You can't add Libby directly to Kindle, but you can send library books from Libby to your Kindle device in two steps
Libby is an app made by OverDrive that lets you borrow e-books from your library for free. Kindle is Amazon's e-reader and the Kindle app on your phone or tablet. The two don't connect automatically, but Amazon lets libraries send books to Kindle devices through a feature called Send to Kindle. To make this work, you need a Libby account linked to your library card, a Kindle device or the Kindle app, and an Amazon account. The process takes about five minutes the first time you set it up, then just a few clicks each time you want to send a book.
The key difference is that Libby is the borrowing tool and Kindle is the reading device. Libby handles the library part — finding books, managing your loans, and tracking due dates. Kindle is where the book actually lives once you send it there. Think of it like borrowing a physical book from the library and then putting it on your shelf at home.
Key Takeaways
- Libby books arrive on your Kindle through Amazon's Send to Kindle feature, not through Libby itself.
- You must link your Amazon account to your library in Libby's settings before you can send any books.
- Once linked, you select a book in Libby, tap the three-dot menu, choose "Send to Kindle", and pick which Kindle device to send it to.
- Books sent this way appear on your Kindle within a few minutes and stay there until you delete them, even after the loan expires in Libby.
- Not every library book in Libby supports Send to Kindle — some publishers restrict this feature, and Libby will tell you if a book can't be sent.
Set up your Amazon account in Libby first
Before you can send any book to Kindle, you need to tell Libby which Amazon account to use. Open the Libby app on your phone or tablet and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner to open the menu. Tap "Settings", then look for "Send to Kindle" or "Amazon" — the exact wording depends on whether you're using iOS or Android, but it's in this settings area. Tap it and you'll see a button that says "Connect" or "Link Account". Tap that button.
A screen will open asking you to sign in with your Amazon account. Use the email address and password you use for Amazon — this is the same account you use to buy things on Amazon or to register your Kindle device. After you sign in, Amazon will ask you to confirm that Libby can send books to your Kindle devices. Tap "Allow" or "Confirm". You'll see a list of all the Kindle devices registered to that Amazon account. You don't need to do anything with this list right now — Libby just needs to know which devices exist so it can send books to the right one later. Once you see this list, the setup is complete and you won't have to do this step again.
Send a book from Libby to your Kindle
Open Libby and find a book you want to read. Tap the book's cover or title to open its details page. Look for a three-dot menu icon (⋯) near the top or bottom of the screen — the exact location varies by phone, but it's usually in the upper right. Tap it and scroll down until you see "Send to Kindle". If you don't see this option, that book's publisher has blocked Send to Kindle, and you'll need to read it in the Libby app instead.
When you tap "Send to Kindle", a small window will pop up showing all your Kindle devices. Pick the device you want the book sent to — if you only have one Kindle device or app, there will only be one choice. Tap it. Libby will show a confirmation message saying the book is being sent. Within a few minutes, the book will appear in your Kindle library and on your device. You can start reading it right away, just like any other Kindle book. The book will show up in your Kindle library under "Your Books" or "Books" depending on which device you're using.
What happens to the book after it arrives on your Kindle
Once a Libby book lands on your Kindle, it stays there until you delete it yourself. This is different from how Libby normally works — in the Libby app, books disappear automatically when your loan ends. On Kindle, the book remains readable even after the loan expires in Libby. You can keep it as long as you want, but you should delete it when you're done reading to keep your library organized.
To delete the book from your Kindle device, find it in your library, press and hold it (or tap the three-dot menu if you're using the Kindle app), and select "Remove from Device" or "Delete". The book will disappear from your Kindle but will still show in your Libby app if your loan hasn't expired yet. You can send it back to Kindle again anytime during the loan period if you change your mind. This separation between Libby and Kindle means you have full control over what stays on your reading device.
Troubleshooting when Send to Kindle isn't working
If you don't see the "Send to Kindle" option in Libby, first check that you've completed the setup step — go back to Libby Settings and make sure your Amazon account is actually connected. If it shows as connected but the option still doesn't appear, the book's publisher may have disabled Send to Kindle for that title. Try a different book to see if the feature works. If it does, you'll need to read that particular book in the Libby app instead.
If the book was sent but hasn't appeared on your Kindle after 10 minutes, check that you're looking at the right device — you may have multiple Kindles registered to your account. Open the Kindle app or device and look in "Your Library" or "Books". If the book still isn't there, sign out of your Amazon account in Libby and sign back in to refresh the connection. Then try sending the book again. If you're still stuck, contact your library's help desk — they can confirm whether Send to Kindle is turned on for your library account.
When you should read in Libby instead of sending to Kindle
Some books in Libby don't support Send to Kindle because the publisher restricts it. When you try to send these books, Libby will tell you the feature isn't available. You can still read them — just tap "Read in App" or "Open in Libby" and read them inside the Libby app on your phone, tablet, or computer. The reading experience is similar to Kindle, with adjustable text size and a bookmark feature.
You might also choose to read in Libby if you want to use features that Kindle doesn't have, like the ability to see which of your friends are reading the same book, or to access your library's reading lists. Some readers prefer the Libby app because it syncs across all their devices — if you start reading on your phone, you can pick up where you left off on your tablet. On Kindle, you have to manually manage which device you're reading on, so Libby's automatic syncing can be more convenient for people who switch between devices often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Kindle device, or can I use the Kindle app on my phone?
You can use either. The Kindle app works on phones, tablets, and computers. When you set up Send to Kindle in Libby, you'll see all your Kindle devices and apps listed, including the Kindle app. Pick whichever one you want to read on, and the book will sync to that app.
Can I send the same book to multiple Kindle devices at once?
No, you send to one device at a time. If you want the book on multiple devices, send it once, then send it again and pick a different device. It only takes a few extra taps.
What if my library doesn't show up in Libby?
Open Libby and tap the menu icon, then "Settings", then "Library Card". Search for your city or library name. If it doesn't appear, your library may not have a Libby collection yet. Contact your library to ask if they offer Libby, or check their website for other e-book options.
Will the book stay on my Kindle if I return it early in Libby?
Yes. Returning a book in Libby doesn't remove it from your Kindle. You have to delete it manually from your Kindle device or app if you want it gone.
Can I lend a Libby book to someone else through Kindle?
No. Library books sent to Kindle can't be lent to other people. Kindle's lending feature only works with books you own. If someone else wants to read the book, they need to borrow it from Libby using their own library card.