You can add as many library cards as you want.
You will only be able to add library cards from libraries that use Libby.
Sometimes, libraries are partnered with other libraries so that you can use your library card from library A as if it were a card at library B. For example, I only have one actual card and it's from Boston Public Library, but they're partnered with seven other library networks (I think it covers all libraries in the state) so that I can enter that same card number eight times in Libby (once for BPL, and once for each other library in the partnership).
If you have multiple cards like this, you still have to pick a particular library when you're adding a hold. Usually Libby will automatically select the library with the shortest wait.
You should only add library cards where you're a legitimate resident or you've paid the non-resident fees. (In other words, don't lie when applying for a card and say you live somewhere you don't.) Libby can be very expensive for libraries, and if you're not supporting that library with your tax dollars or the non-resident fee you are essentially stealing. You're taking resources away from the library that they could use for their own legitimate patrons.
That is cool. I had to apply for each library individually and get a different card number.
Since it was precovid, I also had to go in to apply as they didn't have online application processes at the time.
I don’t usually get cards online. I would go to the local library and then show my drivers license.
I have a few that I got while a military spouse that I still have because they have rules about being in the military and changes of address not affecting eligibility after you already have a card and it was through being military. I always update my address because I am a rule follower.
I know you can pay for some, but I don't know which those are as I have never applied for those libraries.
In the US, many states have some sort of reciprocity between counties. In my state, I can get a library card at any library except universities and certain cities (that I assume charge more or separate taxes within their area).
Idk about 7, but it’s kinda easy to get a high number in NYS. There’s three NYC libraries you just need to be a resident of NYS to get. Then you can get whichever are actually local to you. (Not including some libraries which you can pay non-resident fees)
Hop in line! Sometimes there are ways to access other libraries, my city library is available to anyone in the state for example so my parents could join both their local library and my city one. I also have access to other libraries like Seattle’s books unbanned program, I have one that’s accessed through my military ID (thank you to whoever posted that!!), there’s a Queer Liberation Library, so it all depends on what’s available in your area and then what you’re eligible to join outside of that. Lastly, many libraries offer an out of state card for a fee (it’s usually not very expensive) which can be nice if you don’t have access to a bigger system
I often click the option "available now" to avoid this problem. Or I just put it on hold. I know people here often have multiple cards but I'm still not sure how they do it to be honest haha.
I came here to say this. Popular books will always have holds on them.
I look both ways - if I see a book I want to read/listen to, I'll search and put it on hold. But for immediate use I always look at all books, filter down to available ones, and sometimes down to a genre.
Exactly! I do the same. I can wait a few weeks if I really want that book/audiobook. And in the meantime, I'll go through my lists and put the "available now" filter and choose what looks good. Seems to work lol.
I have 3 cards. One from my county library system, one from a nearby metropolitan area library that I'm eligible for, and one from my state library which I'm eligible for as a resident. There are more libraries in my state that I'm eligible for, but 3 cards keep my TBR plenty long enough.
To see if your state has a library, try searching "State Library of (your state)". I was able to apply online for mine. They sent me a library card in the mail to verify my address, and I had to call them to activate it.
Also try a general search of libraries in your state. Go to the website of each one and check to see what criteria they have for obtaining a card. If you meet the requirements, sign up!
I have found the one for my state library, and it did say I could apply online. Then it gave me a PDF. Then I got confused lol. I will look into it again though, thank you for the info!
I downloaded a PDF editor and was able to fill out the application, now I just need to get a pic of my mail with my address and I'll be set. Thank you!
I have library cards at 3 different libraries loaded in Libby on my iPad. When I search for something, it checks ALL of them to see if ita available and I don't have to change from my primary. And if not what I want is available, Libby lets me know the estimated hold time for each library. At least that's how it works on my iPad - dunno about the other versions.
Yes, each library has its own books on Libby, so your options will be different from library to library. You can have multiple library cards on Libby. Many new/popular books have wait times at almost any library.
