3 Ways to Play Libby Audiobooks on Alexa
Many readers who borrow audiobooks through Libby often wonder: “Can I play Libby audiobooks on Alexa?” It sounds like it should be possible—after all, Alexa can read Kindle books aloud, play Audible titles, and stream content from many apps. However, Libby works differently from Amazon’s own services, and Echo devices cannot directly play Libby audiobooks.
In this guide, we’ll explore why Alexa doesn’t support Libby audiobooks and show the best alternative ways to play Libby audiobooks on Alexa in 2025.
Why You Can’t Play Libby Audiobooks on Alexa
Many users wonder why Alexa, which can easily play Audible or Kindle audiobooks, cannot play Libby audiobooks. The main reason lies in how Libby delivers its content. Libby audiobooks are protected, meaning they are encrypted to prevent unauthorized playback. This ensures that borrowed audiobooks can only be played inside the Libby app or on supported devices such as Kobo or Nook eReaders.
Unlike Audible or Kindle, Amazon has not created a Libby skill or integration for Alexa. As a result, Echo devices cannot verify library loans or decrypt Libby audiobooks. No matter the Echo model—whether it’s an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or Echo Studio—asking Alexa to play a Libby audiobook will not work.
| Devices That Cannot Play Libby Audiobooks Directly | Devices That Can Play Libby Audiobooks |
|---|---|
|
|
In short, Libby’s encryption and lack of official Alexa support make direct playback impossible. For the most reliable solution, use AnyLibro Converter to convert your Libby audiobooks to MP3 and enjoy them on Alexa or any smart speaker.
Method 1: Play Libby Audiobooks on Alexa via Bluetooth
This is the fastest and most universal way to play Libby audiobooks on Alexa. It’s especially useful if you want to start listening immediately without converting files or setting up additional software.
What You'll Need:
- * A smartphone or tablet with the Libby app installed (iOS or Android).
- * An Amazon Echo device with Bluetooth capability.
Step by Step to Play Libby Audiobooks on Alexa via Bluetooth:
Step 1.Open the Libby app on your smartphone or tablet and find the audiobook you want to listen to. Make sure it is fully downloaded or ready to stream.
Step 2.Say, “Alexa, pair Bluetooth,” to put your Echo device into pairing mode. Then connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Step 3.Once the connection is established, play your audiobook in the Libby app. Alexa will act as a Bluetooth speaker, streaming all audio from your device. You can now enjoy your Libby audiobooks through your Echo speaker, whether it’s an Echo Dot, Echo Show, or Echo Studio.
✅ Pros
- Works instantly without any conversion or extra software
- Free and simple to set up, making it ideal for quick listening
- Compatible with any Alexa/Echo device that supports Bluetooth
❌ Cons
- Your phone or tablet must remain connected while listening
- Bluetooth connection can sometimes be unstable or drop unexpectedly
- You cannot use Alexa voice commands to control playback inside Libby
- No offline playback support on Alexa; you still need the Libby app
Method 2: Download Libby Audiobooks to MP3 to Play on Alexa
If you want stable, hands-free playback and the ability to listen offline on any Alexa or smart speaker, converting Libby audiobooks to MP3 is the best solution. For this, a tool like AnyLibro Converter is essential.
Best Libby Audiobooks to MP3 Downloader - AnyLibro Converter
AnyLibro Converter is a dedicated tool that allows you to convert Libby audiobooks into MP3, M4A, or M4B while preserving the original audio quality, chapter markers, and ID tags. It also converts Libby eBooks to EPUB. Once converted, your audiobooks can be played on any device that supports MP3, including Echo devices, Google Nest speakers, Sonos systems, or even MP3 players. You’re no longer restricted by Libby’s app, borrowing period, or limitations.
AnyLibro Converter
How to Download Libby Audiobooks to MP3
Step 1.Download and install AnyLibro Converter on your computer. Open the program, click the search icon at the bottom, enter the name of your local library, and log in with your library card details.
Step 2.Search for the audiobooks you want and add them to your borrowing list. If you’ve reached your loan limit, be sure to return any titles you’ve already borrowed before adding new ones.
Step 3.Click the gear icon in the upper-right corner to open Settings. Select MP3 as the output format, and adjust parameters such as bit rate and output folder according to your preferences.
Step 4.Go to the bookshelf section by clicking the book icon. Click the floating “+” button to add your selected audiobooks to the conversion queue.
Step 5. Click the Download button to begin converting your Libby audiobooks to MP3.
Step 6.After conversion is complete, click the clock icon in the upper-right corner to view finished audiobooks. Hover over a title and click the folder icon to open the output folder.
How to Play Libby Audiobooks on Alexa
You can transfer the converted MP3 files to a device that can connect to Alexa, such as your smartphone or tablet.
