Saving money
Free audiobooks through your library with Libby
A library card and one free app. How to set it up, beat the waitlists, and when it is worth paying instead.
By Ilyas Jan · October 12, 2026 · 5 min read
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Setting up
Install Libby, find your library, and enter your card number. Many libraries let you sign up for a card online. Some cities also share collections with neighbouring libraries, which you can add as a second card.
Beating the waitlist
- Place holds early, even months ahead, on books you know you will want.
- Add more than one library card if you are eligible.
- Use the tag feature to keep a list of books that are available now.
When paying makes sense
If you want a new release the week it comes out, or you listen faster than holds arrive, add a credit plan for the books you cannot wait for and keep Libby for everything else.
Ilyas Jan
Founder and lead reviewer
I listen to audiobooks on walks, on long drives and at bedtime, and I started HumPage Listen to compare the apps with the same tests every time. More about me