Borrow Books, Audiobooks, and More Digitally with Libby and hoopla 📱

Most people probably know that you're able to borrow books and audiobooks on their phones, tablets, and computers with their library card. But did you know both Libby and hoopla offer other options as well?

With Libby, they mainly have eBooks and eAudiobooks , but you can also borrow magazines and read-along books. If you're familiar with our collection of Vox and Wonderbooks here at the library, the read-alongs work similarly, just in a digital format. Your child can follow along with a narrator as they read the page themselves. It's a great way for kids of all ages to work on their reading skills and confidence. With the read-along format, they also get to familiarize themselves with eBooks. With the e-format, there is the option to highlight text as the narrator reads (with some publishers), automatic page turning with the option to pause, and even added sound effects with some titles. Just like with any other book available on Libby, you have the option to place holds on popular titles or narrow the selection down to what's available now.

There are also a variety of magazines on Libby spanning a ton of topics and including magazines from other countries and in foreign languages. Some titles you can also find back issues. Unlike the eBooks and eAudiobooks, magazines cannot be sent to a Kindle. You would have to have a device that allows apps to be downloaded, like a phone or tablet, or you would need to read on the Ohio Digital Library on your computer's web browser. But, the magazines are formatted well to easily read, zoom in, and scroll in the Libby app.

With hoopla, you have a lot of content options. Along with eBooks and eAudiobooks, you can borrow comics, movies, television, music, and BingePasses. We also recently added the Flex option to our hoopla subscription. With hoopla, titles available on the app are always available, no wait list. Flex gives the library the option to purchase additional popular titles. They work similarly to our physical Browsing Collection, if the title is available, you can check it out, but there are no holds.

BingePasses are really cool, they are collections of streaming content you get to borrow for 7 days. There is a wide variety of content including kids titles, live music, Hallmark, and crafting. Plus, they're constantly adding new content. They recently added a BingePass where you can stream lessons on musical instruments. They have a line-up of upcoming titles including one for indie movie lovers and one for K dramas and anime.

If you haven't checked out Libby or hoopla with your card, download the apps and browse through your options. Or if you've only tried the books and audiobooks, try something new. Feel free to stop in and let us know what you've borrowed!