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Best Public Library Apps

250+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.3 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated August 2026

The best public library apps on iPhone average 4.3★ across 250+ titles — we've ranked them by what real users actually keep on their phones. Updated August 2026.

Compare top Public Library Apps (August 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Libby, the library appLibby, the library appFree4.9★ (4.4M)NoNoAug 2026
2New York Public Library (NYPL)New York Public Library (NYPL)Free2.6★ (111)NoNoAug 2026
3Hoopla: Your Library AnywhereHoopla: Your Library AnywhereFree4.8★ (1.4M)NoNoAug 2026
4Los Angeles Public LibraryLos Angeles Public LibraryFree3.2★ (56)NoNoAug 2026
5CloudLibraryCloudLibraryFree4.8★ (253K)NoNoAug 2026
6Miami Dade Public LibraryMiami Dade Public LibraryFree3.9★ (38)NoNoAug 2026
7The Public Library AlbuquerqueThe Public Library AlbuquerqueFree5.0★ (2)—NoMay 2026
8Lithgow Public LibraryLithgow Public LibraryFree—NoNoJun 2026

Top Picks for Public Library

Libby, the library app#1

Libby, the library app by OverDrive, Inc.

Library audiobooks and ebooks
Editor's Choice
📚 Books
4.9😊(4.4M ratings)
Free
#3in Books
Libby, the library app screenshot 1
Libby, the library app screenshot 2
Libby, the library app screenshot 3
Libby, the library app screenshot 4
Libby, the library app screenshot 5
Libby, the library app screenshot 6

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.

What We Love

  • 📚 Extensive library of books and audiobooks
  • 🔍 Convenient search and browsing features
  • 🔖 Easy to manage holds and returns
  • 🔄 Seamless syncing across devices

Room to Improve

  • 🕰️ Long wait times for popular titles
  • 🔍 Confusing search and filtering options
  • 🤯 Buggy and unstable performance
New York Public Library (NYPL)#2

New York Public Library (NYPL) by The New York Public Library

Strong Contender
📚 Books
2.6😞(111 ratings)
Free
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot 1
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot 2
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot 3
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot 4
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot 5
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot 6

Access the full power of a major public library from your mobile device. Search the catalog, reserve books for pickup, and manage your account, including renewals and fee payments. Discover nearby branches and upcoming events.

What We Love

  • 👍 Mobile checkout is great
  • 👍 Self checkout is awesome
  • 👍 Easy to reserve books
  • 👍 Good for checking book availability

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Glitchy and buggy app
  • 🐛 Far from intuitive
  • 🐛 Poorly organized
Hoopla: Your Library Anywhere#3

Hoopla: Your Library Anywhere by Midwest Tape, LLC

Books, Manga, Movies and More
Worth Considering
📚 Books
4.8😊(1.4M ratings)
Free
#5in Books
Hoopla: Your Library Anywhere screenshot 1
Hoopla: Your Library Anywhere screenshot 2
Hoopla: Your Library Anywhere screenshot 3
Hoopla: Your Library Anywhere screenshot 4
Hoopla: Your Library Anywhere screenshot 5
Hoopla: Your Library Anywhere screenshot 6

Access a vast digital library of books, comics, movies, music, and more, all within a single application. Stream or download content for free with your library card, enjoying an ad-free experience and features like offline listening and dark mode.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent selection of content
  • 👍 Easy to use app
  • 🚀 Convenient access to books, audiobooks, movies, and more
  • 👍 Great resource for reading/listening

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Glitchy, crashes frequently
  • 🔍 Limited search and browsing functionality
  • 🔍 Inconsistent syncing across devices

More Public Library apps to explore

4
Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles Public Library
by City of Los Angeles
Free

Access the Los Angeles Public Library's catalog to search for and reserve items. Manage your checkouts and holds, and discover upcoming events at local branches. Explore featured digital resources on the go.

Search library catalogReserve itemsView upcoming events
📚 Books
(56)
free
5
CloudLibrary
CloudLibrary
CloudLibrary
browse, borrow and enjoy
Free

Manage your library account and discover new content. Borrow physical items, access eBooks and audiobooks, and receive helpful reminders. Personalize your reading experience and stay organized with this intuitive library companion.

Borrow physical and digital itemsAccess eBooks and AudiobooksManage multiple library accounts
📚 Books
(253K)
free
6
Miami Dade Public Library
Miami Dade Public Library
Miami Dade Public Library
by Miami-Dade Public library system
Free

Access your library account, search the catalog, and manage your loans. Discover digital content like eBooks and audiobooks, find library locations, and explore events. You can even scan book ISBNs to check availability.

Search library catalogAccess digital content (eBooks, audiobooks)Manage library account
📚 Education
(38)
free
7
The Public Library Albuquerque
The Public Library Albuquerque
The Public Library Albuquerque
by AlbuquerqueBernalillo County Library System
Free

Manage your library account on the go. Search the catalog, find nearby branches, and access your library services directly from your mobile device.

