Libby is an app that makes it possible for people to access content from their local libraries for free.
The platform collaborates with different libraries across the world to provide things like ebooks, audiobooks, and even magazines.
While it is an impressive app, it is not the only one of its kind. Others like Libby include Scribd, LibriVox, Audible, and Spotify, among others.
However, the best library app like Libby is Hoopla Digital, thanks to its extensive collection of ebooks and audiobooks, customizable design, and cross-platform compatibility.
Why Would You Need Alternative Library Apps Like Libby?
Libby only includes ebooks or audiobooks that are available in your local library. That means you’ll have access to a limited number of things you can read.
Another downside to using the Libby app is that it often has a waiting list for popular ebooks or audiobooks. Even worse, you can be on the waiting list for more than three weeks, depending on demand.
Libby also gives users a time limit for reading ebooks or listening to audiobooks. If you are the kind of person who enjoys slow reading or relaxed audiobook listening, you may not enjoy the experience.
Thankfully, I have created a list of library apps like Libby that offer an even better experience and provide a larger collection of ebooks and audiobooks.
Keep reading to find out more.
Also Read: Is Abebooks Legit?
Best Library Apps Like Libby
1. Hoopla Digital
Hoopla is a digital library you can turn to when you want to gain access to a large selection of media and books. It offers some of the best audiobooks, ebooks, movies, music tracks, and comics.
One of the best things about it is that it can sync across different devices so that you can enjoy your favorite ebooks or audiobooks wherever you may be. It even allows you to download some titles for offline reading or listening.
The app incorporates a Kids Mode so you can ensure that your children only have access to suitable content. If you use this app for streaming music, you can create playlists or randomize selections to have music playing in a unique way.
As a book reader, you’ll be able to add digital bookmarks, highlight text, take notes, and even change text size and formatting. You also have the option of changing the color of the page.
If you are listening to an audiobook, you can adjust the reading speed so that it goes faster or slower depending on your preference. You also get the freedom to activate the sleep timer function to turn off your device automatically after a given period.
Unlike Libby, Hoopla includes a vast collection of content from around the world.
Find Hoopla Digital on the App Store or Google Play.
Find out more tools like Hoopla here.
2. Scribd
Scribd is another excellent app you can turn to if you are thinking of accessing some of the best book titles out there.
The app gives you access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, podcasts, and even sheet music collections. Scribd has a free trial version that lasts for 30 days, which is long enough for you to look around and get to know how everything works.
After the trial period, you’ll be required to pay $9.99 a month to keep enjoying the services. As an audiobook listener, you can customize the narration speed to suit your preference, set a sleep timer, and even download audiobooks for offline listening.
As a book reader, you can add bookmarks and annotations or notes, download ebooks for offline reading, and switch from vertical to horizontal scrolling.
If you are looking for something like Libby but with tons of genres and subgenres, this should definitely be at the top of your list.
You can find and install Scribd from the App Store and Google Play.
3. LibriVox
LibriVox is another app like Libby that lets you gain access to over 40,000 classic audiobooks. You can either choose to stream your audiobook online or download it and listen to it offline.
One of the things that make it unique from Libby is that it relies on the work of volunteers who get their hands on books in the public domain and record them using their own voices.
For instance, if you have a book with no copyright restrictions, you can start reading it out loud and record your voice as you do so. If you do an excellent job in pronouncing words and using quality recording devices, your audiobook will be included in the online library.
Because of this approach, it is easy to understand why there are so many books available on LibriVox. You can also expect to find at least one new addition daily.
Once you download and install the LibriVox app, you’ll be pleased with its simple interface that allows you to navigate to different sections quickly. You can search for audiobooks by author, genre, or keywords.
Another impressive thing about this app is that it offers audiobooks in over 30 different languages so you can be sure to find at least a few titles in your native language.
Find and download the app version on Google Play and the App Store.
4. Audible
Next up on this list is Audible. It boasts a long list of audiobooks, podcasts, and original releases.
This is another app that offers books and audiobooks in various categories so you can choose from sci-fi and horror to bedtime stories and health & fitness options.
Audible allows you to sign up and enjoy a 30-day free trial period which can be helpful when you are trying to make up your mind.
After the 30-day period, you’ll need to pay to continue using the app’s services. As is the case with most apps on this list, you can choose to stream audiobooks online or download and listen to them offline.
There is an online version of Audible so you can listen to your favorite audiobooks from any device.
