Beyond Libby: Reading on a budget in the age of BookTok
Reading has reached new heights in the digital age, thanks in large part to social media movements BookTok and Bookstagram. This could be precisely what the world needs right now, as studies show that readers of fiction show more empathy and pro-social behavior. However, some lament that the rise of BookTok has irreversibly commodified reading and turned books into yet another consumable. Reading, which for some time was parroted as the antithesis of social media, has become intimately intertwined with the algorithms that fight for our attention. This blog by Madison Huizinga sheds light on the commercialization of books in the era of social media.
Public libraries are uniquely positioned in this space. The modern library provides free resources for everyone in a community. Perhaps unsurprisingly, libraries are gaining popularity in the age of BookTok. BookNet Canada reported that loans of titles trending on TikTok increased by over 500% from 2019 to 2022. Moreover, most libraries now have curated sections specifically for trending BookTok titles.
One driver of the recent uptick in library usage is the popular ebook and audiobook platform Libby. While many readers love Libby for its friendly UI and compatibility with popular e-reader Kindle, some might be missing out on other library resources by using Libby exclusively. Here I outline the pros and cons of 3 common library apps -Libby, Hoopla, and cloudLibrary- based on my experience as a reader.
Libby
Pros
Can read ebooks and audiobooks with a web browser, phone, and many ereader devices
Can read ebooks with Kindle library
User-friendly interface
Supports multiple library cards at once
Cons
Long wait times due to popularity
Not available at all libraries
📚 For an in-depth review of Libby, read this blog from Everyday Reading.
Hoopla
Pros
Faster hold times due to decreased popularity
Can read eBooks with a web browser, phone, or e-readers that support the Hoopla app
Cons
Cannot read books on Kindle or in the Kindle App
Cannot store multiple library cards in the same account- you must log in/out to switch between cards
Not available at all libraries
📚 For a full breakdown of Hoopla Digital, read this blog from What to Read Next.
cloudLibrary
Pros
Faster hold times due to decreased popularity
Syncs books across devices
Can read eBooks with a web browser, phone, or e-readers that support the cloudLibrary app: Kobo and Nook
Cons
Cannot read books on Kindle or in the Kindle App
Not available at all libraries
📚For more information on cloudLibrary and tips for using the platform, watch this YouTube tutorial from the Altadena Library.
📚Need something to read while you wait for a library hold? Visit the “Special Offers and Free” section of Apple Books, an app supported by all iOS devices including iPhone and iPad.
While Libby might be the clear frontrunner for anyone who reads exclusively on a Kindle, Hoopla and cloudLibrary offer comparable services for those who read on compatible ereaders or iPads. I personally use all three, which nearly always guarantees I can find the book I’m looking for. By utilizing your library, it’s possible to read the latest viral BookTok titles, and millions of others, for free! Be sure to check out your local library, where books are just a portion of what they offer. You might be pleasantly surprised to find movies, magazines, CDs, and even household items like baking supplies and sewing machines!