10 Essential Libby Hacks for Power Users
Maximize your library's digital catalog with these expert tips
1Multi-Library Access
Libby allows connecting multiple library cards from different systems (city/county/school) to expand your borrowing options. Simply go to Menu → Add Library and search by name/location. Each library maintains its own eligibility requirements, but this feature lets you compare availability across systems. Some users even share family members' cards from other regions to access exclusive titles.
2Kindle Loan Extension Trick
While Libby automatically returns titles at expiration, Kindle users can extend loans by enabling airplane mode before the due date. This freezes the digital rights management. Recent reports suggest this workaround may not work on newer devices, but community workarounds include manually changing the Kindle's date settings. Remember to return books via the app while offline to free them for other borrowers.
3Reading Data Export
Libby's timeline export feature creates detailed records of your reading history in HTML, spreadsheet, or JSON formats. The export includes metadata like titles, authors, ISBNs, and borrow dates - perfect for Goodreads integration or personal tracking. Access this via Shelf → Timeline → Actions → Export Timeline. Spreadsheet format is recommended for third-party platform imports.
4Custom Tagging System
Create unlimited custom tags (like '2023 Reading Challenge' or 'Book Club Picks') to organize titles across multiple virtual shelves. Tags support descriptions and can be applied when saving titles. The Tags navigation tab lets you filter by these categories. Power users create tags for genres, reading priorities, or even format preferences (e.g., 'Audiobook Favorites').
5New Release Notifications
The 'Notify Me' smart tag alerts you when tagged titles become available in your library system. This works for new books, magazine issues, or specific author/series releases. Enable push notifications and create these tags manually or when encountering unavailable titles in search. Some libraries prioritize digital acquisitions based on user demand signals from these tags.
6Instant Availability Filter
Pin the 'Available Now' search filter to immediately see borrowable titles without waitlists. This persistent filter works across all searches, helping you find your next read quickly. While subject filters can't be pinned, format filters (e.g., audiobooks only) can be combined with availability for targeted browsing. Ideal for readers who finish books unexpectedly fast.
7Storage Management
Configure download rules in Settings to balance storage and convenience. Options include auto-download thresholds (e.g., sub-20MB files), WiFi-only downloads, or manual download selection. This is particularly useful for audiobook listeners managing multiple titles. Streaming remains an option for all titles regardless of settings.
8Strategic Hold Management
Use the Suspend Hold feature to stagger overlapping availability dates. This prevents multiple holds becoming available simultaneously while maintaining your place in queues. Combined with Skip-the-Line titles (marked with shamrock icons) that offer first-come access, savvy readers can optimize their borrowing pipeline year-round.
Original article: Lifehacker — 10 Essential Libby Hacks for Power Users