You can also find and download the app on Google Play and App Store.
5. Spotify
Spotify has a web-based version allowing users to access their playlists from any device as long as they are connected to the internet.
There is also the app version that easily installs on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac systems. Like Libby, Spotify allows you to access various audiobook titles, making it easy for you to listen to some of your favorite authors.
However, unlike Libby, Spotify does not limit the time you have to listen to a particular audiobook. Another difference is that Spotify includes things like music tracks, videos, and podcasts.
Note that you can use Spotify offline if you download and install its app version. To listen to an audiobook, go to the web player, browse through the titles available, and then make your selection.
Enter your payment details and then approve the transaction. Once you make the payment, you’ll be free to listen to the audiobook in the web player or the app itself.
Another interesting thing about this app is that it includes a Kids mode that lets you control what your young ones can access. It has both a dark and light mode allowing you to switch between the two depending on your preference.
You can find and install Spotify from Google Play and the App Store.
Explore the best alternatives to Spotify here.
6. cloudLibrary
cloudLibrary facilitates access to digital books made available by your local library. It has a pretty straightforward user interface which is one of the reasons why many fall in love with it instantly.
Once you land on the home page, you’ll need to choose your country, specify your state or province, and then browse through a list of local libraries in your area.
Once you identify your local library, you can click on it so that you are redirected to another page that displays a list of ebooks available.
You can narrow down your search by specifying the type of ebook you are interested in reading. For instance, you can choose fiction, horror, romance, literature, and science, among others.
The app allows you to set reminders, manage digital receipts, and even discover new digital content. You can read through books or enjoy listening to audiobooks both online and offline.
If you are on a waiting list, you won’t have to keep checking when your order is ready. Instead, you’ll receive a push notification to let you know that you are good to go.
The app is extremely customizable making it possible for you to personalize your experience. You also get to sync digital content across different devices.
Find and download cloudLibrary from the App Store and Google Play.
7. DigitalBook.io
DigitalBook.io is another Libby alternative to consider. It has an impressive database of audiobooks and ebooks so you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to listening or reading.
One of the best things about this app is that it has content in a variety of languages including English, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
On the home page, you can scroll down to the section with some of the most popular titles. Alternatively, you can use filters to narrow down your search by genre or author.
DigitalBook.io has a clip player and a clip reader which allows you to preview different audiobooks or ebooks before you commit to any.
You also get a personal digital bookshelf where you can keep your favorite books for quick access.
It is worth noting that it has over 100,000 fully legal and free audiobooks and ebooks. The app also presents you with suggestions of alternative books you may like based on your browsing data.
Find and download it on Google Play.
8. Fable: The Book Club App
If you are a fan of reading books but have not been able to join any local book clubs, you’ll definitely find that Fable is a good platform. It gives you access to thousands of books from around the world.
In contrast to Libby, it incorporates various online book clubs. That means you can browse through the options available and join a community of people who read the same stuff as you.
With this app, you can follow friends, authors, and fellow book lovers across the globe so you can know what they are up to in terms of the books they read and those they find interesting.
You also get to start or join conversations regarding different books as this gives you and others insights into what they may be missing out on. The app even includes interactive ebooks so you and others can enjoy reading your favorite stories together.
Members can use the app to create reminders, read through other people’s reviews, and even share their own thoughts just to help others decide on the next book to read.
Fable is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Check Out: Is Audible Worth It?
9. Barnes and Noble NOOK
Barnes and Noble NOOK is designed to cater to various people’s preferences. For instance, if you love books but want to spend less time reading through every page, you can opt for the audiobooks available.
On the other hand, if you love the traditional style of reading but want to add a tinge of modernism, you can always select an available ebook.
On the platform, you can expect to find content such as graphic novels, manga, comics, and even magazines.
It has a fairly easy-to-navigate interface on both the online and app versions. There is a section you can visit to find some of the latest releases.
Alternatively, you can browse through the library by genre, author, or keyword. One of the best things about Barnes and Noble NOOK is that it has over 75,000 free eBooks and 10,000 free audiobooks.
You also get thousands of paid titles so you will never be bored. What’s more, you can find some of the most popular movies and music albums in this digital library.
The platform is extremely customizable allowing users to enjoy a personalized experience.
You can find and install it from the App Store and Google Play.
