Take the library with you.

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:

  1. Download the Libby app from your device’s app store
  2. Open the app and search for Okanagan Regional Library
  3. 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:

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

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.