By: Courtney Rose
Summer officially began on 6/21, and hopefully, you’re spending time relaxing by the water enjoying the weather. Typically, people like to have a book to read during their vacation, so if you’re in search of a great audiobook or digital book to lounge and listen (or read), you should first try your local library.
There are paid apps like Audible that allow you to download audiobooks to listen to, but if you already have a library card, it’s possible many of those books are available to check out for free through two apps called Libby and OverDrive. Both apps allow you the ability to enter your local library card information or student ID card information and get set up to check out books, set up a wishlist, and also send a request to your library for books you want but aren’t listed. The difference between the Libby and OverDrive app are mainly in the design and your personal preference in navigating the app. You may prefer one to read with, and the other to use for audiobooks. Both apps serve the same function in that they can be used to check out books from your library in digital or audio format.
The Libby and Overdrive apps are available for multiple devices, such as Android, iPhone, iPods/iPads, Kindle and Nook. The best thing about these apps is you can download the files for use offline; you do not need to stream the content as you consume it. Both apps have extensive help articles as well as a step by step guide on getting started on the device of your choice. I attempted to set up Libby on my Android, but it advised my library card was expired. You can also apply for a library card in each app as well if you don’t already have one.
If you’ve been meaning to read more, this is a great way to get caught up on the books you’ve been meaning to read.
