Can I get more cards from more libraries to make my Libby better?
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Anonymous
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For many years I only have one library card, it's from the DC library branch near where I live, and it's been enough for me.
But recently as my son grew to reading age, I started borrowing more and more children's books from Libby, and I found my library doesn't always have what I need. 1. Would it help if I get additional cards from other DC library branches? 2. Is it possible for me (DC resident) to get Virginia or Maryland library cards? Thanks! |
Anonymous
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DC branches are connected.
You can get a Montgomery County, Fairfax County, and PG County card. Some counties in Maryland are connected to the Maryland digital library, so you'd only need one for all of the connected counties. |
Anonymous
| Yes. Some systems will let anyone join and some have a residency requirement. Different systems will order more or fewer copies. Lots of people join several so that they can get books sooner or to get different titles. Look at county systems and city systems. They will have different rules and different budgets. Some libraries may allow out of state residents to join. You need to go to the libraries’ websites or call them to find their borrowing rules. I also think if you use the Libby app it will look for nearby systems for you? It accommodates more than one system. You’ll have to do a bit of looking and then getting cards for the libraries. |
Anonymous
Arlington too. My husband took a Saturday to visit the places (from Arlington) he had to go in person. I think he went to DC and Alexandria, but that was before Covid so I assume things changed. Strongly suggest you get Fairfax. Their ebook/audiobook library is impressive. |
Anonymous
| You can, but some libraries are not allowing reciprocal borrowers to use Libby, Hoopla, and/or Kanopy. The costs are getting to be too much for library budgets. Ask before you sign up. |
Anonymous
| Try Hoopla. It's a similar app - you need a library card for it. |
Anonymous
| Yes, I have cards from DC, MoCo, and another random county in Maryland. We have much better Libby options. |
Anonymous
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DCPL has reciprocal agreements with:
- Alexandria - Arlington - Fairfax County - Falls Church - Loudon County - Montgomery County - PG County - PW County DC residents can get cards from any of these. You can also get cards in your kids’ names, if you are all currently sharing an account. |
Anonymous
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Another person touched on this, but I want to just be explict for you.
Every library within DC is connected - your library card for the library closest to you will allow you to check out books at any library. If you live in Columbia Heights and visit the Mt Pleasant library, you can also visit and check out books from the Takoma library, or Chevy Chase, or Southwest, or Anacostia. Any of the 26 locations of libraries across the city. https://www.dclibrary.org/plan-visit You can check out books from any library, you can request books online and pick them up where it's convenient to you, and you can return any book to any library in DC. Location doesn't really matter. |
Anonymous
| Yeah if you plan in advance you only need to go to the closer library. |
Anonymous
I hit submit too quickly. Because the DC library system is fully linked, for Libby it's just that - the DC card. There's no joining another library in DC. Most counties ar elike that. I have a montgomery county library card (with the reciprocity - go in person and it'll be easy to get it and set it up) and have the option to search either in Libby. |
Anonymous
| Yes - I am in the Midwest and use my library card and my mom’s on the West Coast. |
Anonymous
Ok....but you're not answering the OP's question which is about the Libby. The Libby is for Kindle or Hoopla books. |
Anonymous
Sorry I missed the 2nd part. That answers the first question OP had. But not the 2nd which is what I addressed. You are right about question 1. Q2 is also a Yes. |
Anonymous
| I have about 6 cards from different libraries on my libby profile. When I put a hold on a book it gets delivered from which ever library has it first. |