Getting Started with Libby
E-books, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines are available in the Libby app. Here's how you can get started with using Libby on your mobile device.
Download the Libby App
Download the Libby app, opens a new window for your iOS (10+) or Android (5.0+) device.
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Or, use Libby in your web browser at libbyapp.com, opens a new window.
New Features in Libby: "Deep Search" and "Notify Me"
Tutorial: Libby E-books, E-audiobooks, and Digital Magazines
Beginning February 1, 2023, passwords will be required for OverDrive and the Libby app.
Sign In
Get Your Library Card
The first time you open the Libby app, you will be asked if you have a library card or not.
Tap Yes to continue signing in.
Tap Not Yet and Libby will help you find a nearby library.
More information about Saint Paul Public Library cards.
Apply for an eCard (Saint Paul residents only).
Find Your Library
If you already use Libby on another device, you can copy over your settings by tapping Copy From Another Device.
To look up your library by name or location tap Search For A Library.
The app can also help you by "guessing" your library, based on your location. If you want to give this a try, tap Guess My Library.
Select MELSA: Twin Cities Metro eLibrary
The library you want to add is called MELSA: Twin Cities Metro eLibrary.
Searching for the word "melsa" should find this library for you.
Searching by a Twin Cities metro area ZIP code or using the "Guess My Library" option will likely work, too.
Once the app has found the Twin Cities Metro eLibrary, tap the box listing it to add this library to the app.
Use Your Library Card to Sign In
The next step will be to sign in through the library where you use your card.
Tap Sign In With My Card to proceed.
Choose Saint Paul Public Library
The location you want to add is Saint Paul Public Library.
Scroll through the other metro area libraries listed and then tap the line for Saint Paul Public Library.
If you choose a different location from this list, you will sign in through that library system (your card must be registered in the other library system if you want to use that location in Libby).
Enter Your Library Card Number and Password
Enter your library card number and then tap Next.
Enter your password and then tap Sign In.
Optional: Rename Your Card
You are signed in!
You will see an image of your card, including information about current e-book loans and holds on the card.
If you like, you can rename the card.
Renaming your card will be helpful if you share devices with other family members or if you also use your card with other library systems.
(You can always change the name of the card at a later time.)
You are ready to check out e-books, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines from the library!
Optional: Set Kindle as Your Preferred Reading Device
You can set Libby up to send e-books to a separate Kindle device or app.
To read in in the Libby app, tap Skip.
Search the Collection
Tap the Search icon (magnifying glass) and then enter keywords, a title, or an author's name to search the collection.
To see your Loans and Holds instead, tap the Shelf icon (books).
To browse the collection tap the Library icon.
The Clock icon takes you to your Timeline (reading progress and history).
The Menu icon (three horizontal lines) takes you to app settings and other options.
Borrow an Item or Place a Hold
When you find a title you would like to check out, tap Borrow and follow the steps to check out the book and open it in Libby.
If an item is currently unavailable, tap Place Hold to be added to the waiting list.
Access the Libby menu by clicking the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the center at the bottom of the screen.
Menu Items
Under the menu you will find:
Notifications about holds and returns
Your Libraries
A link to see your library cards (and add new cards)
A link to add a library -- you will only need this if you also use a library that is not part of the Twin Cities Metro eLibrary
Help & Support
To add another card to your Libby app, tap the Libby menu and look under "Your Libraries".
Under "MELSA: Twin Cities Metro eLibrary," tap the the link showing the number of your cards and the "+" symbol.
(Only use the "Add a Library" option If you are adding a card that is used at a library system outside of the Twin Cities Metro area.)
Add Another Card
Then, tap Add Another Card.
Rename the Additional Card
Enter your card information to sign in.
Rename the card so you can keep it distinct from the first card.
Make the Card "Active"
The new card will be automatically made the "active" card.
"Active" means that loans and hold will made under the selected card.
One card is "active" at a time.
Tap the Activate button on a card to make it the currently active card.
Tap the Shelf icon (appears as two books stacked on top of each other) at the bottom of the screen to see your Loans and Holds, as well as any Tags you have used.
Loans
See items that are currently checked out in the app and their due dates.
Tap Read With... to choose to send a title to Kindle or read it in the Libby app.
Tap Manage Loan to:
- Return Early
- Renew items (when a due date is within 3 days and no one else is waiting for the title)
- See your "Reading Journey"
- Add tags
Holds
Holds
See items that are currently on hold.
See your estimated wait time until the title becomes available.
Many items will also include a Sample you can read or listen to while you wait.
Tap Manage Hold to:
- Suspend Hold (keep your place in line but don't fill the hold when it becomes available)
- Cancel Hold
- Add Tags
