You can send most Libby books to Kindle, but the process depends on your device type

Libby, the library app owned by OverDrive, lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your library for free. Most Libby ebooks can be sent directly to a Kindle device or Kindle reading app, but not all books work this way — some are locked to Libby's own reader. The sending process takes about 30 seconds once you know where to look, and the book arrives within a few minutes.

The key difference is between Kindle devices (the physical e-readers like Paperwhite or Oasis) and Kindle reading apps (the software you install on a phone, tablet, or computer). Both can receive Libby books, but the steps are slightly different. You'll also need to have already borrowed the book in Libby and have your Amazon account linked to your Kindle device or app.

Key Takeaways

  • Not every Libby book can go to Kindle — some publishers restrict their ebooks to Libby's own reader, and you'll see this noted in the book details before you borrow.
  • On a Kindle device, open the book in Libby, tap the three-dot menu, select "Send to Kindle," and choose your device from the list.
  • On a Kindle reading app (phone, tablet, or computer), tap the three-dot menu and select "Read in Kindle app" instead of "Send to Kindle."
  • The book syncs across all your Kindle devices and apps once sent, so you can start reading on your phone and pick up where you left off on your e-reader.
  • Your Amazon account must be linked to your Libby account, which you set up in Libby's settings under "Connected Services."

Sending a Libby book to a physical Kindle device

Open the Libby app on your Kindle e-reader and find the book you've already borrowed. Tap the book cover or title to open it. At the top of the screen, you'll see three dots (the menu button) — tap that. A menu will appear with several options, including "Send to Kindle."

Tap "Send to Kindle." A list of your Kindle devices will appear — this includes any Kindle e-readers registered to your Amazon account, like a Paperwhite, Oasis, or basic Kindle. Select the device you want to send the book to. The book will be delivered to that device within a few minutes and will appear in your library.

If you don't see "Send to Kindle" as an option, that book is restricted by its publisher and can only be read in the Libby app itself. You'll see a note about this in the book's details page before you borrow it, so check there first if you're unsure.

Sending a Libby book to a Kindle reading app

If you're reading on a phone, tablet, or computer using the Kindle app instead of a physical device, the process is slightly different. Open the Libby app and find your borrowed book. Tap the three-dot menu at the top of the screen.

Instead of "Send to Kindle," you'll see "Read in Kindle app." Tap that option. The book will open directly in your Kindle reading app on that device. If you have the Kindle app installed on multiple devices (like both a phone and a tablet), the book will sync across all of them — you can start reading on your phone and pick up where you left off when you open the Kindle app on your tablet.

Linking your Amazon account to Libby first

Before you can send any book to Kindle, your Amazon account needs to be connected to your Libby account. Open the Libby app and tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) at the bottom or top of the screen. Look for "Settings" or "Account."

Find the section labeled "Connected Services" or "Kindle." Tap it and select "Amazon." You'll be asked to sign in with your Amazon email and password. Once you do, Libby will show all the Kindle devices and apps registered to that Amazon account. You only need to do this once — after that, the connection stays active.

If you've already set up Libby through your library's website or app and linked it to your library card, you may have already connected Amazon at that time. Check your settings to confirm the connection is active before trying to send a book.

What to do if a book won't send to Kindle

Some publishers don't allow their ebooks to leave Libby's reader. When you're looking at a book's details page in Libby, scroll down to see if there's a note about reading restrictions. If it says the book is "Libby-only" or "not available for Kindle," you can only read it in the Libby app itself.

This is a publisher decision, not a Libby or Amazon limitation. The book will still be free to borrow through your library, but you won't be able to send it to your Kindle device. You can still read it on the Libby app on your phone or tablet, or on a computer through Libby's web reader.

How long the book stays on your Kindle after sending

Once a Libby book is sent to your Kindle, it behaves like any other book on that device — you can read it, bookmark it, and highlight passages. However, the book is still borrowed from your library, not owned. When your loan period ends (usually 14 to 21 days, depending on your library), the book will automatically disappear from your Kindle device and all your Kindle apps.

You don't need to do anything to return it. Libby handles the return automatically at the end of the loan period. If you want to keep reading before the loan ends, you can renew the book in the Libby app (if your library allows renewals and no one else is waiting for it), and the updated version will sync to your Kindle.

Troubleshooting common sending problems

If the "Send to Kindle" option doesn't appear, first check that your Amazon account is linked in Libby's settings. If it is linked but the option still doesn't show, the book is likely restricted by its publisher and can only be read in Libby.

If you see the option but get an error message when you try to send, make sure you're signed into the correct Amazon account on your Kindle device. Your Kindle device must be registered to the same Amazon account you linked to Libby. You can check this in your Kindle device's settings under "Account" or "Device Info."

If the book appears to send but never arrives on your Kindle, wait a few minutes — delivery usually takes two to five minutes. If it still hasn't arrived after 10 minutes, try sending it again. If the problem continues, restart your Kindle device and check your Amazon account to see if there are any messages about delivery failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send an audiobook from Libby to Kindle?

No. Audiobooks and ebooks are different formats. Kindle devices and apps are designed for reading text, not listening to audio. If you want to listen to a Libby audiobook, you must use the Libby app itself on your phone, tablet, or computer.

What happens if I return the book early in Libby?

If you return the book early through the Libby app, it will be removed from your Kindle device within a few minutes. You won't be able to read it anymore, even though it's still physically on the device until you delete it manually. The book will no longer be accessible through the Kindle app on other devices.

Can I send the same book to multiple Kindle devices at once?

Yes. When you tap "Send to Kindle," you can select one device from the list. If you want it on another device, repeat the process and choose a different device. The book will be sent to each one separately, but all copies will stay in sync — your reading progress updates across all devices.

Do I need to be connected to WiFi to send a book to Kindle?

Yes. Both your Kindle device and the device running Libby need an internet connection for the book to send. Your Kindle device must be able to connect to WiFi to receive the book. Once it arrives, you can read it offline without needing WiFi anymore.

Will the book stay on my Kindle if I cancel my library card?

No. If you lose access to your library account, Libby books will be removed from all your Kindle devices and apps. The books are borrowed, not purchased, so they're only yours while your library membership is active.