Have another question or need more help? Email us at illbx@cwmars.org.

What are Libby and Overdrive? Are they the same thing?

Libby and OverDrive are both digital material lending apps developed by the same company, Rakuten Overdrive. Libby is its newer rendition, while OverDrive is the classic version. Both apps let you borrow the same free digital content from the library. However, Libby was designed to make finding, borrowing, and enjoying free ebooks and audiobooks easier than ever.

Libby Troubleshooting

General troubleshooting can be found on the Libby website. 

What devices does Libby work on?

You can download Libby on:

If you have a Windows computer, Mac computer, or a Chromebook, you can use Libby in your web browser at libbyapp.com. We suggest using the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge (Chromium).

*UPDATED OCT. 2021*

As of October 2021, Libby is no longer supported on iPhones and iPads running iOS 9. This is because of a recent change made by Libby's web certificate provider (learn more about their change).

This change may also affect those trying to use libbyapp.com in older web browsers.

Affected users may see security warnings in Libby or have trouble using some or all of Libby's features, including signing in, browsing, borrowing, or loading content.

To continue using Libby:

If updates aren't available, please switch to another device supported by Libby.

Getting Started with Libby

Visit this help page and watch the getting-started video, to learn how to use Libby on your mobile device.

How do I access Craftsy, Great Courses, IndieFlix, and Qello Concerts?

Watch this video featuring walkthrough navigation to the new features. Since this video was created there have been some updates to the Libby application, but these instructions still provide the basic walkthrough on how to navigate to these resources.

Overdrive Troubleshooting

General troubleshooting can be found on the Overdrive website.

What devices does Overdrive work on?

The OverDrive app is available for Android, Chromebooks, iOS, Fire tablets, and Windows 8/10.

*UPDATE SEPT. 2021* 

As of September 30, 2021, users on older Apple devices (Mac computers running lower than macOS 10.12.1 and iPhones/iPads running iOS 9) may have trouble using the OverDrive desktop or mobile apps. These issues are because of a recent change made by OverDrive's web certificate provider (learn more about their change).

This change may also affect those trying to use their library's OverDrive website in older web browsers.

Affected users may see security warnings or have trouble accessing some or all of the functionality of the OverDrive app or website, including signing in, browsing, borrowing, or loading content.

To continue using OverDrive:

  • Mac users: The OverDrive for Mac desktop app is now only supported on macOS 10.12.1 through 10.14. If possible, update your computer to one of these macOS versions to resolve issues with the OverDrive for Mac desktop app. Note: If you update to macOS 15 or higher, you'll lose access to OverDrive for Mac.
  • iPhone/iPad users: Update your device to iOS 10 (or higher).
  • Browser users: Update your browser version.

Getting Started with Overdrive

Follow the instructions for your specific device on the Overdrive website to get started.