Try a library e-book before buying an e-reader

Begin with a book, not a shopping list

If you are curious about e-books, you can try the experience before choosing a dedicated reader. Pick a book you genuinely want to read and use a phone, tablet, or computer you already have. Keep the experiment modest: a chapter or a comfortable stretch of reading is enough to notice what works for you.

Libby is one route when your library offers it. Its official getting-started guide describes borrowing e-books with a library card, and explains that each library chooses its own titles and formats. Your local collection, rather than a device advertisement, is a useful place to begin.

Check your library's route first

Start at your library's own website and look for its digital books or online resources section. Confirm which service it uses before installing anything. If it offers Libby, follow the official setup instructions to find the library and add your card. If the card is not accepted, contact the library rather than buying something to solve the problem.

You do not need a dedicated e-reader to try Libby. Its quick-start guide supports mobile apps and reading in a computer's web browser at libbyapp.com. A browser can be a useful first step if you would rather not install an app. If you need a library card, ask the library about eligibility and available signup options.

Choose something available now

For this first experiment, try a book you can borrow immediately rather than making success depend on a particular bestseller. Use the catalog's availability filter and check the format so you choose an e-book rather than its audiobook edition.

Libby's borrowing instructions say to select Borrow, review the lending period shown on the confirmation screen, and confirm the loan. Some titles have waiting lists. You can place a hold for later, but another available title lets you try reading today. Borrow just one initially; there is no need to turn a small experiment into a reading deadline.

Make the page suit you

Open your loan from Shelf, then Loans, and choose to read in Libby. The reading controls let you adjust text size, font, and lighting options. Try one change at a time, then read several pages before deciding whether to change it again.

Libby's reading guide notes that some picture books and graphic novels do not offer every appearance setting. A mainly text-based book is therefore a useful starting point if adjustable type is what interests you.

Notice practical details: Is the device comfortable to hold? Do you like the amount of text on a page? Does this screen suit the place where you usually read? These are personal preferences, not a test you need to pass.

Understand the loan and connection limits

Libby returns loans automatically on their due dates, so check the date before settling into a long book. Borrowing gives you temporary access, not a copy to keep.

The mobile app downloads book and audiobook loans over Wi-Fi by default for offline use. Check that your chosen book has finished downloading before relying on it away from a connection. The browser version is different: Libby's quick-start guide says it requires an internet connection.

Buy only if you can name the improvement

After your trial, write down one thing you would want another device to improve, such as how it feels in your hand. If your existing device already suits your reading, there may be nothing to buy.

Before considering a particular e-reader, check its exact library compatibility. Libby's Kindle instructions apply to U.S. libraries and most, not all, e-books; sending a book also involves an Amazon account. Do not assume every device supports every library service. Printed books remain a perfectly good choice if this experiment leaves you preferring paper.

About this article

AI-assisted editorial article, researched against the official Libby guidance linked below on October 20, 2026. This is a practical starting guide, not a hands-on device review.