# Libraries Hawaii vs Libby, the library app

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Libby, the library app at 84% against Libraries Hawaii's 27%. Libby, the library app also leads on rating (4.9 vs 1.7) and ratings volume (4.6M vs 17). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 1.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Libby, the library app has 4.6M ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 27% of Libraries Hawaii's written reviews are positive against 84% of Libby, the library app's.

Libraries Hawaii ships an update every 6 weeks, Libby, the library app monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Libraries Hawaii | Libby, the library app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.7 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libraries-hawaii/id725314974/reviews) | **[4.9 (4.6M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **4.6M** |
| Positive reviews | 27.1% of reviews | **83.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#3** |
| Size | 5 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [ChiliFresh.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/604699069) | [OverDrive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/366869255) |

## What reviewers say

### Libraries Hawaii

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libraries-hawaii/id725314974)

Access the Hawaii State Public Library System's catalog from your mobile device. Search for books and movies, manage your account, place holds, and discover library events and hours.

**Highlights:** Search library catalog, Place and cancel holds, Manage library account, Scan item barcodes, View item details and reviews, Find library events and hours

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Libraries Hawaii free?

Libraries Hawaii is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Libby, the library app free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Libraries Hawaii or Libby, the library app?

Libby, the library app is rated higher. Libraries Hawaii averages 1.7 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Libby, the library app averages 4.9 from 4.6M ratings.

### Do Libraries Hawaii or Libby, the library app have ads?

Neither Libraries Hawaii nor Libby, the library app shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Libraries Hawaii or Libby, the library app?

Libraries Hawaii ships an update every 6 weeks, and Libby, the library app monthly. Most recently, Libraries Hawaii was updated on October 23, 2026 and Libby, the library app on October 25, 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.*