Monday, July 22, 2019

Embracing Technology: The Libby App


Confession: I'm not a tech fiend.  I can barely operate our DVD player.  I got my first smartphone less than a year ago.  And I've said multiple times here on the blog that I don't do ebooks (although I did read my first one earlier this year).  However, sometimes it's good to get outside your comfort zone, and recently I did just that!

To set the stage: I started a new job earlier this year and now have a proper hour-long lunch break.  I've been bringing the unread physical books from my shelves to read during lunch (goals!).  I was driving to work one day a couple weeks ago when it hit me - I forgot to put a new book in my bag after I finished one the day before!  I literally groaned - what would I do for a whole HOUR?  Was there a bookstore or county library branch nearby that I could hit up? Then, I remembered something I had seen a few times on the library's website - they utilize the Libby app to allow patrons to download ebooks and audiobooks.  I had never thought about using it before, but now, I was kind of desperate.  I worried, though, that it would be too tech-y and difficult for me to figure out, and I would give up.

Guys, I was wrong.  It.  Was.  So.  Easy.

Within two minutes, I had downloaded the app, chosen my library, entered my library card number, and was searching for available books!  I chose Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny, the latest installment in the Inspector Gamache series that I'd been wanting to read for awhile.  I downloaded it and fairly quickly learned how to open, navigate, and bookmark.

The purpose of this post isn't to introduce you to the Libby app or be a how-to guide - it's been around for awhile and I'm sure a lot of you are already using it!  Really, it's more of a personal post.  Too often I'm afraid to try new things, because of either frustration (that it will be too hard for me to figure out) or embarrassment (that I won't get it right away).  I avoided apps like Libby even though it could be really helpful.  I carry a book most places I go, but they get heavy and clunky.  This app ensures that I have a book at all times, because my phone is basically glued to my hand these days. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm glad I tried something new and pushed myself outside of my paper book comfort zone!  I learned that sometimes things are not as difficult as you fear they will be.

Do you use the Libby app?  What are some bookish things you've tried that you once thought you never would?
 

32 comments:

  1. I heard this app is amazing. I have never used it, but your post has inspired me to try it out. I was a little hesitant, but it sounds so worth it!

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  2. I love the Libby app. I don't actually read the books on my phone, but it allows me to easily organize my E-Library holds and search for books. Glad it came in handy!

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  3. I use it too - for audiobooks. I like to use my Kindle for ebooks, but Libby is perfect for audiobooks. And my library has a lot of them. Good for you for trying something new!

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  4. I use the Libby app! That’s how I listen to audiobooks for my Reading & Walking posts. It is extremely easy to use and rarely malfunctions when I’m out in the wilderness. That’s all I ask for in an app.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. Yes, it's always nice when things just work! Kay above also mentioned it for audiobooks, I may have to try that!

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  5. I might have to look into getting the app. Sounds pretty good!

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  6. I'm so glad it's working so well for you! I haven't downloaded the Libby app, but I've used my library's digital catalog just directly through their Overdrive account, but I really need to just get Libby I think and make things simple. I love that there are so many convenient options these days!

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    1. I know, all these things I never knew existed!

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  7. I've been using Overdrive for a couple of years now and really love that, especially for audiobooks. My library did just post that they were starting to use Libby so I'll have to check it out.

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  8. I have been using the eLibrary for year. I do think Libby is quite an improvement on the Overdrive app. I use the app primarily for audiobooks, though, since I read on my kindle.

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    1. It does seem to be really popular for audio!

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  9. I loved that you tried something new involving books! You are going to have so much fun with Libby!

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  10. I was a pretty late adopter of e- reading too haha, and smartphones, so I can relate. This app sounds pretty awesome!

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  11. Oh yay! I'm glad this turned out to be a positive new experience for you :) I adore my library's digital resources, especially how easy it is to check out ebooks.

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    1. I know, it was just a couple clicks, and I was reading!

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  12. I live in Belgium so I can't use the Libby app and my library doesn't have e-books or audiobooks anyways. So sad! I do have my Kindle paperwhite where I have sooooo many e-books on so I'll never run out of something to read at least. xD

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    1. I'm glad you have so many other options than just your library!

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  13. Yes!! I honestly liked Overdrive better, but Libby is wonderful and I use it all the time! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

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  14. I haven't heard of this app before, but it sounds so useful! Good on you for trying it - I know the feeling, though; for so long I was hesitant to read eBooks because I wasn't sure how to get them from Netgalley to my kindle or set it all up, but when it I tried it was so easy!

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    1. I have the same fear about Netgalley! It's part of why I don't really do ebooks yet, but I feel like I'm moving in that direction!

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  15. I own a kindle and read e-books occasionally but I totally understand why you were so hesitant to read e-books in the first place. It's not the same as having a physical book in your hands, but there are occasions I prefer e-books (like vacations). I'm glad you discovered this app for emergency situations.

    Ronnie @ Paradise Found

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    1. Thanks, Ronnie! I can totally see the benefits of ebooks, and I'm sure I'll start moving that way eventually!

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  16. I really need to make better use of this app!! Wonderful feature!

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I'm so glad you stopped by, and I would love to hear your thoughts! Comments are always greatly appreciated!