If you love reading with Libby, you're not alone! It's one of the best ways to access eBooks and audiobooks for free with your Arlington Public Library card. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already a digital borrowing pro, these helpful tips can make your experience smoother, faster and more enjoyable.
Keep Track of Your Holds
Did a book you were waiting for disappear? Occasionally, titles are removed from the digital collection while you're in line. Unfortunately, Libby doesn’t notify you—it simply vanishes from your Holds list.
To stay ahead:
- Check your Holds regularly to make sure everything’s still there.
- Use Tags to mark books you really want, so you can find them again if they’re removed.
- Explore your Timeline (under the Shelf tab) to review your reading history, including old or canceled holds.
Get Books Faster with Smart Browsing
Looking for something to read right now? If the wait feels long, you’re not imagining it. Digital licenses are shared across all library users and popular titles can have long queues.
Luckily, there are ways to skip the line:
- Use the “Available Now” filter to find titles ready to borrow immediately.
- Tap “Read Sample” or “Play Sample” while waiting for a hold to preview the book.
- Check other formats. If the audiobook is checked out, the eBook might be available (and vice versa).
Help the Hold Line Move Faster
Feel like you’re stuck in the same spot in the holds queue forever? A few small actions can help everyone get their books a little quicker.
- Cancel holds you’re no longer interested in to shorten wait times for others.
- Return books early if you finish before the due date. This sends them straight to the next person in line.
- When a hold becomes available, check it out promptly or choose “Deliver Later” if you’re not ready. This keeps the line moving smoothly for everyone.
Free Up Space for More Reading
Can’t borrow any more titles? Libby lets you borrow up to 20 titles at a time. But even if you’re done with a book, it still counts toward your limit until it’s returned.
To make space:
- Go to Shelf > Loans > Manage Loan > Return Early.
- For Kindle books, return them from your Amazon account, Kindle app or Kindle device.
Plan Ahead for Your Reading Time
Life happens and sometimes a book becomes available when you’re too busy to read it. Libby gives you three days to borrow it, but if you miss the window twice, the hold is canceled.
Good news: you have options!
- Tap “Deliver Later” to delay your loan (up to 180 days!) and keep your spot in line.
- Use “Suspend Hold” to pause your place in the queue before your book becomes available.
Read Your Way
Libby’s reading settings are totally customizable. For better comfort and accessibility:
- Adjust font size and style for easier reading.
- Choose from bright, sepia, or dark backgrounds to reduce eye strain.
- If your device uses dark mode, Libby will automatically apply a dark theme for nighttime reading.
Make Kindle Your Default
Prefer reading on your Kindle? You can skip the extra steps and set it as your default reading method.
Just go to:
- Menu (Libby icon) > Settings > Read Books With… > Kindle
- Once set, Libby will automatically send your borrowed eBooks to Kindle when available.
Whether you're reading on your commute, listening during a walk or curled up with your Kindle, Libby has something for everyone. Try out these tips and enjoy smoother browsing, shorter waits and more personalized reading time.
Ready to explore more? Visit our Libby help page or stop by any Arlington Public Library location for assistance.
Happy reading!