6 simple ways to show your library some love right in the Libby app

Valentine’s is hands-down my favorite holiday. I know there can be some grumbling about it—especially if you’re not coupled up. But a day devoted to LOVE? How can you NOT love? It’s about more than just romantic love too. It’s a chance to show your parents, friends, kids, pets, teachers, librarians, and everyone around you that you care. And why? Just because! That’s the best part of Valentine’s Day. 

And your local library deserves a little love too. While visiting your branch, attending programs, volunteering, or advocating for funding are all top-notch ways to show your love, sometimes, you only have a minute or two to make an impact. Did you know borrowing books on the Libby app also helps out your library? Every checkout helps demonstrate demand and supports library funding! And beyond checking out books (and sending pink glittery valentines to your favorite librarian), here are six quick ways you can show your library some love—right now, right in Libby.

1. Return books you’re done with (or don’t plan on reading).

When you get to that last satisfying page, before you update your Goodreads or Storygraph noting your most recent conquest, tap Return Loan to Library. This helps move the book to the next person and keeps your library’s collection circulating faster. You even get a little bouquet surprise for turning in books early! 💐 Libby is very sweet like that.

Did you plan to sink your teeth into Wuthering Heights this month, but saw it in the movie theater instead? It happens. But don’t let it languish in Libby. Pass it along to the next person by tapping Manage Loan, then Return Early. This a great little way to spread love to your library, but also to fellow readers!

2. Recommend a book to your library. 

Even if your library totally gets your reading taste, they’re still not mind readers. If there’s a book you’ve been eyeing in the Libby app that isn’t in your library’s collection, you can let them know! This gives librarians valuable insight into what readers are excited about and helps them make collection decisions that serve everyone in your community.

If you find a title you’re interested in that’s not in your library’s collection, it will have a Notify Me button (instead of Borrow or Place Hold). Tap Notify Me to let your library know you’re interested. Your library may decide to purchase it—think of it as a little love note back to you! If they do, Libby will send you a notification so you can borrow it or place a hold right away.

3. Add your library cards in Libby (or renew an older one). 

Did you know you might qualify for more than one library card based on where you live or work? Many folks have access to multiple library systems and each one offers its own unique collection. Why not add them all in Libby? The more cards you have, the more books you can access, and the less time you may have to wait on hold. 

But it’s also a kindness to your libraries. When you keep your cards active and in use, you help show real demand in your community. More active cardholders = stronger justification for funding and resources. So if you’ve got a card, give it some love and use it!

To add an additional library card in Libby, tap Menu, then Manage Cards (under "Your Libraries").

If your card expired, you may be able to get it renewed via phone or email to verify contact details, or you can always pop into your local branch (they’ll always be happy to see you).

4. Share a book recommendation with a friend. 

Sharing is caring, so go on and tell your book bestie about that amazing book you just finished from the library. In fact, tell your co-workers, your neighbor, your followers, your dog. And don’t forget to mention you borrowed it from the library! 

A simple mention like this is free promotion for your library and reminds others of this incredible resource in their community. Word‑of‑mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools out there, and by spreading the love, you’re basically acting as your library’s own personal hype squad.

Sharing a recommendation right from Libby is easy: On the title details page, tap the Share icon (it looks like a box with an arrow pointing up). Your friend will get a handy page showing the book cover, details, summary, and nearby libraries that offer the title in Libby.

5. Browse the featured titles and events on your Libby homepage. 

The homepage of the Libby app acts as your library’s bulletin board. It’s where they highlight local events or author talks, program guides, featured titles or community reads (often with no wait!), collections curated specifically for your community, and other can’t-miss updates. 

It’s easy to breeze past the homepage on your way to your next book, but take a moment to look around. Your library is always cooking up something good and this is where they can show it off!

6. Try a new-to-you format. 

You probably already know about the ebooks and audiobooks in Libby, but did you know the collection goes way beyond that? Many libraries offer digital magazines, streaming video on Kanopy, Extras like Ground News (for balanced news coverage) or LawDepot (for free legal documents), sheet music, AND MORE!?

Trying out different formats is a great way to explore everything your library has to offer and helps make the most of their collection. So go exploring and sample something totally new.

It doesn’t have to be grand gestures and chocolate covered strawberries (although your librarian may appreciate those 🍓)—a few simple taps can help your library thrive. 

Spread the love this Valentines Day in Libby!

RELATED READ: Love the library? Here’s how you can support your local branch