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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)Free2.8★ (99)NoNoAug 2026
3Hoopla: Your Library AnywhereHoopla: Your Library AnywhereFree4.8★ (1.4M)NoNoAug 2026
4CloudLibraryCloudLibraryFree4.8★ (253K)NoNoAug 2026
5Los Angeles Public LibraryLos Angeles Public LibraryFree3.2★ (55)NoNoAug 2026
6Miami Dade Public LibraryMiami Dade Public LibraryFree4.0★ (36)NoNoJul 2026
7The Public Library AlbuquerqueThe Public Library AlbuquerqueFree5.0★ (2)—NoMay 2026
8Indianola Public LibraryIndianola Public LibraryFree5.0★ (1)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 Library Astor, Lenox, and Tilden Foundations

Strong Contender
📚 Books
2.8😞(99 ratings)
Free
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot 1
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot 2
New York Public Library (NYPL) screenshot 3

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
#6in 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
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
5
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
(55)
free
6
Miami Dade Public Library
Miami Dade Public Library
Miami Dade Public Library
by Miami-Dade County 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
(36)
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
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
9
Bessemer Public Library (JCLC)
Bessemer Public Library (JCLC)
Bessemer Public Library (JCLC)
by Jefferson County Library Cooperative INC
Free

Access your local library services on the go. Manage your account, search for books, and stay updated on library events. Your library card is now digital and easily accessible.

Digital library cardCheck due datesRenew items
📚 Education
(1)
free
10
Deerfield Public Library+
Deerfield Public Library+
Deerfield Public Library+
by ByWater Solutions
Free

Easily search and discover a wide range of library materials including books, movies, and music. Manage your account by placing holds, checking due dates, and staying informed about library events.

Search library catalogPlace holds on itemsCheck due dates
📚 Books
(1)
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
(742K)
free with in-app purchases
12
Sanibel Public Library
Sanibel Public Library
Sanibel Public Library
by Sanibel Public Library Inc
Free

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

Account managementCatalog searchBook renewal
🌟 Lifestyle
(3)
free
13
Nappanee Public Library
Nappanee Public Library
Nappanee Public Library
by Nappanee Public Library
Free
🌟 Lifestyle
(0)
14
Reading Public Library App
Reading Public Library App
Reading Public Library App
by Reading Public Library
Free

Access your local library's digital collection, search the catalog, and manage your account. Store your digital library card, browse events, and find library locations and hours.

Search library catalogAccess digital collectionManage multiple accounts
📚 Books
(10)
free
15
Oberlin Public Library
Oberlin Public Library
Oberlin Public Library
by Capira Technologies
Free

Access library services and resources on your mobile device. Search the catalog, reserve items, view upcoming events, and find library information.

Search library catalogReserve itemsView upcoming events
📚 Education
(3)
free
16
Pinson Public Library
Pinson Public Library
Pinson Public Library
by Jefferson County Library Cooperative INC
Free

Access library resources, manage your account, and discover digital services. Browse the catalog, renew items, place holds, and find library hours and events. Your connection to the Pinson Public Library.

Browse JCLC catalogManage library accountRenew items and place holds
📚 Books
(2)
free
17
Wahoo Public Library
Wahoo Public Library
Wahoo Public Library
by Wahoo Public Library
Free
🌟 Lifestyle
(0)
18
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
19
Crowley Public Library
Crowley Public Library
Crowley Public Library
Educate. Engage. Enrich.
Free
🌟 Lifestyle
(0)
20
Lithgow Public Library
Lithgow Public Library
Lithgow Public Library
Lithgow Library, Augusta, ME
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

new york public librarypublic library of cincinnati & hamilton countychicago public libraryqueens public librarybrooklyn public libraryseattle public libraryphoenix public librarythe public library albuquerquehouston public library