If you’re a reader, a wannabe reader, or just a tired human trying to scroll less and feel something again (hi, it’s me), let me introduce you to the app that changed my life: Libby.
Libby is your free, magical portal to so many books, available to borrow instantly from public libraries. Ebooks, audiobooks, magazines—no late fees, no judgment, just pure book joy.
And the best part? If you live in Pennsylvania (like me), you’re probably sitting on access to multiple library systems. That means more holds, more copies, more content. Let’s break it down.
First: What is Libby?
Libby is a free app by OverDrive that lets you borrow digital books from your public library. It works on iPhone, Android, Kindle, tablets—basically anything with a screen.
All you need is a library card.
But here’s the secret: you can add multiple library cards.
So let’s talk about how to get them.
How to Get a York County Libraries Card (York County, PA)
Who can get one?
Anyone who lives, works, pays taxes, or goes to school in Pennsylvania.
How to get one:
- Go to https://www.yorklibraries.org
- Click “Get a Library Card”
- Fill out the quick form for a temporary digital card
- You’ll get a barcode that you can plug right into Libby!
- You can upgrade to a full card later if you want to borrow physical materials.
How to Get a Free Library of Philadelphia Card (All PA Residents!)
Yes, even if you don’t live in Philly.
The Free Library of Philadelphia is a powerhouse of digital content, and any PA resident can get access.
How to get one:
- Visit https://catalog.freelibrary.org/Register
- Choose “I am a Pennsylvania resident”
- Fill out the form—you’ll get a number you can use immediately in Libby
This card is essential if you want more ebook availability. The Philly collection is huge.
How to Get a Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Card (I just did this today and you can too!)
The Carnegie Library system serves Pittsburgh, but like the others—it welcomes all Pennsylvanians.
How to get one:
- Go to https://www.carnegielibrary.org/get-a-library-card/
- Click “Apply Online”
- Choose the PA resident option
- Fill it out—you’ll get temporary access and can email them to get full credentials for Libby
- As long as you use your card every two years it will remain active.
- If your online validation fails like mine did (ha!), you have 30 days to visit a branch to verify your identity, so looks like I’ll be planning a lil’ road trip.
How to Add Multiple Cards to Libby
Once you have your cards:
- Download Libby from your app store.
- Open the app and follow the prompts to add a library card.
- You can search for each library system (York County Libraries, Free Library of Philadelphia, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh).
- Tap “Add Library” → Enter your card info.
- Repeat this for each library system.
Now you can browse each collection, place more holds, and get access to books faster.
Why You Have to Add Philly & Pittsburgh to Libby
Here’s the thing: our libraries are broke.
Seriously. Public libraries—especially in places like York County—are wildly underfunded. They often can’t afford the insane prices publishers charge for ebooks (we’re talking $50 or more for a single digital copy, which might expire after two years or 26 checkouts).
That means:
- Your local library might not have the book you want
- You might wait months for popular titles
- Your library can’t serve everyone who needs access
But you know who can afford big digital collections?
📍 The Free Library of Philadelphia
📍 The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Both of them offer free digital cards to all Pennsylvania residents. That means if you live anywhere in PA, you can sign up, add those cards to Libby, and dramatically expand your reading options today.
More cards = more books = more access.
And if you want your local library to have the same resources? Support them financially. Donate, fundraise, shout them out. That’s part of what the whole Wartime Book Club campaign is about.
Why This Matters
Library access is the most underrated, quietly radical gift we’ve got. Since I started using Libby, I’ve saved $915 this year alone—just from borrowing instead of buying.
But more importantly? I’ve read more. I’ve thought more. I’ve felt more human.
Let books carry you through hard times, like they always have.
Let’s use the resources our communities built for us.
Let’s support the hell out of libraries while we’re at it.
***
Not in Pennsylvania?
Search your state or regional library system—many offer digital access to all residents. Some even allow out-of-state residents to purchase access for a small fee (worth it if you’re a big reader).
Try searching:
“Digital library card for [your state] residents”
“Library cards available to all [state] residents”
“OverDrive or Libby access [state name]”
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