed or checked out again an unlimited number of times while the issue remains in the collection. 

Is there a limit to how many eMagazines I can check out or renew? Are there limits on any titles?
Enjoy unlimited checkouts and renewals on all magazines in Libby! There are no limits on individual titles, so all titles and back issues are always available for checkout. Borrow as many as you'd like and continue to borrow and re-borrow your favorite issues. 

What if I had magazines checked through rbDigital that I still want to access?
Past checkouts will not transfer to Libby, but all eMagazine issues you checked out through rbDigital can still be accessed through Zinio's consumer-facing site Zinio.com or the Zinio app. Simply register for a new Zinio account using the email address you created for rbDigital. Please note Zinio also uses this website to sell access to magazines, but anything checked out will remain freely accessible to you in the "My Library" section of your Zinio account, no purchase necessary. 

For more guidance, watch a tutorial of magazines in Libby (4-minute video) and visit the Libby Help site for a variety of step-by-step instructions such as: