Libby, the Library App

Libby is one of the most valuable reading apps you can install because it can make reading feel free. If your local library supports it, Libby lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks with a library card, and you can do it straight from your iPhone without going anywhere.

The experience is simple: search for a title, borrow it if it’s available, or place a hold if there’s a waitlist. The hold system is especially nice because it gives you a nice way of knowing what you’ll be reading later. You’ll forget about a book for a week, then it pops up ready to borrow right when you’re in the mood.

Libby’s built-in reader works well, and the audiobook player is reliable, too. It also makes it easy to customize it, so you can read without having to wear your glasses or hurting your eyes with light mode.