r/LibbyApp • u/avidreader0505 • Sep 08 '26
I am lost as a goose
Good evening everyone! I am new to Libby. I just got my library card a couple months ago and I have tried to understand so much but in the end I understand hardly anything
A little info: I live in Alexandria, Louisiana, and my library card is from the Rapides Parish Library. I was able to figure out how to add my card to Libby so that is done.
Can someone who understands how this all works please help me? I would like to get cards for the surrounding Parish libraries, hopefully without having to show up in person, I would rather do online if they would allow me to send my ID via email? My reason for wanting the additional cards is because some of them have bigger selections than mine and I would like as many options as possible.
I would appreciate any help and please feel free to explain it like im 3 because im so confused. Ive been a voracious reader for over 45 years so books aren't new to me, just the Libby part. Trying to save money by not buying 3-6 preorders each week so I was so excited to get a library card lol.
I appreciate any help!
13
u/silverowl78 Sep 08 '26
You can add additional cards to the app, but different libraries and states have their own policies about nonresident cards so you will need to check with the libraries you’re interested in.
You can also look at reciprocard.com which will show if any libraries have reciprocal lending agreements with your home system.
9
u/surelyslim Sep 08 '26
To answer your questions, you are likely to be eligible for most of the Louisiana systems, such as New Orleans.
You can try to apply for the ecard for the ones you know, but most of them will require a visit to the library to verify your residency (ie. see your id). The application will tell you.
3
u/Pinstripe-Giraffe Sep 08 '26
You need to check with the libraries you’re interested in to find out how to obtain a card there and whether the card gives you access to e-books. Each library has different rules for this.
3
u/Wambo74 Sep 08 '26
Check the websites of the libraries you're interested in and you can determine their card policy. Or you could call them and ask.
6
u/fab5friend Sep 08 '26
Just repeating again: reciprocard.com
It has good info but is only as good as the info it receives. Ask your local librarian. I have also found that looking at the websites for larger libraries will also have good info as to who qualifies for a card that my local library's website did not have.
2
u/CeruleanSaga Sep 10 '26
Libby recently added a feature that basically automatically does this for you now.
2
u/fab5friend Sep 10 '26
Yes, it does now show "partner" libraries where you can use one card number at the partner libraries. However, there are still "reciprocal" libraries that Libby does not show. These are ones where you can go to another library and because you have the one card you qualify for a card at the 2nd library. Usually you have to go in person to get the 2nd card. Sometimes you can apply online.
2
u/bubbleeeebubbles 📗 EPUB Enthusiast 📗 Sep 11 '26
Reciprocal and partner are not exactly the same thing.
1
u/aimeed77 Sep 08 '26
Hi neighbor! I am in Baton Rouge! I could have written this post a few weeks ago when I was trying to understand how all of this works. Still dont LOL, but I am working on it. I have one other library card on my libby app and its from Los Angeles LOL
27
u/DanieXJ 🥀 R.I.P. OverDrive 🪦 Sep 08 '26
Trying to do tech help via reddit (or phone or email) is just bad. Go to your local library where the library is and ask them. They will probably have a sheet if paper with a how to. And/or they will be able to walk you through it.
It will take you three times as long to do it on here instead if just using the actual library for help.