FCPL Curated Content: eBooks, eAudio, eMags & Streaming: Tech Help: Kindle

Libby, by OverDrive for Kindle

Checkout free eBooks from the library. Ten items may be borrowed at a time and there are no late fees. While items can be returned early, they are returned automatically when the checkout period expires.

These instructions refer to the use of libbyapp.com. Alternatives are to use bit.ly/fcploverdrive or the Libby, by OverDrive app (please see our Libby app instructions).

If you borrow a Kindle title directly from our library catalog, a pop-up blocker can interfere with your ability to download it to Amazon. Try allowing pop-ups on your device or download the title directly from libbyapp.com.

Print-Friendly Libby for Kindle Instructions

What you will need

Valid Fairfax County Public Library card and Password (PIN) - be sure to use the library card's barcode, not your username
Amazon.com account (know your login and password)
Kindle Fire or Kindle eReader
For Kindle B/W eReaders including Paperwhites - a PC, laptop, tablet or phone with Wi-Fi access
If your Kindle does not have Wi-Fi, you will need a PC with Wi-Fi and a USB port to transfer the eBook

Libby for Kindle B/W eReaders

Kindle Paperwhites and other B/W eReaders require the use of a device with internet to access to libbyapp.com.

On a PC, laptop, or phone with Wi-Fi access, open libbyapp.com in any browser.
Do you have a library card? > Yes.
Tap Search For A Library: enter your zip code. Tap Fairfax County Public Library.
Tap Sign In With My Card, then enter your library card number and password.
Tap Sign In to use Libby.

Search & Borrow

Select the Search icon from Libby's footer to search for a title or author.
Select options below Explore with Filters to browse or limit your search. Tap for more filters. Tap icon or < to return to the main search page.
If the title is available, select Borrow. Select Borrow again to confirm. If prompted, enter your library card number and password.
Select Go to Shelf. Next to the title you want to read, select Read With … then select Kindle Apps & Devices.
An Amazon page will open in a new window. Enter your Amazon account information if necessary.
Proceed with the following instructions for transferring via Wi-Fi or USB.

Transfer to a Kindle Via Wi-Fi

If necessary, sign into your Amazon account to access your Kindle Store.

Select your device from Deliver To and then select Get Library Book.
The eBook will download to your Wi-Fi enabled Kindle device.
- If the title does not show up automatically, you will need to Sync your device.
- To sync, select More or look in your Kindle or Kindle App settings to find and select Sync.
To locate and read your eBook, look for it in the Home or Library tab of your Kindle or Kindle app.

Transfer to a Kindle via USB

You will need to transfer your eBook from a PC via USB if your Kindle does not have Wi-Fi capability.

On a PC, sign into your Amazon account to access your Kindle Store.
Select your device from Deliver To and then select Get Library Book.
Next, select the Manage Your Content and Devices link from the confirmation screen or select Content & Devices under Account and Lists in the Amazon menu.
Select More Actions to the right of a title, then select Download & transfer via USB. Choose your Kindle and select Download.
Connect your Kindle to your PC using a USB cable. Open the Kindle drive that appears on your PC.
Your saved file will be under Downloads on your PC. Copy and paste or drag the file into the Documents or Books folder of the Kindle drive.
Depending on the device, look for the title in your Kindle’s Home, Books or Library tab.

Read

Read your Libby items the same way you read any other eBook on your Kindle.

Return

Books are returned automatically on their due dates. An item can be returned early from libbyapp.com

Tips

Navigate Libby from the app's footer.

Images of the footer with icons for Search, Library, Menu, Shelf and Timer.

To choose Read with Kindle in Libby:
- Tap the Shelf icon in the footer to open a list of your titles. Tap Open Book or Read With… then tap Kindle.
- When you arrive at Amazon’s website, if prompted, sign into your Amazon account. Verify the “Deliver to:” device and tap Get Library Book to finish acquiring the eBook. OR
- Go to the Menu icon > Settings > Set your preference to Kindle.
Some titles are not available in Kindle format. To check, tap the book cover of your desired title, scroll down to Supports, and look for Kindle.
Libby provides access to eMagazines and eAudiobooks as well. Check out FCPL’s Libby app handout or help page: bit.ly/fcpllibby.

These instructions are adapted from the Libby, by OverDrive Help page.

Libby for Kindle Fire

Install the Libby app on a Kindle Fire Tablet

Libby is not available in Amazon's app store. It can be accessed from the Silk browser at libbyapp.com OR Sideload the Libby app on your Kindle Fire with Libby's Android Package File. The Kindle Fire requires Fire OS 5+.

The steps below may vary depending on the device's generation.

On a Fire tablet, go to bit.ly/fcplkfire. Select the link under Step 1. Libby tests their file to make sure it’s safe, so you can dismiss messages that ask for access to your device or warn you to avoid this kind of file.
Tap OK, Allow or Continue to proceed.
Once the file has downloaded, tap Open. If you cannot open it from the prompt, locate the file in your downloads folder and tap to Open.
If needed, tap Settings and toggle “Allow from this source” to ON. Remember to toggle this to OFF after the Libby app has finished installing.
Tap the back button in the top-left corner, then tap Install.
Tap Open to start using Libby!
To make future updates to your Fire app, return to bit.ly/fcplkfire.