How to Use Your Smartphone to Read eBooks and Audiobooks
Why Read on Your Phone?
Your smartphone is not just for calls and messages. It can also be a library that fits in your pocket. With free apps, you can borrow eBooks (books you read on screen) and audiobooks (books read aloud to you) from your local Canadian library — at no cost. You can adjust the text size, change the background colour, and even have the book read to you while you relax.
What You Need Before You Start
To borrow free digital books, you need just two things:
- A library card from a Canadian public library (most libraries offer free membership for residents)
- A smartphone with internet access (iPhone or Android)
If you do not have a library card, visit your local branch with a piece of ID showing your address. Many libraries also let you sign up online. In Ontario, the Toronto Public Library allows online registration. In British Columbia, the Vancouver Public Library does as well.
Getting Started with Libby
Libby is a free app from OverDrive that connects to most Canadian public libraries. It is the easiest way to borrow eBooks and audiobooks.
- Download Libby from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android)
- Open the app and tap Yes when asked if you have a library card
- Search for your library by name or postal code
- Enter your library card number and PIN (your library can provide your PIN if you forgot it)
- Browse the collection and borrow a book — it is that simple!
Borrowed books appear in your Shelf within the app. They return automatically when the loan period ends, so you never get late fees.
How to Read an eBook in Libby
Once you have borrowed an eBook, tap it on your Shelf to start reading. Here are some helpful features:
- Adjust text size — Tap the middle of the screen, then tap the "Aa" icon. Slide the text size bar to make letters bigger or smaller
- Change background colour — In the same "Aa" menu, choose white, sepia (warm beige), or black (great for reading at night)
- Bookmark pages — Tap the bookmark icon in the top-right to save your place
- Search the book — Tap the magnifying glass to find specific words or phrases
The app remembers where you stopped reading, so you can pick up right where you left off.
How to Listen to an Audiobook
Audiobooks are perfect if you prefer listening to reading, or if your eyes get tired. In Libby:
- Borrow an audiobook (they have a headphone icon instead of a book icon)
- Tap it on your Shelf to start playing
- Use the playback controls at the bottom to pause, skip, or adjust speed
- Tap the 1x button to change the reading speed (0.6x for slower, 1.5x for faster)
You can listen through your phone speaker or connect headphones or a Bluetooth speaker for better sound.
Other Great Reading Apps
Besides Libby, here are a few more apps worth trying:
- Kindle — Amazon's reading app. You can buy eBooks, and there is also a large selection of free classics
- Kobo — A Canadian company with a great eBook store. Kobo devices also connect to Canadian public libraries
- Audible — The largest audiobook service, but it requires a monthly subscription (about $16 per month after a free trial)
- Google Play Books — Read eBooks purchased from the Google Play Store, and upload your own PDF or EPUB files
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- "My library is not listed" — Try searching by your city name or postal code. Smaller libraries may share a digital collection with a larger regional system
- "The book I want is checked out" — Place a hold and you will be notified when it is available. You can also check if your library uses the hoopla app, which offers instant borrowing with no waits
- "The text is still too small" — Besides adjusting the in-app text size, you can also change your phone's display settings under Settings then Display then Font Size
Reading on your phone opens up a world of books without leaving home. Start with Libby and your library card, and you will have access to thousands of free titles in minutes. Happy reading!