OverDrive has been the most popular app among libraries to grant access to ebooks to their patrons for many years now, and while it is a good program, it does have a few flaws. To address those, the company recently launched a new app, redesigned from the ground up called Libby.

Despite the name change, you still use your existing OverDrive account to login, or you can use your library card number or a Facebook account. Whatever holds or loans you had active with the old OverDrive app will come along with you.

Libby provides a cleaner, easier to navigate interface. You can switch between modes with a tap on the buttons at the bottom of the app. “Library” lets you browse our selection of titles available for you to check out, and once you get one, you can read or listen to it by clicking on “Shelf”. From there you can open the book and start reading, or use the “Manage Loan” button to renew or return an item.

Once you’re into a book, the interface should be pretty familiar to users of other eReader apps. A simple tap on the right side of the screen advances to the next page, and tapping in the middle of the screen opens up additional options like bookmarks and reading settings.

We encourage you to give it a try! You should find the overall experience much more enjoyable. If you have any questions feel free to stop by the library for assistance, and if the new app just doesn’t work out for you, you can still switch back to the OverDrive app and pick up where you left off.