You can borrow library ebooks on a Kindle through Libby when your library is in the United States and the title offers Kindle format. On a compatible Kobo, you can borrow through its built-in OverDrive feature or sync eligible Libby loans. Older Kobo readers may need a computer and Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) to transfer a compatible EPUB or PDF.
Before you borrow: check the library, title and device
You need a valid library card for a participating library, but that does not guarantee every book is available in every format or on every device. In Libby, open a title and check its “Read With” options. Library catalogs, lending availability, compatible device models and formats vary.
The Kindle delivery route described by OverDrive applies to public libraries in the United States. Kobo’s built-in OverDrive route depends on your Kobo model and whether your library participates in Libby/OverDrive.
How to borrow a library book on Kindle
- Check for Kindle format. In Libby, open the book and review “Read With,” or filter the collection for Kindle. The title must offer Kindle reading. Libby explains how to send a book to Kindle.
- Borrow and send the book. Borrow the eligible title, choose the Kindle delivery option, and follow Amazon’s prompts to deliver it to your Kindle. This public-library delivery option is documented for U.S. libraries. OverDrive’s Kindle instructions describe the process.
- Open the book on your Kindle. Complete the delivery steps with the Amazon account associated with the device, then check your Kindle library.
If the Kindle option is missing
- The title may not be offered in Kindle format, or your library may not offer Kindle delivery for it.
- If you selected or downloaded another format, such as EPUB, Libby says that can prevent Kindle delivery. You may need to borrow the book again and choose Kindle before downloading another format.
- Check Libby’s reading preference if it is set to Libby rather than Kindle. Libby’s troubleshooting guidance covers these cases.
How to borrow directly on a supported Kobo
Many newer Kobo eReaders include OverDrive. Kobo requires a supported device, internet access, a valid public-library card and a participating library. Kobo’s OverDrive help page explains how to link a library card.
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- Link your library card. On your Kobo, open the OverDrive/Libby settings and sign in with your library card. Kobo’s current instructions describe using a QR code or browser code to complete sign-in.
- Find the library book. On the Kobo, go to Discover > OverDrive, find an available title and borrow it. The exact catalog and availability depend on your library.
- Read or place a hold. Open the borrowed book on the eReader. If it is unavailable, your library may let you place a hold and notify you when it becomes available.
The library sets the lending period. Kobo says a borrowed book automatically expires at the end of that period. Kobo’s borrowing guide describes holds and loan expiry.
How to sync a Libby loan to Kobo
You can also borrow a book in Libby and sync it to a compatible Kobo. Sign in to OverDrive on the Kobo with the same library card used for the Libby loan, connect the eReader to Wi-Fi and sync. Not every Libby ebook is compatible; Libby audiobooks and magazines are not supported on Kobo eReaders. Libby’s Kobo sync guidance explains compatibility and account requirements.
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- Effortless reading in any light - Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
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- Read for a while - Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
- Take your library with you - 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.
If the loan does not appear
- Confirm that the Kobo is signed in with the same library card used to borrow the book in Libby.
- Check that the title is a compatible ebook loan; audiobook and magazine loans will not sync to Kobo.
- Connect the Kobo to Wi-Fi and sync again.
How to transfer a library ebook to an older Kobo with ADE
Older Kobo readers may not have built-in OverDrive. If the library offers a compatible EPUB or PDF download, transfer it using a computer and Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). The same method may help when a compatible loan will not sync directly. OverDrive’s transfer instructions for Kobo and Kobo’s computer-transfer guide describe the process.
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- Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
- Get an EPUB or PDF loan file. On a computer in Libby, open Shelf > Loans, choose Read With… > Other Options…, then select EPUB or PDF if offered. Alternatively, use the library’s OverDrive website to download the title. Available formats vary by book. Libby’s download instructions explain the options.
- Install and authorize ADE. Install ADE on a Windows or Mac computer and authorize it. Connect the Kobo by USB and accept the connection prompt; the computer and eReader may both need authorization.
- Open the downloaded file in ADE. A file ending in
.acsmis a license file, not the ebook itself. Open it in ADE so the software can verify the license and download the EPUB or PDF. - Transfer and safely disconnect. In ADE’s Library view, drag the ebook onto the Kobo listed under Devices. Eject the eReader before unplugging it.
Which route should you use?
| Decision point | Kindle | Kobo |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | OverDrive documents Kindle-format public-library loans for U.S. libraries. | Depends on a supported Kobo and a library that participates in Libby/OverDrive. |
| Borrow directly on the eReader | Borrow an eligible Kindle-format title in Libby and deliver it through Amazon. | Supported models can borrow through Discover > OverDrive. |
| Sync from Libby | Only when Kindle delivery is offered for the title and format. | Compatible ebooks can sync when the Kobo uses the same library card; not every Libby ebook is compatible. |
| Older-device fallback | The sources cited here document Kindle-format delivery, not a general USB transfer workaround for Kindle eReaders. | Compatible EPUB or PDF loans can be transferred by computer using ADE. |
| Other loan types | Check the title’s available formats in Libby. | Libby audiobooks and magazines are not supported on Kobo eReaders. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
