Libby: Where Books Meet a Data Nerd

Libby? Am I writing about data or reading books? This time… both. 😄

As someone who struggled to read cover-to-cover growing up—let’s blame ADHD or just me not being “that type”—Libby unlocked the joy of reading for me. Discovering the Libby app has been a total game-changer. Whether I’m listening to audiobooks during my daily commute or winding down with an e-book at night, Libby has seamlessly become part of my routine.

But here’s the fun part: as a data nerd, I can’t help but track my reading habits, organize titles, and explore trends across my favorite books. From multiple library connections to tagging and bookmarked lists, Libby makes it easy to combine reading with a little bit of data magic.

Tip #1: Connect to Multiple Libraries

Did you know you can belong to more than one digital library on Libby? This feature has been a total lifesaver for me! Connecting to multiple libraries opens up a much broader selection of books—seriously, it’s like having several libraries in your pocket.

While Libby won’t automatically prioritize titles with the shortest wait times across libraries, having access to multiple libraries gives you the flexibility to check different collections. If one library has a long wait, another might have the book available right away. For someone like me who loves options, it makes discovering new reads so much easier.

A little tip: spend some time exploring each library’s collection. You’ll often find hidden gems that aren’t available in your main library. And if you’re a listener like me, switching between audiobooks and e-books depending on your mood or commute makes multiple libraries even more valuable. This feature truly transforms the way I approach reading—more choices, less waiting, and way more fun!

Tip #2: Tagging and Creating Bookmarked Lists

Another feature I absolutely love is tagging books and creating bookmarked lists. This may seem small at first, but it’s a game-changer for keeping your reading organized. Tags let you group books in any way you want—by theme, genre, mood, or even your own quirky system. Personally, I have lists for “commute audiobooks,” “books to read at night,” and “inspirational reads.” It makes jumping into my next book so much easier because I know exactly where to look.

Tags aren’t just for organization—they’re flexible tools that let you sort, filter, rename, or even export your lists. You can also revisit old favorites quickly or share recommendations with friends. For anyone who wants to avoid the “what should I read next?” moment, tagging is a must.

One of my favorite things about tags is how they make your reading life feel manageable and intentional. Planning long-term projects, keeping track of series, or simply curating your personal collection becomes effortless. If you want the full rundown on creating and managing tags, Libby has a great help section here.

Book Recommendations: What’s on My Libby Shelf?

I’ve been diving into some amazing reads on Libby lately, and I can’t wait to share a few favorites! First up is The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman—perfect for anyone feeling stuck or unsure about what’s next.

For parents, The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting by Brené Brown is full of practical strategies for raising wholehearted kids. If you love essays about life, relationships, and food, Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist is so relatable. And for some business inspiration, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is a candid, inspiring memoir about persistence and believing in yourself.

I’ve also been enjoying reflective reads like Try Softer by Aundi Kolber, Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist, and Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner—perfect for slowing down and being intentional. Short, poetic essays like Keep Moving by Maggie Smith are uplifting, and community-focused guides like The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell remind me how powerful simple, intentional gatherings can be.

Libby makes it so easy to explore all these books—and I’m always excited to hear what others are reading too!

Let’s Share Our Favorite Books with the Community

I love discovering books on my own, but I get even more excited when I see what others are reading. That’s why I created a Tableau dashboard to track my reading progress—and I’d love for you to join in! Whether you’re looking for inspiration or want to share your favorite reads, the dashboard is designed to showcase books from across the Libby community.

By adding your recommendations, you’re not just expanding your own library—you’re helping others discover fantastic books they might have missed. Let’s keep building a community of readers and share the joy of great books together! You can view it here.

Wrapping Up

Libby has genuinely become a must-have in my reading life. With features like multiple library connections and tagging, it makes discovering new books and enjoying old favorites effortless. If you haven’t explored it yet, dive in—it might just change the way you read, too.

What are your favorite Libby features? Have any book recommendations you’re obsessed with? Let’s swap ideas in the comments—I’m always looking for the next great read!