Digital Library Services

Original photo by Anna Demianenko on Unsplash.

If you have been holding out and delaying the transition from the OverDrive app to Libby, the time has come to finally make the switch. The OverDrive app will officially be retiring on May 1st. The app was removed from app stores last year and is heading into the sunset for the newer and sleeker Libby.

The Libby app by OverDrive offers many features not available in the OverDrive app, including easy set up for new users, a single bookshelf for all loans and holds, push notifications and more customizable options like Dark Mode.

Luckily, moving from the OverDrive app to Libby is easy – and we’re here to help!

Note: if you use a Kobo that allows for direct downloads, nothing is changing for you. Anyone with the legacy OverDrive for Windows or OverDrive for Mac desktop programs can continue to download audiobooks. Hurrah!

Step-by-step guide for getting set up with Libby

1. Download Libby.

2. Get your library card.

3. Open Libby and answer “Yes” that you have a library card.

4. You can then search for a library.

5. Simply type in “toronto” and TPL will come up. You do not need to choose a branch.

6. Then press “Sign In With My Card.”

7. Enter your card number and PIN (usually the last four numbers of your phone number).

8. Libby will then give you the option to take any books saved in an OverDrive wish list and sync them to Libby in a tag. Learn more about adding wish lists to Libby.

9. You’re done! Time to start borrowing books and placing holds. And maybe reward yourself with a cookie.

Additional resources

If something didn’t work properly or you need more help, here are some resources that might help:

• The Libby Help website contains help videos that provide detailed information on using the Libby app.
• Upgrade to Libby has more information on making the switch from the OverDrive app to Libby.
• Libby FAQs can help answer other questions you may have on the switch to Libby.
• Monthly Getting Started with Libby webinars offered by OverDrive. Libby users from any library system can attend to learn how to use the app.
• For one-on-one help from Toronto Public Library staff, you can schedule a Book-A-Librarian appointment at a local branch. We also offer tech help programs at many library branches.
• If your device is not compatible with Libby, you can still have the Libby experience through libbyapp.com.