# KCLS vs Libby, the library app

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Libby, the library app at 84% against KCLS's 28%. Libby, the library app also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.9) and ratings volume (4.5M vs 16). 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 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Libby, the library app has 4.5M ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of KCLS's written reviews are positive against 84% of Libby, the library app's.

KCLS ships an update every 3 months, Libby, the library app monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | KCLS | Libby, the library app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kcls/id746221889/reviews) | **[4.9 (4.5M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **4.5M** |
| Positive reviews | 27.5% of reviews | **83.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#2** |
| Size | 22 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [King County Library System](https://appshunter.io/developer/470795180) | [OverDrive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/366869255) |

## What reviewers say

### KCLS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kcls/id746221889)

Manage your library account conveniently from your mobile device. Discover new books, place holds, renew borrowed items, and easily locate library branches and their hours.

**Highlights:** Discover and search library collection, Place, manage, and cancel holds, Renew borrowed items, Rate and save titles, Find library locations and hours, Browse bestsellers and new arrivals

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to log in
- 👍 Fun books to read
- 👍 Excellent app
- 👍 Helpful for all ages
- 👍 Convenient for managing holds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable app
- 🐛 Constant sign in issues
- 🐛 Failed sign in attempts count against user
- 🐛 Return book function doesn't work
- 🐛 Search bar coded too narrowly

**Reported bugs**

- Keeps logging out
- Constant sign in issues
- Failed sign in attempts count against user
- Return book function doesn't work
- Search bar coded too narrowly

**Requested features**

- Correct misspellings in search
- Allow less than exact search terms
- Auto-correction in search
- Word suggestion in search
- Dark mode option


### 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)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is KCLS free?

KCLS 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, KCLS or Libby, the library app?

Libby, the library app is rated higher. KCLS averages 3.9 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Libby, the library app averages 4.9 from 4.5M ratings.

### Do KCLS or Libby, the library app have ads?

Neither KCLS nor Libby, the library app shows ads.

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

KCLS ships an update every 3 months, and Libby, the library app monthly. Most recently, KCLS was updated on October 17, 2026 and Libby, the library app on October 18, 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.*