I love books. I also love not spending $15–$30 every time I feel a reading mood coming on. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stood in a bookstore holding a book you want while your bank account quietly begs you to put it back.
If you have a library card, you already have access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks through Libby and Hoopla. I use both regularly, and between the two of them, I rarely have to pay for books.
If you’ve heard of these apps but felt intimidated, confused, or just never bothered setting them up, this post is for you.
First Things First: You Need a Library Card. The good news is that most libraries let you sign up online in just a few minutes. Some even allow digital-only cards if you can’t visit in person.
Once you have that number, you’re set.
Libby: The One That Feels Like a Real Library
Libby is basically your local library, but on your phone.
It’s where I go when:
* I want popular or new releases
* I plan ahead with a reading list
* I’m reading on my Kindle
* I want longer audiobooks
Libby works exactly how a physical library works. There are a limited number of copies of each book. If a book is available, you borrow it. If it’s checked out, you place a hold and wait your turn.
At first, the waitlists annoyed me. Once you start using it regularly, they’re kind of great. You end up with a steady rotation of books showing up just when you need them. Sometimes all at once too.
How Libby Actually Works (Without the Tech Overwhelm)
You download the app, choose your library, and enter your card number. From there, you can browse by genre, search specific titles, or scroll through curated lists like “popular right now” or “new this week.”
When you borrow a book:
* Ebooks can be read in the app or sent to your Kindle
* Audiobooks play right in Libby
Books automatically return with no late fees, ever. You can also customize everything: font size, background color, margins, playback speed for audiobooks. It’s quietly one of the best reading apps out there.
One of my favorite features: You can delay holds. If a book becomes available but you’re not ready, you can push it back without losing your place in line. It’s perfect if you’re juggling multiple reads.
Hoopla: Instant Access, No Waiting
Hoopla is a completely different experience.
There are no waitlists. If you see it, you can borrow it immediately.
That’s why I use Hoopla when:
* I want something right now
* I’m in a reading slump
* I want audiobooks without waiting
* I’m reading graphic novels or comics
The trade-off is that you get a limited number of borrows each month (usually between 5 and 10, depending on your library). But honestly? I’ve never felt restricted by it.
What Makes Hoopla Special
Hoopla feels more like a streaming service than a library. You browse, click borrow, and start reading or listening instantly. No pressure, no timers ticking down from a waitlist.
It’s also fantastic for:
* Graphic novels
* Shorter books
* Comfort rereads
* Audiobooks you don’t want to wait weeks for
Everything returns automatically, just like Libby.
Which One Is Better?
They’re better together.
I use Libby for planned reading and popular titles, and Hoopla for spontaneous moods and instant access. One fills the gaps the other leaves.
If you only choose one, you’re missing out.
A Few Tips I Wish I’d Known Earlier
You can usually add more than one library to Libby
Hoopla resets monthly, so don’t forget to use your borrows before the last day of the month. They also have books that do not count towards your book totals for the month.
Audiobooks count as reading (I will die on this hill)
Browsing library apps is a great way to discover new authors. It is like browsing a book store in a sense.
You don’t have to finish everything.
Why I Recommend This to Every Reader:
Using Libby and Hoopla has completely changed how I read. I take more risks, try more genres, and don’t stress about DNFing something that didn’t work for me.
I read more not because I paid for it and feel obligated.
And honestly? There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing the book you’re enjoying didn’t cost you a thing.
Final Thoughts:
If you love reading and haven’t explored your library’s digital options yet, start here. Download the apps, poke around, borrow something cozy, and see how it feels.
Worst case? You delete the app. Best case? You save a ton of money and fall back in love with reading.
Remember though that the library pays for holds and borrows. So if and when you bought a book, take off your hold from Libby. Your hold now only lasts for one year before the hold expires now.