Greetings readers! Can you believe 2024 is already in the books? As has become tradition, let’s look back at some of the biggest features added to the Libby app this year.

Passkeys

A major update of 2024 was the introduction of passkeys in Libby. Passkeys are the best way to back up your Libby data, like your tags and timeline activity. Passkeys use your device’s existing PIN, password, or biometrics (like facial recognition or your fingerprint) to create a secure backup of your data. On most devices, you’ll be prompted to store your passkey in a cloud-based password manager, like iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager.

Getting started is super easy and you only need to do this once to maintain an up-to-date backup. I can’t recommend making a passkey highly enough!

It’s easiest if you can set up your passkey on a phone or tablet. However, if you prefer to use Libby on a computer, you can store your passkey in your OS’s passkey manager or a password-manager browser extension.

To get started:

1. Open Libby.
2. Tap Menu.
3. Select Back Up Your Data (under “Your Information”).
4. Select Create Recovery Passkey.
5. You’ll see a prompt from your password manager. Select Create or Continue.
6. Authenticate with your PIN, password, or biometric.
7. Select Done.

That’s it! Now, if you ever need to restore your data or set up a new device, you can easily do so by following these steps:

1. When you open Libby for the first time, select Yes, I Have a Library Card.
2. Select Recover Your Data.
3. Select Recover With Passkey.
4. Select Continue or Sign In.
5. Authenticate with your PIN, password, or biometric.
6. Select a card to start browsing.

Passkeys work even if you want to copy your data between different types of devices, like an iPhone and an Android Tablet:

1. Follow steps 1-3 above.
2. Select More saved sign-ins or Sign in with Another Device.
3. Follow any additional prompts.
4. You’ll see a QR code. Scan that code with a device that has access to your Libby passkey.
5. Authenticate with your PIN, password, or biometric.
6. Select a card to start browsing.

Additional additions

2024 brought many other updates to the app that are very much worth checking out. Here are a few highlights:

Library logos

In Libby, tap Library, then tap your library’s logo in the top-right corner. Here you can find information about your library, including directions, a link to their website, and more. If your library is part of a consortium, you can also use this menu to find a branch near you.

New languages

Libby’s UI and help is now available in Māori and Welsh.

Streamlined menu

All settings are now accessible from the top level of the menu, making it easier to find what you need.

Improved Magazine Rack

The Magazine Rack was introduced last year as a new way to find and stay current on your favorite magazines. Earlier this year, the Magazine Rack was revised to make finding and subscribing to magazines quicker and easier than ever. If you haven’t checked out magazines in Libby recently, it’s a great time to jump back in.

RELATED READ: Flip through your favorites: 20+ popular digital magazines in the Libby app

Search with quotes

Another subtle change this year was the addition of the ability to search with quotes in Libby. When searching for a title, if you wrap any of your search terms in quotes, Libby will refine the search results to an exact match of the quoted text in the: title, author name, subject, or series name (if applicable).

That’s a wrap

2025 is sure to be another big year for Libby. If you haven’t already, consider subscribing to Libby Life to stay up to date on all that’s happening.

Until next time, readers, have an excellent holiday season and Happy New Year!

RELATED READ: Libby app wrapped 2023: The year’s best new features