The OverDrive App is Easing into Retirement
Change can be scary, especially when talking about OverDrive, our biggest collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. So, let me start with two important words: don’t panic. OverDrive isn’t going anywhere. In fact, anyone already using the Libby app can stop reading – I won’t be offended.
What is changing?
As of February 23rd, the OverDrive app will no longer be available to download from the Apple, Google and Microsoft app stores. The OverDrive desktop software will also be removed from the OverDrive website. Anyone looking to download the OverDrive app will have to download Libby instead.
Libby, which was launched in 2017, offers many features not available in the OverDrive app, including easy set up for new users, a single bookshelf for all loans and holds, push notifications and more customizable options like Dark Mode. To get started using Libby, check out our guide to using the Libby app.
What does this mean for anyone currently using the OverDrive app?
Nothing at the moment. The app will continue to work as normal for the time being. Eventually, the app will officially be retired and everyone will have to use the Libby app, but OverDrive has not said when that will take place. Don’t worry – there will be plenty of notice before the retirement party.
What is staying the same?
- The OverDrive website
- OverDrive software built into Kobo eReaders
- The OverDrive app will remain available for the Kindle Fire as Libby is not available on this device
Where can I find more info?
For more information, read the FAQ on the OverDrive website.
3 thoughts on “The OverDrive App is Easing into Retirement”
I hope the OverDrive website / PC download and software won’t change, affecting audiobook transfers to an MP3 player, which for my purposes is much better than using the Android apps.
While i’ve been using Android Libby to read ebooks and digital magazines, especially as the Overdrive app fails to navigate or search within downloaded ebooks properly, I still find the Overdrive app much less confusing to search the catalog and manage the wishlist, holds, returns, etc. Once a title is borrowed in Overdrive app it shows up nicely in the Libby “Shelf”, but losing Overdrive I think I’ll be stumbling around in Libby to do some of the same things.
Hi JB,
The OverDrive website isn’t changing, so you can still do your searching there. The PC software should continue to work if it’s on your computer, you just won’t be able to download the software in the future.
Hope this helps!
Thanks, I manage audiobooks using the PC and a little MP3 player, unlike ebooks read on an Android tablet. My biggest OverDrive regret remains that it doesn’t work with Kindle in Canada as it does in the USA – I’ve long wanted an e-ink tablet but can’t read my big Kindle collection on a Kobo, and can’t use OverDrive on a Kindle – caught between two stools.