Libby alternatives are other ways to read and listen to books, from library apps that lend ebooks and audiobooks to free collections of public-domain classics. Library lending apps depend on which services your library supports, while free classic collections work for anyone. Check your library's apps first, then add a free classics app for when you're stuck on a waiting list.
Libby is one of the best things a library card can give you. But waiting lists can be long, your library might use a different app, and sometimes you just want a book right now.
Here are ten Libby alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically: other library lending apps, free classic collections, volunteer-read audiobooks and a couple of options for buying audiobooks. Each description comes from the service's own website, re-checked today.
The quickest win is often hiding in your library's website. Many libraries offer two or three lending apps, each with a different catalogue, so a book with a long wait in one app may be free to borrow in another.
And it helps to understand who sets the rules on waiting and borrowing, because it isn't the app.
Libby alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site or store listing describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Free versions usually come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| BorrowBox | Library lending app | Library ebooks and audiobooks | No |
| Chirp | Audiobook store | Time-limited audiobook deals | Yes |
| cloudLibrary | Library lending app | Another library catalogue to check | No |
| Hoopla | Library streaming app | Instant borrowing with no holds | Yes |
| Kanopy | Library film streaming | Films through your library card | Yes |
| LibriVox | Free audiobook project | Free audiobooks of classic texts | Yes |
| Libro.fm | Audiobook service | Audiobooks that support local bookshops | Yes |
| Open Library | Online borrowing library | Borrowing digital copies online | No |
| Palace Project | Library reading app | Library ebooks in one app | No |
| Project Gutenberg | Free ebook library | Free classic ebooks to download | Yes |
Ten Libby alternatives for readers and listeners
BorrowBox
Best for: Readers whose library offers ebooks and audiobooks through this lending app.
Chirp
Best for: Audiobook listeners who like browsing daily deals and owning what they choose.
cloudLibrary
Best for: Library members whose library uses this platform for digital lending.
Hoopla
Best for: Library members who want to borrow ebooks, audiobooks and more instantly.
Kanopy
Best for: Library members who want films and series alongside their books.
LibriVox
Best for: Listeners who love classics read aloud by volunteers.
Libro.fm
Best for: Listeners who want audiobooks while supporting independent bookshops.
Open Library
Best for: Readers who want to borrow digital books online from a large catalogue.
Palace Project
Best for: Library members whose library offers ebooks and audiobooks through this app.
Project Gutenberg
Best for: Readers who want free classic ebooks with no account or waiting list.
Who decides how long you wait for a book
Here's the rule that surprises most borrowers. Libby's own help pages say your library chooses how many loans and holds you can have at a time, and that once a hold becomes available you have 72 hours, or 3 days, to borrow it, suspend it or cancel it.
So the waiting list isn't the app's doing. It depends on how many copies your library holds and how many people want them. That's why checking a second lending app, or a free classics collection, can get you reading tonight instead of weeks from now.
How to choose another reading app
- Your library first: see which lending apps your library card works with.
- Ebooks or audio: check the app covers the format you want.
- Waiting lists: some apps lend instantly, others use holds.
- Devices: make sure it works on your phone, tablet or e-reader.
- Classics: free public-domain collections never have a queue.
Getting more from your library card
- Log in to your library's website and find the digital lending page.
- Note every reading app it lists.
- Install one more app alongside Libby and add your card.
- Search for the book you're waiting for in both apps.
- Place holds on a few titles so something is always arriving.
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My advice for impatient readers
Use more than one door into your library. Adding a second lending app takes a few minutes, and it often means shorter queues.
Keep a free classics app on your phone for the gaps. There's always time for a great old novel while you wait for the new one.
And tell your library what you're waiting for. Librarians can only respond to demand they can see.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Libby?
Start with any other lending app your library supports, then add a free classics collection.
Who sets the borrowing limits in Libby?
Libby's help pages say your library chooses how many loans and holds you can have.
How long can a Libby hold wait for me?
Libby's help pages say you have 72 hours, or 3 days, once a hold becomes available.
Is there an app with no waiting list?
Some library apps lend instantly, and free classic collections never have a queue.
Can I get free audiobooks?
Yes. Volunteer-read classics are free, and library apps lend audiobooks with a card.
Do I need a library card for these apps?
Library lending apps need one. Free classic collections don't.
Can I read library ebooks on a Kindle?
It depends on your country and app. Check your library's help pages.
Why is my library's waiting list so long?
Your library holds a limited number of digital copies, and each can only go to one reader at a time.
Can I watch films with my library card?
Some libraries offer film streaming apps through your card.
Are free classic ebooks legal?
Yes. Public-domain books are free to read and share.
Can I use two library apps at once?
Yes. Many readers use two or three apps with the same card.
What if my library doesn't offer Libby?
Check which other lending apps it uses. Most libraries list them on their website.