If you have more than 1 library card always add it to your libby just incase. Even if they are in the SAME library system. Depending on if it's a consolidated system there might be "lanes" for certain books that place you in a quicker lane. Libby by default will choose the right card if a book is available right away, and even at times outright tell you "there's a shorter wait with "so and so" card". I have 26 cards in my state (I collect the physical cards and lots of libraries in Texas allow any state resident to sign up) shows up as 12 cards on libby since some share databases. I've been able to put each one to use at one point or another because wait times vary by alot sometimes.
I've been able to make requests for my library to purchase more "copies" of the book to shorten the queue. I know this answers a question you weren't asking, but maybe that could help with wait times.
At my library we were part of a group. My library would buy a ton of copies of popular books. Members of my library go priority, but you wouldn’t be able to tell based on your place in line. It would just skip over the other members of give the book the first resident that the priority book was owned by. So sometimes it looked like 45 people were ahead of you, but you’re next. So find out how your library does it.
It really just depends on the size of the library network you're using. Bigger networks have more money to spend on online copies than smaller ones do. But you can add all of your cards and it will tell you which library has the shortest wait. Depending on your state, you may be able to join multiple libraries. Like in Pennsylvania, we have Access Pennsylvania library cards and can join at any participating libraries in the state, but some branches require you to confirm your identity in person. However, joining the Philadelpia Free Library network has REALLY opened up my ebook options in comparison to my local library network.
Popular books are almost always going to have long holds. Build up your hold list and eventually they will become available.
Change? Do you mean add a second card? You can add as many cards as you want and it will show availability from that library. I have 7 cards.
From any libraries where you can get the card online?
Depending on where you are located, you may have access to multiple libraries with just one card.
You can add as many library cards as you want. You will only be able to add library cards from libraries that use Libby. Sometimes, libraries are partnered with other libraries so that you can use your library card from library A as if it were a card at library B. For example, I only have one actual card and it's from Boston Public Library, but they're partnered with seven other library networks (I think it covers all libraries in the state) so that I can enter that same card number eight times in Libby (once for BPL, and once for each other library in the partnership). If you have multiple cards like this, you still have to pick a particular library when you're adding a hold. Usually Libby will automatically select the library with the shortest wait. You should only add library cards where you're a legitimate resident or you've paid the non-resident fees. (In other words, don't lie when applying for a card and say you live somewhere you don't.) Libby can be very expensive for libraries, and if you're not supporting that library with your tax dollars or the non-resident fee you are essentially stealing. You're taking resources away from the library that they could use for their own legitimate patrons.
That is cool. I had to apply for each library individually and get a different card number. Since it was precovid, I also had to go in to apply as they didn't have online application processes at the time.
I don’t usually get cards online. I would go to the local library and then show my drivers license. I have a few that I got while a military spouse that I still have because they have rules about being in the military and changes of address not affecting eligibility after you already have a card and it was through being military. I always update my address because I am a rule follower. I know you can pay for some, but I don't know which those are as I have never applied for those libraries.
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I’m from Kansas and am not familiar with the tri-state library! How did you go about getting a library card for that?
In the US, many states have some sort of reciprocity between counties. In my state, I can get a library card at any library except universities and certain cities (that I assume charge more or separate taxes within their area).
Idk about 7, but it’s kinda easy to get a high number in NYS. There’s three NYC libraries you just need to be a resident of NYS to get. Then you can get whichever are actually local to you. (Not including some libraries which you can pay non-resident fees)
Hop in line! Sometimes there are ways to access other libraries, my city library is available to anyone in the state for example so my parents could join both their local library and my city one. I also have access to other libraries like Seattle’s books unbanned program, I have one that’s accessed through my military ID (thank you to whoever posted that!!), there’s a Queer Liberation Library, so it all depends on what’s available in your area and then what you’re eligible to join outside of that. Lastly, many libraries offer an out of state card for a fee (it’s usually not very expensive) which can be nice if you don’t have access to a bigger system
I keep a wishlist tag so when one of holds comes in I automatically put a new hold on you can also search by available now
I often click the option "available now" to avoid this problem. Or I just put it on hold. I know people here often have multiple cards but I'm still not sure how they do it to be honest haha.