Search library catalogManage accountLocate nearest branch
📚 Education
(2)
free
8
Lithgow Public Library
Lithgow Public Library
Lithgow Public Library
Lithgow Library, Augusta, ME
Free
🌟 Lifestyle
(0)
9
Kenton County Public Library
Kenton County Public Library
Kenton County Public Library
by Kenton County Public Library
Free

Discover new books, plan your library visits, and explore staff-curated recommendations. Access a world of literature and library services conveniently from your mobile device.

Discover new titlesPlan library visitsBrowse staff recommendations
🔍 Reference
(2)
free
10
Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library
by Lawrence Public Library
Free

Access your library account from anywhere. Search the catalog, place holds, renew items, and check library hours and events. Discover new titles and plan your next visit with ease.

Search library catalogPlace and manage holdsRenew borrowed items
🔍 Reference
(2)
free
11
Goodreads: Book Tracker & More
Goodreads: Book Tracker & More
Goodreads: Book Tracker & More
Reviews, lists & reading goals
Free

This app connects you with a vast community of readers to discover new books. Get personalized recommendations, track your reading progress, and see what your friends are enjoying. Scan book barcodes in stores to add them to your wish list and read reviews before you buy.

Personalized book recommendationsReading challenge participationBook cover and barcode scanner
📚 Books
(747K)
free with in-app purchases
12
Georgina Public Library
Georgina Public Library
Georgina Public Library
by OLC Ontario Library Consortium
Free

Access your library account on the go. Manage your loans, search for books, and place holds directly from your mobile device. Stay connected with your library's collection anytime, anywhere.

Manage accountSearch catalogueRenew items
🌟 Lifestyle
(0)
free
13
Timmins Public Library
Timmins Public Library
Timmins Public Library
Books and so much more.
Free
📚 Education
(0)
14
Nappanee Public Library
Nappanee Public Library
Nappanee Public Library
by Nappanee Public Library
Free
🌟 Lifestyle
(0)
15
Indianola Public Library
Indianola Public Library
Indianola Public Library
by Indianola Public Library
Free

Manage your library account on the go. Search the catalog, renew and reserve books, and even scan ISBN barcodes to check availability. Access your local library's collection from your mobile device.

Manage library accountSearch catalogRenew books
🌟 Lifestyle
(1)
free
16
BiblioTech Public Library
BiblioTech Public Library
BiblioTech Public Library
Public Library App
Free

Manage your library account, browse the catalog, and place holds on books. Stream TV shows and movies, and access a variety of educational and entertainment resources directly from your device.

Manage library accountSearch catalogRenew and reserve books
📚 Books
(4)
free
17
Hoboken Public Library
Hoboken Public Library
Hoboken Public Library
by Hoboken Public Library
Free

Access library programs, collections, and resources for all ages directly from your phone. Manage holds, sign up for events, and stream digital media like movies, music, and eBooks. Get updates on new arrivals and explore research tools.

Mobile self-checkoutDigital library card accessManage holds and accounts
📚 Books
(1)
free
18
Kansas City Public Library
Kansas City Public Library
Kansas City Public Library
by Kansas City Urban Public Library District
Free

Access your library account on the go. Search the collection, manage holds and renewals, and discover new and bestselling materials. Find branch hours and locations easily.

Search library collectionManage accountPlace and manage holds
📚 Books
(7)
free
19
Sacramento Public Library
Sacramento Public Library
Sacramento Public Library
by Sacramento Public Library Authority
Free

Access the Sacramento Public Library's extensive catalog of books, audiobooks, movies, and games from your mobile device. Manage your account, place holds, renew items, and use your digital library card for in-branch checkouts.

Search entire catalogPlace holdsRenew items
📚 Books
(29)
free
20
Lawrenceburg Public Library
Lawrenceburg Public Library
Lawrenceburg Public Library
by Lawrenceburg Public Library District
Free
🌟 Lifestyle
(0)

FAQ about Public Library

What are the best public library apps for iPhone?
Libby, the library app tops our public library apps ranking as of August 2026, with a 4.9-star average from 4.4M App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 20 of the top public library apps we rank are free to download, including Libby, the library app and New York Public Library (NYPL).
Libby, the library app has no ads and has no in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of August 2026.
We track 250+ public library apps on the iOS App Store as of August 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
This app allows you to borrow millions of ebooks and audiobooks from your local library for free. You can browse your library's digital catalog, borrow titles instantly with a library card, and enjoy them on your devices.
Key features include borrowing ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, downloading titles for offline use, sending ebooks to Kindle (U.S. libraries only), listening to audiobooks via Apple CarPlay, and creating custom book lists. It also offers a customizable ebook reader and an advanced audio player.

Related searches

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