As a kid, one of the best days of the month was when my Highlights magazine arrived for me in the mail. Not only was it very important to receive mail just for me, but I couldn’t wait to identify the silly things in the picture, read the stories, beg my mom to buy supplies for this issue’s craft and thumb through the pages to my heart’s content. Years later at 14, I stealthily flipped through Seventeen in a dark corner of the library, aware of how scandalous it might be to read a magazine for those 3 years older, but desperate for celeb news and eyeliner tips.

Just like with books, many of us have fond memories of pouring over the latest issue of our favorite magazine. But unlike books, magazines give us permission to skip a page. Read what interests you, leave the rest. It’s all in your hands. You’ll never miss a plot point or have to keep characters straight. Magazines are easy, breezy and commitment free. Maybe that’s why the magazine section remains one of the most popular places to explore in the library.

Now on the Libby app, many libraries have digital magazines available to borrow for both adults and kids (hello, Highlights!). Magazines are available where you want them, when you want them and easily discoverable through Libby. Never again will you need to thumb through dirty stacks at the doctor’s office or overpay at the airport. Magazines are available 24/7, and never have any wait lists or holds. Ready for a rundown of the most downloaded magazines in Libby?

Reader favorites

• US Weekly
• The New Yorker
• Woman’s World
• Good Housekeeping
• Cook’s Illustrated
• Prevention
• New Scientist
• Star
• The Week
• National Geographic

While those are the most popular, there’s thousands more to explore, including:

• HGTV Magazine
• Vogue
• Runner’s World
• Men’s Health
• Reader’s Digest
• Newsweek

... and many, many more!

A great feature of Libby magazines is that you’ll never miss an issue. In Libby, you can select “Notify Me” to get an in-app notification whenever a new issue of your favorite magazine is ready to read. It’s no mail at your door, but it’s the next best thing.

If you’re wondering about reading a magazine digitally, we’ve worked to make the experience as easy as possible. Navigation has been added to open individual articles, select text size and adjust lighting. You can also zoom in on pictures or articles to get a closer look.

To see if your library subscribes to digital magazines, browse the Guides on your library’s homepage in the Libby app.