Can You Use Libby Offline? Yes — Here's How

• Updated: July 3, 2026
• By Clara Whitman
• Libby Tips

Yes, you can use Libby offline, but only if you download the borrowed books in advance.

Using Libby offline has many advantages. For example, it allows you to continue reading during long-haul flights, road trips, or even on cruises where the internet may be unstable or unavailable.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about using Libby offline. This includes how to download different types of eBooks, how to use Libby in airplane mode, and how to save your borrowed Libby books locally.

Part 1: How to Download Libby Books for Offline Use?

This part will guide you through the process of downloading different types of content in Libby, whether you want to download eBooks, audiobooks, comics, or magazines. The steps are very simple, as follows:

1.1 Download Libby eBooks, Audiobooks, Comics

Step 1. Tap the "Shelf" icon at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2. Tap "Loans", select the book you want to download, and tap the cloud-shaped download icon. Once the download is complete, the icon will change to a card with a checkmark.

Tip: You can enable automatic Wi-Fi downloads in the Settings: Tap the "Menu" icon at the bottom of the screen > scroll down to find "Downloads" > turn on "Download Only On Wi-Fi" and set it to download "Everything".

1.2 Download Libby Magazines

Step 1. Tap the "Shelf" icon at the bottom of the screen and scroll down to find "Magazine Rack".

Step 2. Select the magazine you want to read, then tap the three-dot menu next to it.

Step 3. Tap "Series", browse the issue you want to read and download, then tap the three-dot button next to that issue and add it to your "Magazine Rack" (you can either subscribe or keep issue for 7 days).

Step 4. Go back to "Shelf", tap the three-dot button next to the magazine, scroll down to the bottom, then tap "Download".

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Part 2: How to Use Libby in Airplane Mode?

Airplanes are one of the most common situations where Libby's offline mode is useful. As long as you download the titles before boarding, you can still read eBooks or listen to audiobooks even when airplane mode is enabled.

What to Do Before Your Flight?

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and Download Your Books Before Boarding.

Connect to the internet at home or in the departure lounge, open Libby, and follow the steps in Part 1 to download the titles you want to read or listen to offline in advance.

2. Make Sure the Download is Complete.

Confirm that the download icon displays as a card with a checkmark instead of just a cloud-shaped download icon.

3. Open the Book Before Going Offline.

While still connected to the internet, open the eBook or audiobook at least once. This helps ensure that all content has fully loaded and reduces the chance of playback or loading issues during the flight.

4. Enjoy Your Books During the Flight.

After enabling Airplane Mode, simply open Libby and access your downloaded titles — no need to reconnect to the internet.

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Part 3: Libby Not Working Offline? Common Causes & Solutions

If your downloaded Libby books cannot be opened offline, try troubleshooting the issue by following the instructions in the table.

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Bonus Tip: How to Keep Access to Your Libby Books Longer?

Now that you know how to read your borrowed eBooks and audiobooks offline using Libby. However, the most frustrating thing is that no matter how many books you borrow, they are still only "borrowed" and not truly "owned". If a book is about to expire but you haven't finished it, you'll have to borrow it and go through the long wait all over again.

In that case, you may want to try AnyLibro Converter, which allows you to download your borrowed titles to your device. You won't have to worry about loan periods and can read them completely offline.