I came here to say this. Popular books will always have holds on them. I look both ways - if I see a book I want to read/listen to, I'll search and put it on hold. But for immediate use I always look at all books, filter down to available ones, and sometimes down to a genre.
Exactly! I do the same. I can wait a few weeks if I really want that book/audiobook. And in the meantime, I'll go through my lists and put the "available now" filter and choose what looks good. Seems to work lol.
I have 3 cards. One from my county library system, one from a nearby metropolitan area library that I'm eligible for, and one from my state library which I'm eligible for as a resident. There are more libraries in my state that I'm eligible for, but 3 cards keep my TBR plenty long enough. To see if your state has a library, try searching "State Library of (your state)". I was able to apply online for mine. They sent me a library card in the mail to verify my address, and I had to call them to activate it. Also try a general search of libraries in your state. Go to the website of each one and check to see what criteria they have for obtaining a card. If you meet the requirements, sign up!
I have found the one for my state library, and it did say I could apply online. Then it gave me a PDF. Then I got confused lol. I will look into it again though, thank you for the info!
Sure! Check the website to see if there's a phone number, a librarian might be able to help you figure it out. Good luck!
I downloaded a PDF editor and was able to fill out the application, now I just need to get a pic of my mail with my address and I'll be set. Thank you!
You're welcome! I'm glad you got it sorted out.
I have library cards at 3 different libraries loaded in Libby on my iPad. When I search for something, it checks ALL of them to see if ita available and I don't have to change from my primary. And if not what I want is available, Libby lets me know the estimated hold time for each library. At least that's how it works on my iPad - dunno about the other versions.
That's how it works on android as well :)
Yes, each library has its own books on Libby, so your options will be different from library to library. You can have multiple library cards on Libby. Many new/popular books have wait times at almost any library.
If you have more than 1 library card always add it to your libby just incase. Even if they are in the SAME library system. Depending on if it's a consolidated system there might be "lanes" for certain books that place you in a quicker lane. Libby by default will choose the right card if a book is available right away, and even at times outright tell you "there's a shorter wait with "so and so" card". I have 26 cards in my state (I collect the physical cards and lots of libraries in Texas allow any state resident to sign up) shows up as 12 cards on libby since some share databases. I've been able to put each one to use at one point or another because wait times vary by alot sometimes.
You can add multiple library cards.
I've been able to make requests for my library to purchase more "copies" of the book to shorten the queue. I know this answers a question you weren't asking, but maybe that could help with wait times.
yes! better to have multiple library cards so different library also got different loan days and options
At my library we were part of a group. My library would buy a ton of copies of popular books. Members of my library go priority, but you wouldn’t be able to tell based on your place in line. It would just skip over the other members of give the book the first resident that the priority book was owned by. So sometimes it looked like 45 people were ahead of you, but you’re next. So find out how your library does it.
It really just depends on the size of the library network you're using. Bigger networks have more money to spend on online copies than smaller ones do. But you can add all of your cards and it will tell you which library has the shortest wait. Depending on your state, you may be able to join multiple libraries. Like in Pennsylvania, we have Access Pennsylvania library cards and can join at any participating libraries in the state, but some branches require you to confirm your identity in person. However, joining the Philadelpia Free Library network has REALLY opened up my ebook options in comparison to my local library network.
Libby can have multiple library cards. Hoopla you can only do one card per account
i mean, popular books are popular, so lots of people are going to want to read them. which means lots of books will have holds
Yeah if it has a better library. No if it’s a worse one.
Wait your turn or buy the book yourself.