Alternatively, you can use the “Plex” or “My Media for Alexa” app to play your local Libby MP3 audiobooks on Alexa. Here’s how to set it up using Plex:
Step 1. Download and install Plex or My Media for Alexa from the official website.
Step 2. Open the Alexa app, go to “Skills & Games,” search for Plex or My Media for Alexa, and tap Enable. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your account to Alexa.
Step 3. Once connected, say, “Alexa, ask My Media to play [audiobook title]” to enjoy your converted Libby MP3 audiobooks stored in your Plex or My Media library.
✅ Pros
- Play Libby audiobooks on Alexa, smart speakers, MP3 players, or tablets
- Fully controllable by Alexa voice commands
- Stable, hands-free playback
- Offline listening anytime, no phone or Libby app needed
- Keeps audio quality and chapter info intact
- No phone or Libby app needed
❌ Cons
- AnyLibro Converter requires a purchase
Method 3: Play Libby Audiobooks on Alexa Show via Silk Browser
Some Echo Show users on reddit discovered a simple way to access Libby audiobooks without any extra devices. Here’s how:
Step 1. Say “Alexa, open Silk” to launch the built-in browser on your Echo Show.
Step 2. Go to libbyapp.com and log in with your library card to link your account to the device.
Step 3. Browse your library, borrow the audiobooks you want, and play them directly on the Echo Show. You can also listen to a different audiobook on your phone or tablet at the same time, giving you flexibility across devices.
✅ Pros
- No extra devices needed—works directly on Echo Show
- Free and easy to set up with your library card
- Can play audiobooks independently of other devices
❌ Cons
- Only works on Echo Show devices with a screen
- Playback controls may be less convenient than the Libby app
- Audio quality depends on the Echo Show’s speakers
FAQs About Libby on Alexa
Q1: Can I use Alexa voice commands to control Libby audiobooks?
A: Only indirectly. If you use Bluetooth to connect your phone or tablet, Alexa acts as a speaker and can play the audiobook, but you cannot control playback (pause, skip, rewind) with Alexa voice commands inside the Libby app.
Q2: How can I play Libby audiobooks on Alexa without my phone?
A: The most reliable way is to convert Libby audiobooks to MP3 using a tool like AnyLibro Converter. Once converted, the audiobooks can be stored locally and played directly through Alexa using apps like Plex or My Media for Alexa, giving full hands-free voice control.
Q3: Are there free ways to play Libby audiobooks on Alexa?
A: Yes. Method 1 (Bluetooth from phone/tablet) and Method 3 (Silk browser on Echo Show) are free. Method 2, which involves converting to MP3 with AnyLibro Converter, is paid but provides more stable, hands-free, and offline playback.
Q4: Can I listen to Libby audiobooks offline on Alexa?
A: Only if you convert the audiobooks to MP3 using AnyLibro Converter, which allows direct playback on Alexa and other smart speakers. Bluetooth streaming and the Silk browser method require your device or Echo Show to be online.
Q5: Can multiple people listen to different Libby audiobooks at the same time on Alexa devices?
A: Yes, but only if you use separate devices or the Silk browser on Echo Show while another device plays a different audiobook. Using Bluetooth, the audio will always mirror the connected device.
Q6: Is the audio quality affected when playing Libby audiobooks on Alexa?
A: It depends on the method:
- Bluetooth streaming may lose a little quality due to wireless transmission.
- MP3 conversion retains original quality if high-quality settings are used.
- Silk browser playback depends on the Echo Show’s built-in speaker.
Summary
Playing Libby audiobooks on Alexa may seem tricky at first, but there are practical ways to enjoy them. Bluetooth is quick and free for casual listening, and Echo Show users can access Libby via the Silk browser. No matter which method you choose, following these steps ensures you can fully play Libby audiobooks on Alexa.
For the most reliable, hands-free, and offline playback, converting your Libby audiobooks to MP3 with AnyLibro Converter is the best solution. This method allows you to play Libby audiobooks on Alexa and other smart speakers, retaining original audio quality and chapter information. Your audiobooks become fully accessible anytime, anywhere—at home, on the go, or while traveling.
Note: During the trial version, you can only convert and save the first 20% of each book. To unlock full access and convert entire books, you’ll need the full version.
Clara Whitman
Clara specializes in creating practical guides for book lovers and digital reading tools.
With years of experience exploring apps like Libby, Kindle, and Audible, she shares clear, step-by-step tips to help readers get the most out of their eBooks and audiobooks.
Libby Audiobook Converter
All-In-One Music Converter
Spotify Music Converter
Apple Music Converter
YouTube Music Converter
Amazon Music Converter
Tidal Music Converter
Streaming Music Recorder
Photo Enhancer AI
Video Enhancer AI
Audible Audiobook Converter