Libby vs hoopla

2025. Libby has revamped its Hold system



Libby, a popular online app for free access to books from your local library via e-reader or phone, has made significant changes to its hold system. In Libby, if the e-book or audiobook you want is already in use by other readers, you can place a hold on it. This means you join the queue and when it's your turn (the book becomes "available"), Libby will notify you that you can borrow it. How can an e-book be held? As it's not a physical book. The reason is that the library purchases the rights to e-books from the publishers with certain number of licenses (e.g., 3 copies). Previously, Libby allowed to "suspend" this hold for 7–180 days (thus you could stay in the queue but skip your spot while you are busy). Now the system has changed: if you suspend a hold, you must remove the hold yourself, otherwise it will simply "expire" in a year.


2022. Libraries can now share thoughts and recommendations with Libby



Overdrive Libby has recently introduced new features allowing libraries to share insights, quotes, trivia and recommendations. Shelf Talkers provide a fresh avenue for each library to exhibit their curatorial expertise and knowledge through personalized notes to patrons within the Libby app. Shelf Talkers in Libby enable librarians to engage with readers by suggesting books, offering intriguing facts about a title or author, showcasing the curators' personalities and adding more library-specific character to their Libby collection. Shelf Talkers can be seen on a book’s details page in Libby and scheduled for future posting to keep them current and relevant. The following types of Shelf Talkers are currently available: recommendation (share librarian and staff picks), favorite quote (highlight a memorable quote from a title), trivia (include interesting facts about a title or author) and thought (offer timely updates about books, such as similar reads, upcoming movie adaptations, the anticipated release date for the next installment in a series, or upcoming book clubs or author visits at the library).