Using multiple library cards

Multiple Library Cards

// One of the coolest things about the Libby app is that you can use many library cards to borrow books.

What Cards Can You Get?

1. Home Library System

The first and easiest card to get is the one for your home library system. What public library is near you? Most libraries are run by counties, but larger cities may have their own, separate systems. Just do a Google search for “[name] library card.” If you live in Jones county, search for “Jones County library card.”

 2. Your spouse’s card

You can apply for a second library card for your home library in your spouse’s name. If your spouse already has a library card, you can add their card to your Libby account.

 3. Other cities and counties in your state.

Since libraries may receive funding from the state, they MAY offer library cards (or e-cards) to anyone who lives in the state. For example, the Oakland Public Library will open an e-card account for any California resident. Other libraries have a residency requirement or require you to pick it up in person.

 4. Far away libraries

Believe it or not, certain libraries will extend e-privileges to people who don’t even live in the state. Some are free, but most will charge an annual fee.

  - Broward County Florida will issue a library card to anyone who applies. Their site says there is a $50 fee for non-residents, but they didn’t charge me.

  - Fairfax County Virginia will issue a library card to out-of-state residents. They will email you an annual subscription fee of $27.

 How to Add a Card you already have

 1. Open Libby and click on the main menu (three horizontal lines).

 2. Click Add Library

 3. In the Library Name field, type the name or city of the library. A list of matching libraries pops up.

 4. Select the Library that’s on your card.

 5. Click “Sign in with my card”

 6. Type in your card number and click “Next”

 

What You Can Do With Multiple Library Cards

 1. Borrow books – If you have two library cards and each library lets you borrow six books, you can borrow 12 e-books at a time.

 2. Place holds – If you have two library cards and each library lets you place a hold on ten books, you can hold 20 e-books.

3. Pick the best hold times. Hold periods can be long, up to several months for an extremely popular book. When you have several library cards, you can place your hold at the library that has the shortest hold time for your desired book. It's even possible that one library might have a long wait while another library has the e-book in stock for immediate borrowing.

 

How to Change Cards

 When you go to check out or hold a book, Libby will show your “active” card. If you want to borrow from or place a hold at a different library, go to the main menu (three horizontal lines). “Your Libraries” will be listed, and the currently active one will have a small star. Click any other card to make it active.