# LibAnywhere

> Mobile library catalog access for searching, holds, renewals, and event information. (iPhone/iPad app by LibraryThing.com.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libanywhere/id397718881 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [LibraryThing.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/397718884)
- Category: Reference, Books
- Price: Free
- Rating: 1.40/5 from 28 App Store ratings · 109 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 6 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-10-20
- Data updated: 2026-06-11
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libanywhere/id397718881/reviews.md

## What is LibAnywhere?

The library catalog is now available for your mobile phone! Search, discover, and interact with participating libraries--anywhere you are, right away.

Search the catalog, place a hold and reserve items, see what you have checked out, renew items, see upcoming events, contact a librarian, and more.

Library Anywhere collaborates with participating libraries. If you don't see your library listed, ask them to join.

## Key features

- Search library catalog
- Place holds and reserve items
- View checked-out items
- Renew items
- See upcoming events
- Contact a librarian

## What do users think of LibAnywhere?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- ✅ Convenient access to library accounts on mobile
- 🔄 Ability to renew books quickly
- 🔍 Search functionality for library catalogs
- 📱 Simple and straightforward interface when working
- ⏱️ Faster than using library website browser

**Cons**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezing
- ❌ Blank screens and non-functional UI
- 🔐 Constant login requirement, doesn't save credentials
- 🔍 Poor search functionality and results
- 📍 Missing libraries or libraries disappearing from app
- ⚠️ Error messages and failed transactions
- 🐢 Slow loading times
- 📋 Poor navigation and unintuitive interface
- 🔄 Requires re-entering information repeatedly
- 📱 Outdated design and visual appeal
- 🔌 Inconsistent performance across updates
- ❌ Cannot view book details or complete transactions
- ⏰ Session timeout issues

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup or when selecting libraries
- Blank white screen with only menu bars
- Login fails with 'Error Processing' message
- Cannot place holds or request books
- Search returns no results or incorrect results
- Cannot view checked-out items or account details
- Session times out during use
- Barcode scanner doesn't work
- Text truncation and display issues
- App doesn't rotate to landscape mode
- Internal error messages
- Libraries disappear from app after updates
- Cannot reset PIN
- Text overlapping on screen making app unusable
- Parser errors during catalog searches
- App loses saved items and preferences
- Cannot access items out page or specific account sections

**Most requested features**

- Save library card number and PIN permanently
- Remember user's home library automatically
- Support for multiple library cards/family accounts
- Barcode scanner functionality that works
- Advanced search filters (by type, author, etc.)
- Display circulation numbers for books
- Integration with device calendar for due dates
- Interlibrary loan management
- E-book download capability
- Favorite libraries feature
- Better sorting options for checked-out items
- Keep user logged in across sessions
- Display book details and descriptions
- Support for more libraries and library systems

## Recent user reviews (10 of 109)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libanywhere/id397718881/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Doesn’t Function

*2022-02-01, version 2.23*

I just downloaded this app and it does not function at all!! Nothing but a blank white screen with only menu bars and a heart at the top right 😖

### 1/5 — Libraries aren't listed

*2021-10-12, version 2.23*

Um, my library in Michigan highlighted this app... But, shows no libraries "near me" and the drilldown to my state shows Lansing Community... What a worthless app.

### 1/5 — Can not login

*2019-11-23, version 2.11*

After trying multiple times to login I give up. It is to much hassle

### 2/5 — Missing libraries

*2019-09-26, version 2.11*

App only shows 1 library Mountain View and will no longer let me select my library. I tried deleting and reinstalling the app but no improvement.

### 1/5 — It took me 2+ hours to request 10 books, shameful!

*2018-07-02, version 2.11*

Very disappointed with this app!
 It took me 2+ hours to request around 10 books, shameful! The simplest application, poorly designed. Every time I try to request a book I need to put my last name and barcode numbers from my library card, meaning to sig in. What a time-consuming app! Also, I need to put ( again and again )the town I'm going to pick the book. Please do something to fix this app. As a teacher, I really need this app to help me to save time.

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work

*2018-06-09, version 2.11*

Can’t view my books, renew books, put on hold, etc. Only feature that works is searching for books but I don’t need an app for that.

### 1/5 — Libnowhere

*2018-01-06, version 2.11*

So apparently not only is my library no longer listed, or any library in my state, neither are libraries for 2/3 of the other states. Why even bother?  Deleting.

### 1/5 — Poor library app

*2017-07-11, version 2.11*

There's nothing too useful or appealing on this app. It could be such a helpful and quick way to access library resources! Come on, library staff. Time for some major updates.

### 1/5 — Used to LOVE...

*2016-12-15, version 2.11*

I used to love this app and almost use it daily. About three weeks ago it no longer included my library. I was devastated. I talked to my library and they have no idea why it wasn't working. So so so sad! I deleted and reinstalled it, it did not help.

### 1/5 — Terrible UI and speed

*2016-10-24, version 2.11*

I want to like this app like I love Overdrive. But why is the txt so big? I can't read the checked out items easily when it truncates to multiple lines due to the enormous size. Is it for old people who have trouble reading small fonts? Well that's a shame, because I'm sure those older folks will think it's their fault when the search doesn't work. I searched for a new book called "bleaker house." I got everything but that result. Not bleak house which unfortunately I would hope to see in the SRPs, but in fact I got nothing remotely related to the original search terms. Ugh. I will try this app three more times to see if it's even remotely useful. Otherwise its mobile web interface for me! Sorry guys! Who does your UX testing?

## Frequently asked questions about LibAnywhere

### What can I do with this app?

This app allows you to search your library's catalog, place holds on items, reserve them, view what you currently have checked out, and renew borrowed items. You can also discover upcoming library events and contact a librarian directly through the app.

### Is this app free to use?

Yes, the application is free to use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned in the description.

### What if my library is not listed?

The app collaborates with participating libraries. If your library is not currently listed, you can ask them to join the service. This will enable you to access their catalog and services through the app.

### What are the main benefits of using this app?

The primary benefit is the convenience of accessing your library's catalog and managing your account from anywhere, right on your mobile phone. It streamlines common library tasks like searching, placing holds, and renewing items.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.24 — 2022-05-11

Updated for new security features.

### 2.23 — 2021-03-04

Updated for newer versions of iOS and for newer device layouts.

### 2.11 — 2015-07-21

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

* Updated visuals and interface
* Bug fixes

### 1.93 — 2014-05-08

* Improvements to in-app browser.

### 1.92 — 2014-03-26

* Improved Unicode support.

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## More apps by LibraryThing.com

- [LibraryThing](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/librarything/id948824489)
- [UNISA Library](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unisa-library/id1021111544)
- [Litsy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/litsy/id1037017919)

All apps by LibraryThing.com: https://appshunter.io/developer/397718884

## Related topics

[libanywhere](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/libanywhere) · [libulibuAPP](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/libulibuapp) · [wmrl](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/wmrl) · [solus library app](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/solus-library-app)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-11.*