The Adults Only tab is a separate section in most library apps where you can mark books, audiobooks, and other materials as restricted to adult patrons

Most library systems that offer digital content have an Adults Only tab or similar feature to keep mature materials separate from the general collection. The exact steps depend on which library app or system you use — Libby, OverDrive, Hoopla, or your library's own platform all work differently. Generally, you cannot add items to this tab yourself; instead, your library's staff controls which materials appear there based on content ratings and library policies.

If you want to read or borrow materials marked Adults Only, you typically need to be logged in with an adult library card and may need to confirm your age. If you want to request that a specific book be added to or removed from the Adults Only section, you contact your library directly rather than making changes in the app.

Key Takeaways

  • The Adults Only tab is managed by your library's staff, not by individual users in the app.
  • Materials are placed in the Adults Only section based on content ratings, publisher information, and your library's policies about mature content.
  • To access Adults Only materials, you need an adult library card and must be logged into the app with that card.
  • If you want a book added to or removed from the Adults Only section, contact your library's digital services team or main desk.

How your library decides what goes in Adults Only

Libraries use several sources to determine which materials belong in the Adults Only section. Publisher metadata — the information the publisher provides about a book — often includes content warnings or age recommendations. Your library's cataloging staff reviews this information and applies your library's own policies about what counts as adult content.

Different libraries draw this line in different places. Some restrict only sexually explicit or extremely violent materials. Others also include books with strong language, drug use, or mature themes. Your library's policies reflect the community it serves and the decisions made by its board or administration.

Accessing Adults Only materials in Libby

In Libby, materials marked Adults Only appear in search results but are labeled as such. To borrow one, you must be signed in with an adult library card. When you try to place a hold on an Adults Only title, Libby may ask you to confirm your age or verify your account status before allowing the hold.

If you are signed in with a teen or child account, you will not see Adults Only materials in search results at all. If you have multiple library cards linked to your Libby account, make sure you are using the adult card when searching for or borrowing restricted materials.

Accessing Adults Only materials in OverDrive

OverDrive, which powers many library digital collections, handles Adults Only content similarly to Libby. You must be logged in with an adult account to see or borrow these materials. Some libraries using OverDrive require you to confirm your age the first time you access an Adults Only title.

If your library uses OverDrive's standalone website or app rather than Libby, look for an Adults Only filter or section in the browse menu. You can turn this filter on or off depending on what you want to see, but you still need an adult account to actually borrow anything from that section.

Requesting changes to the Adults Only section

If you believe a book has been incorrectly placed in Adults Only, or if you think a book should be added to that section, contact your library's digital services department or the main circulation desk. Most libraries have a form or email address for content concerns. Be specific about which title you are referring to and why you think the classification should change.

Your library will review your request and may consult with the cataloging or collection development team. They will consider the book's content, your library's policies, and community standards before making any changes. This process usually takes a few weeks.

What happens if you do not have an adult library card

If you are a teen with your own library card, you may have limited or no access to Adults Only materials depending on your library's settings. Some libraries allow teens to request adult materials through their librarian, who can then place a hold for them. Others require a parent or guardian to request the material on the teen's behalf.

If you are an adult but do not yet have a library card, you can get one online or in person at your library branch. Most libraries issue cards immediately or within a few days. Once you have an adult card, you can link it to your Libby or OverDrive account and access Adults Only materials right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see Adults Only books in my library app?

You are probably signed in with a teen or child account. Log out and sign back in with an adult library card. If you only have a teen card, contact your library about getting an adult card or ask a parent or guardian to help you borrow the material.

Can I turn off the Adults Only filter to see all materials?

You can usually toggle the Adults Only filter on or off in your app's search or browse settings. However, you still need an adult account to actually borrow anything from the Adults Only section, even if you can see it in search results.

How do I report a book that should not be in Adults Only?

Contact your library's digital services team or collection development department by phone, email, or through the library's website. Tell them the title and author, and explain why you think the classification is wrong. Your library will review the request and respond within a few weeks.

Can I add my own books to the Adults Only section?

No. Only your library's staff can add materials to the Adults Only section. This ensures consistent policies across the collection and prevents individual users from hiding or restricting content.