How to read free magazines on the Libby app
Do you love flipping through magazines, but don’t love the subscription fees? Your library’s got you! You can access thousands of digital magazines from your library completely free. From travel, food, fashion, sports, and science, there’s a magazine for every reader.
The best part? No subscriptions to manage, no wait times, and new issues are always at your fingertips.* They also don't count against your checkout limits.
Here’s how you can find and read magazines in Libby:
1. Open the Libby app on your device.
2. Search for a specific title using the search bar or visit the Newsstand on your Shelf.
3. Once you find a magazine, tap Open Magazine to start reading.
🌟 Pro tip: Use the Article button to open and read individual articles, making it easy to get a closer look at what interests you most.
Subscribe or borrow individual issues
When closing a magazine, Libby will ask whether you'd like to keep it on your Shelf.
You’ll have three options:
✅ Yes, and notify me for every new issue (subscribe)
✅ Yes, for 7 days only (borrow a single issue)
✅ Not this time
Read magazines offline
Heading on a trip or reading somewhere without internet access?
You can download magazines for offline reading by tapping the three dots next to the magazine, then scrolling to the bottom of the panel and selecting Download.
A checkmark icon indicates the magazine has been successfully downloaded to your device.
Now that you’re familiar with magazines in Libby, browsing the thousands of issues within your library’s collection is the best part!
Here are some popular titles to check out:
- For the trendsetter looking for inspiration, check out Architectural Digest.
- The intellectually curious might enjoy The New Yorker.
- Pop culture enthusiasts, check out the recent issue of Rolling Stone.
- Learn or improve crafting skills with The Knitter.
- Any pickleballers? The newest issue of Pickleball Magazine is for you!
Looking for more? Browse more popular magazines below!
*Subject to library offerings.
New Scientist
Jul 11 2026
New Scientist covers the latest developments in science and technology that will impact your world.
Us
Jul 20 2026
Us Weekly is the magazine that keeps the closest watch on the ever changing and ever exciting entertainment industry, unlike any other magazine. It takes you backstage at awards shows and sneaks you into celebrity parties. Us Weekly peers into the minds (and dressing rooms) of the biggest stars, and escorts you around the world to see exactly where and with whom the hottest names in entertainment have been hanging out.
Cook's Illustrated
July/August 2026
At Cook’s Illustrated, our test cooks are dedicated to testing and retesting recipes 20, 30, sometimes 50 times until we come up with a recipe that will come out right the first time (and every time) you make it.
The Week Magazine
July 10/17, 2026
The Week makes sense of the news by curating the best of the U.S. and international media into a succinct, lively digest.
National Geographic Magazine
Jul 01 2026
The latest news in science, exploration, and culture will open your eyes to the world’s many wonders.
Woman's World
Jul 20 2026
Woman’s World is written for the traditional, family-oriented working woman. Each issue delivers a feel-good mix of heart-warming human interest stories, practical everyday solutions for work and home, and mouth-watering recipes.
Newsweek
July 10-17, 2026
This exciting weekly publication offers a clear combination of news, culture, and thought-provoking ideas that challenge the smart and inquisitive.
Good Housekeeping
July/August 2026
Your best source for saving time, money, and hassle. Includes smart ways to beat the heat, simple outdoor hosting, walls that POP, splashy summer reads, and more.
Prevention
Aug 01 2026
Prevention magazine gives you healthy solutions you can really live with. Every issue delivers the latest news and trends on health, food, and nutrition, family, fitness, and more!
Star Magazine
Jul 20 2026
Star is all about entertainment, from the best and latest breaking celebrity news to the movies and music that everyone is talking about.
HGTV Magazine
July/August 2026
HGTV Magazine is about real life at home. In every issue you’ll find money-saving mini makeovers, simple ways to conquer clutter, smart DIY solutions, time-saving cleaning tricks, and so much more.
Published Jul 13, 2026
Emily Astren
Emily Astren works with public libraries in Canada as an account manager. With a passion for storytelling, pop culture, and connection, she can often be found reading, adventuring through the mountains of British Columbia, or spending time with her two cats.