5 library apps that will keep Birmingham reading at home

Destress, grow your brain and venture to a different world all in the comfort of your home. Download these library apps and read on Birmingham!

1. OverDrive

Want access to thousands of ebooks and eAudiobooks? OverDrive is the ultimate pick.

This cool digital library cooperates with almost 40,000 libraries and educational institutions from over 40 countries—libraries across the greater Birmingham included. Yay!

Download via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Perks: Automatic returns/No late fees.
Requirements: Must own a library card.
Price: FREE

2. Libby

Developed by OverDrive, Libby is a reading app that allows you to borrow digital books and audiobooks from your local library without ever having to leave the house. 

All you have to do is:

• Download the Libby app via your phone’s app device. (You can also check out the app on your computer via Chrome, FireFox, Safari or Edge browser.)
• Search for your local public library and sign in using a valid library card.
• Browse your library’s mighty collection and borrow up to five books.

Yep, it’s that easy. 

Libby is one of the easiest platforms to use, too, which makes it the perfect download for those who don’t have much experience borrowing eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Down the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Perks: Ability to borrow books from multiple public libraries and user-friendly interface.
Requirements: Must own a library card.
Price: FREE

3. Flipster

Love magazines? Then you’ll love Flipster—an app that lets you borrow digital version of magazines offered at public libraries in your area. Popular ones, too, like Time, People and Vogue.

You may not be able to feel that desirable crispness of the pages as you turn them, but at least you’ll have some worthwhile reading material at your fingertips. 

Download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Perks: Instant access to all your favorite magazines.
Requirements: Must own a library card.
Price: FREE

4. Hoopla

There are plenty of ebooks and eAudiobooks available on this cool app. But there are also lots of movies, comics and TV shows. Talk about a win for Birmingham’s readers and watchers.

Download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Perks: Perks: Automatic returns/No late fees.
Requirements: Must own a library card.
Price: FREE

5. SimplyE

Don’t have a library card? Awesome news. SimplyE is your go-to download. The app includes thousands of public domain ebooks, which means you’ll have access to ton of great reads, even without a library card.

Download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Perks: Large catalog of free ebooks from the public domain.
Requirements: None
Price: FREE

Challenge Yourself!

Want to show off how much you’ve been reading? Then join Homewood Public Library’s online Spring into Reading Challenge, now through April 18.

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A post shared by Homewood Public Library (@homewoodpublic)

Once the library reopens, winners will be drawn for a $50 gift card.

The best part though is that everyone can take part in the challenge. So challenge your spouse, your friend, your kid and especially yourself. Read on Birmingham!

Do you have a favorite library app not on the list? Let us know what else is worth a download, Birmingham. Tag us on social @bhamnow.