September 2024 Resource Spotlight: OverDrive and Libby

September is Library Card Sign-up Month! Did you know that many libraries across Ohio allow residents to sign up for free library cards with them? And, once you have those cards, you can link it on Libby, opens a new window, the free reading app by OverDrive, opens a new window. (OverDrive can be found on the Digital Library, opens a new window page or on our A-Z Resources, opens a new window page of our website.)

With the Libby app, you can enjoy hundreds of eBooks and audiobooks on your smartphone or tablet (similar to Hoopla, opens a new window, our February 2024 Resource Spotlight). The Libby app is available in your device's app store. Once installed, you add your PLYMC library card and any additional library cards you have. Then, you are good to begin searching and reading or listening to books!  

While our library purchases a wide variety of titles to appeal to all our many readers, we do not have access to every single title. In case you did not know, with OverDrive’s collection, libraries must purchase each individual copy of an eBook or audiobook, just as they do the printed books for their physical shelves; thus, every library creates its own unique collection of eBooks and audiobooks. This is where having multiple library cards can be beneficial! It allows you to increase your access to a wider variety of eBooks and audiobooks in OverDrive. 

When searching a title, if it does not come up in the first search, then be sure to tap Deep Search. It will re-do the search, checking for the title in all the libraries for which you have library cards linked in the Libby app. 

For more on how to use this resource, check out this OverDrive|Libby Niche Tutorial in English, opens a new window or Spanish, opens a new window, along with using Help.LibbyApp.com, opens a new window. Additionally, you can always receive one-on-one help from a librarian by calling 330-744-8636, emailing ASK@libraryvisit.org, opens a new window or visiting any library, opens a new window. 

Enjoy your online reading or listening and access to so many online resources, opens a new window with your library card this month!