With Libby, you can borrow from thousands of ebooks, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines—free with your ORL card. No room for bulky books in your carry-on? No problem!
Visit the ORL’s Digital Collection.
Thinking about purchasing a device to enjoy ORL ebooks?
Make sure to visit our Choosing the Right Device page for helpful tips and compatibility info.
Using Libby on Your Tablet or Smartphone
Libby works with:
- iPhones and iPads
- Android phones and tablets
- Amazon Fire tablets
Getting started is quick:
- Download the Libby app from your device’s app store
- Open the app and search for Okanagan Regional Library
- Sign in with your ORL library card number and PIN
Note: Libby is not available for Windows devices, but you can use it in your browser at libbyapp.com.
Using Libby on Your E-Reader
Newer Kobo E-Readers
Kobo models like the Libra, Forma, Aura ONE, Aura Edition 2, and Clara HD let you borrow library ebooks directly using Wi-Fi—no computer needed.
Other E-Readers
Older Kobo models (e.g., Glo, Mini, Aura) and Nook devices (e.g., Simple Touch, GlowLight) require transferring borrowed ebooks from a computer using Adobe Digital Editions.
Kindle Users Please Note:
Due to Amazon’s restrictions, Kindle e-readers (including Paperwhite and Oasis) are not compatible with borrowing public library ebooks in Canada.
Read or Listen in Your Browser
You don’t need an app to enjoy ebooks or e-audiobooks. You can read and listen in your internet browser using:
- OverDrive Read (for ebooks and e-magazines)
- OverDrive Listen (for e-audiobooks)
An internet connection is required.
Borrowing Policies
Ebooks and E-Audiobooks
- Borrow up to 10 at a time
- Loan periods: 7, 14, or 21 days
- Renew within 3 days of expiry (if no holds)
- Place up to 10 holds at once
E-Magazines
- Borrow as many as you like
- Loan periods: 7, 14, or 21 days
- Renew within 3 days of expiry
- Always available—no holds needed
Additional Help and Resources
- Device Advice – Choosing between an e-reader or tablet
- FAQs – Find answers to common questions
- Borrow from the Catalogue – Check out print and digital titles in one place
- Troubleshooting ADE – Help with Adobe Digital Editions
- OverDrive Help – Support from the library’s digital provider
- Device Compatibility – A compatibility list from Overdrive
- Libby Help – Step-by-step instructions for using the Libby app
Get Started with Libby
Finding Ebooks and E-Audiobooks
- Tap the Search icon (magnifying glass) to search by title, author, or topic
- Tap the Library icon (library building) to browse featured lists and guides
- Tap a book cover to open the info page: read summaries, explore series, and check borrowing options
Borrowing and Placing Holds
If the book is available:
- Tap Borrow
- Choose a loan period (7, 14, or 21 days)
- Tap Borrow! to confirm
If the book is checked out:
- Tap Place Hold to join the waitlist
- You’ll receive a notification when your hold is available to borrow. You have 3 days to borrow it from your Shelf before your hold expires
After Borrowing: Next Steps
- Open Book / Open Audiobook – Start reading or listening right away
- Keep Browsing – Return to the collection
- Go to Shelf – View your current loans and holds
Downloading Your Book
On Wi-Fi, loans are downloaded automatically. To download manually:
- Tap the Shelf icon (stack of books)
- Tap the Download icon (cloud and arrow) next to the book
- Tap Download in the pop-up box
Once it’s downloaded, tap Open in Libby to start reading or listening!
Read or Listen Without Downloading
Books not yet downloaded can still be enjoyed online with an internet connection (Wi-Fi recommended). Just tap the book cover to read or listen in the app.
Change Download Settings
To adjust your download preferences:
- Tap the Shelf icon, then Loans
- Tap Actions, then Change Download Rules
- Follow the prompts to set your preferences
Renewals and Early Returns
To renew a loan (within 3 days of expiry):
- Tap the Shelf icon, then Loans
- Tap Manage Loan, then Renew Loan
- Tap Renew to confirm
To return early:
- Tap the Shelf icon, then Loans
- Tap Manage Loan, then Return Early
- Tap Return to confirm
Notifications
Libby offers push and email notifications to let you know when holds are ready or loans are about to expire.
To manage push notifications:
- Tap the Menu icon (three lines)
- Tap Manage Notifications
- Choose how you’d like to receive updates: Ignore, Menu badge, or Notification
Note: Notifications are device specific. You can set preferences separately for each device you use.
To set up email notifications:
- Tap the Menu icon, then Settings > Manage Notifications
- Tap Receive Email Notifications if shown
- Enter or update your email address
- Choose Email Notice for notification types you’d like to receive
More Features in the Libby App
View Your Timeline
Tap the Clock icon to view your full borrowing history in your Timeline
Use Tags to Organize Books
- Tag books to track what you’ve read or want to read
- Go to Shelf > Tags to see your tag list
- Create new tags under Shelf > Tags > Actions > New Tag
- Export tags for backup if you ever remove the app
Note: Tags now sync across devices, but exporting is still a good precaution.
Customize Your Search Results
- Tap a filter or sort option in your results
- Tap Pin Filter or Pin Sort to apply it to future searches
Need More Help?
Call us at 1-844-649-8127 or email help@orl.bc.ca. Please include as many details as you can about your question, account, or device—this helps us support you more quickly and accurately.
If your library card has expired, reach out to your local branch or contact us online to renew—it’s quick and easy.