10. Inkitt
Inkitt is another library app that can help you through those slow days. Unlike Libby, the app seeks to promote new authors which is why it encourages new writers to upload their work into the system.
Once a new author has content in the system, the app encourages readers to jump in and read the stories. Readers have the freedom to give ratings or provide feedback in the form of comments.
This allows authors to know exactly what their readers want. It also lets new writers learn about the different skills or perspectives required to create a memorable piece of work.
Inkitt has books in virtually any genre you can think of so you’ll definitely not run out of things to read. Another unique thing about it is that it uses specific system data to analyze the performance of the various books shared on the platform.
High-performing novels or stories often get publishing deals which can be a good thing for new authors seeking to break into the mainstream. Generally, whether you are an enthusiastic writer or an avid reader, you’ll certainly enjoy the experience.
Inkitt is available online but can also be installed from Google Play and the App Store.
Explore: How To Get Free Audiobooks With Amazon Prime?
11. Downpour
Another tool like Libby is Downpour. It is a one-stop shop for all kinds of audiobooks so you can be sure to find something that will pique your interest.
The platform offers fiction and non-fiction titles as well as some of the most popular classics from different authors around the world.
There is always a promotion or discount offer going on so you’ll be sure to get your hands on some good audiobooks without breaking the bank.
You also get the option to rent audiobooks at a fraction of the cost you would pay for purchases. One of the best things about the platform is that it includes tracks broken down into chapters and that simplifies the way you listen.
It also allows you to download your favorites for offline streaming. You get the option to adjust the speed of your audiobook so you can understand every word or rush through areas you have already listened to.
The app incorporates a sleep timer feature so you can fall asleep while listening to your favorite stories. Additionally, you get the chance to review different audiobooks so that others may get to know about your perspectives.
If you are looking for a library app like Libby but with a specialization in audiobooks, Downpour should definitely be on your list.
It is available online but can also be installed from the App Store and Google Play.
12. Rakuten Kobo
Rakuten Kobo is another library app that already has millions of users. It has a diverse selection of titles – over six million to be precise.
Like most library apps on this list, you can use it to access audiobooks or ebooks depending on your preference. The app has a dark and light mode allowing you to switch from one to the other easily.
You also get to customize it to ensure a seamless reading experience. For instance, you can change font style, size, and even color. The audiobook player also features a simple design enabling just about anyone to get acquainted fast.
There are thousands of audiobook and ebook previews for you to sample before you make a selection. You can sync your data on all devices so that you can pick up from where you left off regardless of the device you currently have.
Rakuten Kobo is on the App Store and Google Play.
Also Read: Ways To Make Money By Reading Books
13. Chirp
Chirp is another impressive alternative to Libby thanks to its simple design and function. For starters, you do not have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee to enjoy its services.
All you have to do is browse through its list of audiobooks, pick the one you like, and pay for it. As soon as you complete the transaction, you will have access to the book of your choice.
Unlike Libby, Chirp does not have a waiting list. That means anything you find available is accessible immediately.
Another positive about this platform is that it has amazing offers daily. That means you can look forward to enjoying your favorite titles without necessarily having to dig deeper into your pockets.
It is available on both the App Store and Google Play.
Also Read: Best Books To Read For Beginners
14. BiblioBoard Library
BiblioBoard Library is an app that works in partnership with different libraries around the world to provide content in ebook and audiobook formats. It allows libraries to upload their content and make it accessible to people from anywhere.
There are thousands of books available through this app so you will never run out of something to read or listen to. It does not have a waiting list like Libby.
Instead, everything you find on the platform is accessible immediately. And you can be sure to find quite a number of impressive titles completely free of charge.
Find BiblioBoard Library on the App Store and Google Play.
15. Open Library
Open Library is the last substitute for Libby on our list. It is an ambitious project that seeks to turn every book published into a digital format accessible to people around the world.
In fact, that is one of the things that makes it different from Libby. It offers classic and modern books for you to choose from. In most cases, you’ll gain free access to thousands of titles meaning you’ll never get bored.
You can access Open Library online or install the app version from Google Play and App Store.
Also Read: Pros & Cons of Kindle
Wrapping Up
If you don’t read much, Libby can be a good option.
However, if you want to expand your horizons and acquire even more knowledge and entertainment, exploring alternatives is a good idea.
Library apps like Hoopla Digital, Scribd, and Audible have constantly growing databases of ebooks, audiobooks, podcasts, and even videos to keep you informed and entertained.
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