By Kate Branstetter.
Let’s face it: there are not enough hours in the day. Between work, chores, food, kids, pets, and all the other responsibilities that plague the average adult, it is amazing that anyone has the time to do anything for the sheer pleasure of it. Maybe you squeeze in time at the gym? Maybe you cook a good meal once in a while? But when was the last time you were totally able to lose yourself in a good book?
Well, I am here to let you in on a little secret. Her name is Libby and she is a game changer.
Libby (developed by Overdrive) is an app for your phone or tablet which allows you to download books and audiobooks with your library card FOR FREE!! What this means is your morning commute, run at the gym, or waiting for an appointment are opportunities for a little literary pick-me-up.
Hear me out. Maybe you haven’t read or listened to a book in years. Maybe you are unsure if you would like an audio book. Believe me when I say that Libby makes it so easy! It takes two seconds to add this app to your phone, and the variety of books is worth it. Maybe you don’t know what to listen to? Libby can give you recommendations based on what you like!
For example, many people are writing incredible memoirs these days and I usually prefer to listen to the audiobook version; the only reason being that if the author is reading it, I can gain a true sense of their personality. Recently, I was having a horribly stressful day, but still had to face the grocery store because life goes on and my family needs to eat. On a whim, I decided to bring my headphones with me into the store. It seemed a little strange to change my routine but I turned to Libby while I perused the aisles. The book I chose to listen to was David Sedaris’s most recent release, Calypso. After about five minutes of listening, I was giggling among the produce, then smiling broadly while choosing yogurt. My mood had improved, and thanks to this audio book my mundane task turned into something really fun. It was a moment. It was a small change in routine but I left the grocery store having completed a chore and enjoyed two chapters of a book I did not have time to sit down and read. Libby for the WIN!!!
Libby was developed for people that don’t have time and chances are you are one of those people. Heck, if you have had time to read this whole article I am impressed! In all seriousness though, I feel so much better when I have the opportunity to enjoy literature and since Libby has so many best sellers and old favorites I am spending a lot of time with her.
If you are interested in Libby it is easy to get to know her. Firstly, you will need a library card. If you don’t have a library card, don’t worry! You only need a driver’s license and a piece of mail with your address on it in order to get a library card. Once you have your card, you are good to go. Pick up your phone (or tablet) and either google “Libby App” or search for her in your app store. Download the Libby App. Once downloaded she will ask for your library card, so have your card ready! You can choose from over 4,000 titles!
With Libby, you can rate books you have read to give her a sense of what types of books you enjoy. You can log your preferences making it easy for her to recommend books you might like. You can borrow up to 10 books at a time, and once the 14 day allotted borrowing time is up the book will disappear from your phone. You do not need to return anything and there are no fees. This service is 100 percent free and so, so, so fun.
Sometimes technology can be overwhelming, and I have to admit that being on a first name basis with an App may be strange but ultimately Libby is supporting the idea that you CAN find time to enjoy all the incredible books out there, and with the help of your library, it costs you nothing!
