Inksky
Kobo has announced a tighter integration with OverDrive’s Libby app, making library borrowing on Kobo e-readers more seamless than ever.
What’s Changing
Previously, borrowing a library book on Kobo required you to place a hold or borrow via the Libby phone app or website, then sync your Kobo. The new integration, now available in firmware 4.42 (released July 2026), lets you:
- Browse and borrow directly on your Kobo — Search your library’s OverDrive catalog, place holds, and borrow books without leaving the device.
- Libby holds sync — If you place a hold in the Libby app, it automatically appears on your Kobo’s home screen when ready. No manual sync needed.
- Multiple library cards — Manage cards from multiple libraries on a single device. Switch between them in settings.
Why This Matters
For US and UK readers, this makes Kobo the best e-reader for library borrowing. Kindle supports Libby/OverDrive only in the US, and only via the “Send to Kindle” button in the Libby app — you can’t browse the library catalog on the device itself.
Kobo’s integration has always been good, but this brings it to parity with the phone app experience.
Availability
The feature requires Kobo firmware 4.42 and will be available on all current Kobo models. The firmware is in beta now and expected for general release in late August 2026.