We’ve introduced new Libby app updates designed to make it easier for patrons to discover and borrow from their libraries and, for eligible libraries, to make lending partnerships more seamless than ever. “Lending partnerships” is Libby’s standard term for reciprocal lending agreements (RLA) and digital interlibrary loans. Libraries in a lending partnership network have one or more partner libraries, and their patrons can use their home card to borrow at any partner library. 

The biggest change is a new approach to lending partners that reduces the number of steps patrons need to take to access and borrow from partner libraries. We’re also introducing improvements to search, library and card management, and the Reading Journey. 

A more seamless experience  

With the latest Libby update, many parts of the lending partnership experience that previously required patrons to take action—such as finding a partner library and getting access—can now happen automatically. 

For patrons with a home card at a participating library, partner libraries will become a more integrated part of their Libby experience. 

What patrons will notice 

• A new introduction to their library’s lending partnership 

When eligible patrons get the latest Libby app update, they’ll see a “What’s New” message introducing their library’s lending partnership and the libraries that are part of it.  

• Partner libraries are easier to find 

Partner libraries appear on a dedicated “Partner Libraries” list in the Libby Menu. 

• More seamless borrowing from partner libraries 

Patrons won’t need to manually add a card at a partner library. When they borrow from or place a hold at a partner library, access is enabled automatically. Patrons can continue to access their existing loans and holds through partner libraries after they upgrade. 

Availability across partner libraries 

When a patron searches for a title, Libby automatically checks the availability across the libraries in their lending partnership. Libby will surface the best available option, while prioritizing the library where the patron has a full card. 

Patrons can still tap on the library card icon next to a title to compare availability across their saved and partner libraries. 

What this means for your library 

For libraries participating in lending partnerships, these changes are designed to make partner access easier and more intuitive for patrons. Instead of requiring patrons to manually discover and set up access to partner libraries, more of that experience can happen automatically. 

Your patrons may notice: 

• A “What’s New” message introducing your library’s lending partnership 
• A dedicated list of partner libraries in the menu 
• More seamless access when borrowing or placing holds with partner libraries 
• Availability information that includes partner libraries 
• Messaging that explains when a loan is made possible through your lending partnership 

We’re excited to make lending partnerships easier to utilize while continuing to give patrons access to the libraries and collections available through their partnerships.