# Libby, the library app vs Willard Library App

The clearest difference is rating: Libby, the library app at 4.9 against Willard Library App's 4.2. Libby, the library app also leads on ratings volume (4.4M vs 6) and update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). Willard Library App's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 84%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Libby, the library app holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Libby, the library app has 4.4M ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 84% of Libby, the library app's written reviews are positive against 100% of Willard Library App's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, Willard Library App every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Libby, the library app | Willard Library App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (4.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606/reviews)** | [4.2 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/willard-library-app/id1482159132/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.4M** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 83.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#2** | — |
| Size | 13 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OverDrive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/366869255) | [Willard Public Library](https://appshunter.io/developer/1482159131) |

## What reviewers say

### Libby, the library app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606)

**Currently charting:** #2 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

Access millions of free ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. Borrow titles instantly with your library card, download for offline enjoyment, and enjoy a customizable reading and listening experience.

**Highlights:** Borrow ebooks and audiobooks, Download for offline access, Send ebooks to Kindle, Adjust reader settings, Customize audio player, Create book lists

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Extensive library of books and audiobooks
- 🔍 Convenient search and browsing features
- 🔖 Easy to manage holds and returns
- 🔄 Seamless syncing across devices
- 🕰️ Automatic returns to avoid late fees

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🕰️ Long wait times for popular titles
- 🔍 Confusing search and filtering options
- 🤯 Buggy and unstable performance
- 🔒 Lack of offline reading/listening
- 📚 Limited selection in some genres

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Issues with downloading and syncing content
- Unreliable playback controls for audiobooks
- Inconsistent behavior when placing holds
- Disappearing reading history and bookmarks

**Requested features**

- Ability to search across multiple libraries
- Custom reading/listening speed controls
- Improved recommendation and discovery tools
- Option to purchase unavailable titles
- Customizable reading experience (fonts, themes)


### Willard Library App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/willard-library-app/id1482159132)

Manage your library account on the go. Search the catalog, renew borrowed items, and place holds directly from your mobile device.

**Highlights:** Account management, Catalog search, Renew checkouts, Place holds, Mobile access

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Libby, the library app free?

Libby, the library app is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Willard Library App free?

Willard Library App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Libby, the library app or Willard Library App?

Libby, the library app is rated higher. Libby, the library app averages 4.9 out of 5 from 4.4M ratings, while Willard Library App averages 4.2 from 6 ratings.

### Do Libby, the library app or Willard Library App have ads?

Neither Libby, the library app nor Willard Library App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Libby, the library app or Willard Library App?

Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, and Willard Library App every 5 months. Most recently, Libby, the library app was updated on September 26, 2026 and Willard Library App on June 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*