The Westport Library is moving its ebook and audiobook services to Libby, providing patrons with more access to more digital titles than ever before.
The transition to Libby, from CloudLibrary, will take place on Tuesday, March 18. CloudLibrary, the Library’s current digital vendor, will no longer be available as of Monday, March 17, meaning that any titles reserved on CloudLibrary will expire at that time. The last date that holds can be placed through CloudLibrary is Saturday, February 15. (See below for important dates and FAQs.)
The Library will offer both online and in-person tutorials from March 18 to March 21, 3-4 pm, to help patrons with the transition. There will also be an Anyone Can Use class focused on the Libby app, held at the Library on Wednesday, March 19, 11 am to 12 pm.
“We are really excited for this change,” said Westport Library Chief of Staff Melanie Myers. “CloudLibrary has been a great partner for many years, but the more we discussed a possible change with staff and patrons, it became clear that Libby was the right choice to provide the best digital reading experience for our readers moving forward — both now and in the years to come.”
Libby is recognized as the leader in the digital space among libraries throughout the country, and more devices are supported by Libby than any other.
During the transition, patrons will continue to have access to all Westport Library digital services. That includes Hoopla, the Library’s other digital service for e-books, audiobooks, and more, which will not be impacted by the transition to Libby.
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Transition to Libby: Important Dates
Monday, February 3: You can no longer make Suggestions for Purchase in CloudLibrary. You can now only place 5 items on hold per cardholder.
Saturday, February 15: You can no longer place holds on items in CloudLibrary.
Week of March 10: Make a copy of your Reading History and your Holds List (reading history and holds lists will not transfer to Libby App).
Monday, March 17: Due date for all items checked out of CloudLibrary.
Tuesday, March18: The Libby App goes live.
Tuesday. March 18 – Friday, March 21: Drop-in Libby app tech help held in the Library, 3 to 4 pm.
Wednesday, March 19: Anyone Can Use: the Libby App session.
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Digital Library Transition FAQs
What is Libby?
Libby is a free app (that will replace CloudLibrary) for eBooks and digital audiobooks. You can stream titles with Wi-Fi or mobile data or download them for offline use.
Why is this change happening?
Libby is the leading digital book service for public libraries. It can be enjoyed on more devices, and it offers an improved user experience and additional functionality. It also provides access to publishers that are unavailable on other platforms.
What devices are compatible with Libby?
The Libby app is compatible with any device running iOS 10 or Android 7.1 or newer, Amazon Fire tablets from 2020 onwards, and Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks. The service can also be used to download books onto Kindle e-readers.
Will I have to create a new account for Libby?
Simply download the Libby app and follow the on-screen instructions. Just a Westport Library barcode is required. No PIN needed for Libby.
What if I need help using Libby?
Many different training options will be available for patrons, including support from staff and training videos.
What are the check-out periods and borrowing limits?
The check-out period and borrowing limits are the same as CloudLibrary (21 days and nine books at a time, respectively).
When will Libby be available to use?
Libby will be available on March 18!
When is the last day I can use CloudLibrary?
CloudLibrary will no longer be functional after March 17.
If I have downloaded a book onto my device, will it be available after March 17?
If the book was able to be transferred to Libby, you will have to re-check out the book on the new app after March 18.
When is the last day I can place holds on CloudLibrary?
Holds will no longer be placeable after February 15.
When is the last day I can Suggest a new book in CloudLibrary?
We stopped taking ebook suggestions on January 13 in order to give us sufficient time to move titles over to the new platform. We will be purchasing ebooks minimally until February 5. Meanwhile, patrons are welcome to keep checking out ebooks we already own up until the end. We will also continue purchasing physical books and audiobooks at our usual rate to ensure people can keep reading!
Will holds placed on CloudLibrary titles carry over to Libby?
Holds will not carry over. Patrons must place new holds once Libby is available. (Privacy restrictions prevent us from seeing patron holds in CloudLibrary and therefore we can’t transfer them to Libby.)
Will all CloudLibrary titles be available on Libby?
Most CloudLibrary titles will be available on Libby, pending any publisher limitations.
Will materials borrowed through CloudLibrary automatically be returned?
All materials borrowed through cloud library will be automatically returned on March 17 (exact time unknown), regardless of when it was checked out.
Will CloudLibrary reading history and saved lists transfer?
Reading history and saved lists will not transfer.
