Unlock Free Library Books on Your Kindle or E-Reader: Here’s How

If you’re spending money on e-books, you might be surprised to learn that you can borrow them for free from your local library and read them on devices like your Kindle, Kobo, or smartphone.

Many people are unaware that their local public library provides access to e-books, which can often be more convenient than borrowing physical books. E-books from the library are automatically returned when due, so you’ll never face late fees.

By borrowing e-books from the library, I’ve saved both money and time. It’s much simpler than you might expect, regardless of whether you use a Kindle or Kobo.

First, you’ll need to register with your local library to use their digital resources.

If you don’t have a library card yet, you can usually get one for free by visiting your nearest public library. Make sure to ask if they offer e-books. While most do, it’s not always the case.

Next, install the Libby app on your Android or iOS device. Most U.S. libraries use Libby for their digital collections. It allows you to search, check out, renew, and read e-books. Kobo users can manage without it, but it’s essential for Kindle users.

Once the Libby app is installed, simply enter your library card details to start borrowing e-books.

To read library books on your Kindle, use the Libby app. Check out a book and navigate to the “Shelf” tab in Libby. The next time your Kindle syncs, the library book should appear in your Kindle library. You can read and annotate it just like any other Kindle book. Once the loan period ends, you won’t be able to access the book unless you renew it through Libby.

Returning library books on your Kindle is easy. Just tap the three dots on the library e-book’s cover and select “return early.” All other management of your library loan must be done in Libby.

For Kobo users, there are a few ways to access library e-books. My preferred method is using my Kobo directly and skipping the Libby app.

On your Kobo’s Home screen, look for “OverDrive.” This is the service that Kobo uses to manage library loans. It’s the original system that Libby has updated, but Kobo still uses OverDrive. The e-book selection is the same.

Tap “OverDrive” on your Home screen, and a popup should allow you to connect your library card to access all available e-books. If it’s not on your Home screen, check the “More” tab in your Kobo settings for the OverDrive option.

Once connected, any book available in the Kobo store will have the option to “Borrow with OverDrive” instead of purchasing. You can search for books directly on your Kobo under the “Discover” tab and check if they’re available from your library.

Once you borrow a book, it appears in your “My Books” tab as an “OverDrive” book, displaying the days left on your loan beneath your progress. Like on Kindle, the book remains in your library after the loan expires, but you’ll need to renew it to read again.

You can also borrow books on your Kobo through the Libby app, but it’s not as direct.

After checking out a book in Libby, go to your shelf, select “Manage Loan,” then “Read With…,” then “More Options,” and choose “EPUB.” This lets you download a DRM-protected EPUB file, which you can manually transfer to your Kobo using Adobe Digital Editions.

The above steps should help you start reading library books on your e-reader, but newcomers to e-readers or digital library loans might still have questions.

• Q: How do you place a hold on library e-books on Kindle and Kobo?
  A: Like with physical books, libraries have limited copies of e-books. If the book you want is unavailable, you’ll need to place a hold. On Kindle, do this through the Libby app by searching for the book and selecting “place a hold.” You’ll receive a notification from Libby when the book is available. On Kobo, search for the e-book, and if it’s unavailable, the “Borrow with OverDrive” option will change to “Place a hold with OverDrive.” You’ll get a notification when it’s your turn.
• Q: Can you get library late fines for e-books?
  A: No, one of the great benefits of using e-readers for library books is the elimination of late fees. E-books are automatically returned on their due date, so you’ll never incur fines, whether you’re using a Kindle, Kobo, or their respective apps.
• Q: Can you check out e-books from the library if you don’t have an e-reader?
  A: Absolutely! You don’t need an e-reader to enjoy e-books from your local library. With a library card and access to e-books, you can read them for free using the Kindle app, the Kobo app, or the Libby app.

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