To check out an ebook from your library, you need a valid library card and a free app like Libby or Hoopla. This process lets you borrow digital books instantly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer without ever visiting a physical library.
What you need to check out an ebook from your library
Before you can start borrowing, you need three essentials: a valid library card, a compatible device, and the Libby or Hoopla app. A valid library card or eCard from your public or university library is required, along with the PIN or password associated with your account. Compatible devices include smartphones, tablets running iOS 10 or later for Libby and Android 7.1 or later for Libby, Kindle Fire devices, and computers via web browsers. If you already own a Nook or similar e-reader, you may first need to download my ebook from barnes and noble to understand how sideloading works. The Libby and Hoopla apps are free to download from your device's app store or accessible through their websites.
How to check out ebooks with the Libby app
Libby is the most widely used app for buying, borrowing and downloading audiobooks and ebooks from public libraries. Follow these steps to borrow your first ebook:
- Download the free Libby app from your device's app store (iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire) or visit libbyapp.com on a computer.
- Open the app and tap "Yes" when asked if you have a library card.
- Search for your library by name, then enter your library card number and PIN to sign in.
- Browse or search for an ebook, then tap its cover to see details.
- Tap "Borrow" to start the loan process.
- On the confirmation screen, adjust the loan period if your library offers options such as 7, 14, or 21 days, then tap "Borrow" again.
- Tap "Read With..." and choose to read the ebook in the Libby app or send it to a Kindle (available for U.S. libraries only).
Libby ebooks automatically download to your mobile device via Wi-Fi for offline reading. They are also automatically returned on their due date, so you never have to worry about late fees.
How to check out ebooks with the Hoopla app
Hoopla offers a different borrowing experience with instant access and no waitlists. Here is how to get started:
- Download the free Hoopla Digital app from the iOS, Android, or Amazon App Store, or go to hoopladigital.com.
- Create an account by entering your email address and creating a password.
- Select your library from the list and enter your library card number and PIN to link your account.
- Click the blue "Borrow" button to check out the title instantly.
Hoopla titles are available immediately with no waitlists, making it an excellent choice for popular or new releases that might have holds in other systems. The borrowed ebook will appear in your Hoopla library for reading within the app.
Understanding borrowing limits and due dates
Borrowing and hold limits for ebooks are set by individual libraries and vary significantly. Your library decides how many ebooks you can borrow at once and how many holds you can place. Waitlists exist because libraries pay licensing fees for digital content that are often higher than physical books and can be based on circulation. This means a library might only own a limited number of digital copies of a popular title. In Libby, you can place a hold on a checked-out ebook and will be notified when it becomes available. Both apps handle due dates automatically: Libby and Hoopla ebooks are automatically returned on their due date, so you never accumulate late fees. You can also renew a borrowed ebook before it expires if no one else is waiting for it.
Returning an ebook early
Returning an ebook early is simple in both apps and frees up space for more borrows. In Hoopla, go to your borrowed items, find the ebook, and tap the return button. Early returns are especially helpful when you finish a book quickly or want to free up one of your borrowing slots for another title. Because libraries set borrowing limits, returning ebooks promptly allows you to borrow more and helps other patrons access titles sooner.
