You can't send Libby books directly to Kindle, but you can read them side by side
Libby and Kindle are separate apps that don't connect to each other. You cannot push a book from Libby into your Kindle library or read a Libby book on a Kindle device. However, you can read Libby on most of the same devices where you read Kindle books — your phone, tablet, or computer — so you can switch between the two apps depending on which book you want to read.
Some library systems do offer ebook lending through Amazon's Kindle Store directly, which puts books into your Kindle library. This is different from Libby. If your library participates, you'll see a "Borrow" button on the book's Amazon page instead of a "Buy" button. Check your library's website to see if they offer this service.
Key Takeaways
- Libby books cannot be transferred to Kindle devices or the Kindle app because the two services use different technology.
- You can read Libby on your phone, tablet, or web browser on the same devices where you use Kindle, switching between apps as needed.
- Some libraries lend ebooks directly through Amazon's Kindle Store, which is separate from Libby and does put books into your Kindle library.
- To check if your library offers Kindle lending, search for a book on Amazon and look for a "Borrow" button, or visit your library's website.
How to read Libby books on devices where you also use Kindle
read the Libby app to your phone or tablet from the App Store (iPhone and iPad), Google Play (Android), or the Amazon Appstore (Fire tablets). On a computer, you can read Libby books through your web browser at libbydevices.com without downloading anything. Once you've installed Libby and signed in with your library card, you can borrow and read books in the app while keeping Kindle installed on the same device.
The reading experience is similar but separate. You'll have Libby on one side of your home screen and Kindle on the other. When you finish a Libby book or want to switch to a Kindle title, close Libby and open Kindle. Both apps save your place automatically, so you can jump between them without losing your spot.
If you use a Kindle e-reader (the physical device), Libby will not work on it. Kindle e-readers only display books from your Kindle library. For Libby books on an e-reader, you would need a different device like a Kobo or Tolino that supports library lending.
Why Libby and Kindle don't work together
Libby uses Adobe Digital Editions technology, which is the standard format libraries use to lend ebooks. Kindle uses Amazon's proprietary format, which is closed to other services. These two systems cannot communicate with each other, so a book borrowed through Libby cannot be converted or sent to Kindle.
This is by design. Amazon controls which books appear in the Kindle Store and how they're distributed. Libraries use Libby (made by OverDrive) to distribute ebooks independently of Amazon. The two operate as separate marketplaces, similar to how you can't transfer a book you bought from one bookstore to another bookstore's shelf.
How to check if your library lends through Kindle
Some libraries have agreements with Amazon to lend ebooks directly through the Kindle Store. To learn about yours does, search for a book on Amazon.com. If your library participates, you'll see a "Borrow for free with your library card" button or similar language instead of a "Buy" button. Click it and follow the prompts to sign in with your library card.
If you don't see a borrow option on Amazon, visit your library's website and look for a section called "Digital Collections," "Ebooks," or "Kindle Lending." Some libraries list this under their main catalog. You can also call or email your library to ask whether they lend Kindle ebooks. Not all libraries offer this service, and those that do may have a limited selection compared to what's available through Libby.
Libraries that lend through Kindle typically use a service called Libby for Kindle or partner directly with Amazon. This is different from the regular Libby app. If your library offers it, you'll see it listed separately on their website.
Setting up Libby on multiple devices
You can install Libby on as many devices as you own. Sign in with the same library card on each one, and your borrowed books will appear across all devices. If you borrow a book on your phone, you can pick it up and continue reading on your tablet without any extra steps.
Your Libby account is tied to your library card number and PIN, not to an email address like Kindle. Make sure you have both pieces of information before you sign in on a new device. You can find your library card number on the physical card or in your library's online account portal.
Managing your Libby and Kindle libraries together
Since Libby and Kindle are separate, you'll need to manage them separately. Keep a list of which books you're reading in each app so you don't accidentally borrow the same title twice. Some people use a notes app or a spreadsheet to track this, especially if they're reading multiple books at once.
When a Libby book's loan period ends (usually 14 or 21 days), it automatically disappears from the app. You won't lose your place if you want to borrow it again later — Libby remembers where you stopped. Kindle books you own stay in your library forever unless you delete them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read Libby books on a Kindle Paperwhite or other e-reader?
No. Kindle e-readers only display books from your Kindle library. Libby does not work on any Kindle device. If you want to read library books on an e-reader, you would need a device that supports Adobe Digital Editions, such as a Kobo or Tolino.
What if my library offers Kindle lending but I prefer Libby?
You can use both. Borrow from Kindle when you want books in your permanent Kindle library, and use Libby for books you want to read once or for titles that aren't available through Kindle. Many libraries have different selections in each service.
If I borrow a book through Libby, can I send it to my Kindle app later?
No. Once you borrow a book in Libby, it stays in Libby for the loan period. You cannot move it to Kindle. If the same book is available through your library's Kindle lending program, you would need to borrow it separately through Amazon.
Do I need a separate account for Libby?
No. Libby uses your library card number and PIN. You don't create a new account or email address. If you already have a library card, you can sign into Libby when ready.
Can I use Libby on my computer and Kindle on my tablet at the same time?
Yes. You can read Libby in your web browser on a computer while using the Kindle app on a tablet. Both will sync your reading progress separately, so you can pick up where you left off on each device.