# Libby, the library app vs BKLYN Library

The clearest difference is rating: Libby, the library app at 4.9 against BKLYN Library's 4.2. Libby, the library app also leads on ratings volume (4.6M vs 104) and update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). 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 4.6M ratings behind it against 104, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Libby, the library app's written reviews are positive against 61% of BKLYN Library's.

Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, BKLYN Library every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Libby, the library app | BKLYN Library |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (4.6M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606/reviews)** | [4.2 (104 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bklyn-library/id6714283658/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.6M** | 104 |
| Positive reviews | **83.7% of reviews** | 61.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | #206 |
| Size | 5 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OverDrive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/366869255) | [Brooklyn Public Library](https://appshunter.io/developer/1159769406) |

## What reviewers say

### Libby, the library app

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

**Currently charting:** #3 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)


### BKLYN Library

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bklyn-library/id6714283658)

**Currently charting:** #206 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

Access and manage your library account from your mobile device. Browse physical and digital collections, manage checkouts and holds, and utilize mobile checkout features. The app also supports managing multiple library cards.

**Highlights:** Browse physical and digital collections, Manage checkouts and holds, Mobile checkout, Manage multiple library cards, Create booklists

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 🚀 Efficient mobile checkout
- 💡 Scan ISBN barcode to find books
- 💡 Digital library card
- 👍 Great for placing holds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent login issues
- 🐛 App becomes slow and unusable
- 🐛 Requires frequent re-downloads
- 🐛 Blank screen or loading issues
- 🐛 Books disappear from checkouts/holds

**Reported bugs**

- App broken, page blank, books overdue
- App stops working after a while, needs re-download
- Mobile checkout involves buffering
- Constantly signing out, need to re-enter details
- Added accounts disappear after re-login

**Requested features**

- Bring back location finder with hours
- Keep users logged in
- Improve branch hours/closures display
- Allow offline access to library card


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Libby, the library app free?

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

### Is BKLYN Library free?

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

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

Libby, the library app is rated higher. Libby, the library app averages 4.9 out of 5 from 4.6M ratings, while BKLYN Library averages 4.2 from 104 ratings.

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

Neither Libby, the library app nor BKLYN Library shows ads.

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

Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, and BKLYN Library every 5 months. Most recently, Libby, the library app was updated on October 28, 2026 and BKLYN Library on October 27, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Libby, the library app or BKLYN Library?

Libby, the library app currently peaks at #3 in the App Store charts, and BKLYN Library at #206. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

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