I’m sad to admit it, but I’ve never found a four-leaf clover. This is a bucket list item for me, though I don’t spend nearly enough time trying to cross it off. Once or twice a year, I find myself peering into the lawn, searching for a lost earring or picking a weed. It’s then that I’ll devote approximately 30 seconds to picking through all of the three-leaf clovers, wondering when it’ll be my lucky day.

But lucky for me, I have found many of the digital variety that have popped up in the Libby app. If you’ve found one too, you may have wondered: Is Libby busting out the St. Patrick’s Day decorations early? Not exactly, though you have caught a little luck of the Irish and found a skip-the-line book.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re highlighting this lesser-known yet surprisingly delightful feature in Libby!

What are skip-the-line titles in Libby?

You may have seen a “Lucky Day” display collection in your physical library branch. There are lots of different names for these collections, but it essential means you can immediately check out copies of in-demand titles that are normally waitlisted for weeks.

Skip-the-line books offer a digital version of this experience—they are special copies of titles set aside by your library. Libraries can lend copies of these popular titles that usually have longer wait lists more quickly. You’ll know you found one when you see the shamrock icon.

But there are a few rules you should know about how they circulate.

Unique rules for skip-the-line copies:

☘️ Skip-the-line copies don't have wait lists.

☘️ Skip-the-line copies can't be renewed.

☘️ Your library may have shorter loan periods for skip-the-line books.

☘️ Your library may limit the number of skip-the-line books you can borrow at once.

How can I find skip-the-line titles at my library?

To find available skip-the-line titles at your library, go to Search > skip the line (under “Catalog Filters”).

If you come across one but aren’t ready to read it yet, you can place a hold on a skip-the-line title. Since skip-the-line titles have shorter lending periods, placing a hold allows you to borrow it for your preferred lending period when it’s your turn.

Why can’t I find any skip-the-line titles?

Not all libraries offer this feature. Check with your local branch to find out what’s available.

Don’t forget you can also add multiple library cards in Libby, so you’ll have even more choices.

💡 For more helpful tips, browse the Tips & Tricks section of Libby Life. There you’ll find quick and easy pointers to customize your reading experience in the Libby app.

RELATED READ: Readers’ choice: 19 of your favorite features in Libby