We spend a lot of time worrying about "screen time," but the quality of that time is what actually matters. There is a massive difference between a kid spending two hours scrolling TikTok (where the algorithm is actively trying to hijack their dopamine) and two hours reading The Wild Robot on an iPad.

Libby is "high-signal" screen time. It’s intentional. It requires focus. And for parents of kids who are obsessed with "Ohio" memes and Skibidi Toilet, Libby is a bridge back to long-form storytelling without the friction of driving to a physical building.

Learn more about the difference between passive and active screen time

If you have a long car ride coming up, do not pay for individual audiobooks. Libby is the ultimate travel hack. You can download audiobooks over Wi-Fi before you leave and play them through your car’s Bluetooth.

The selection is usually massive. Most libraries carry the heavy hitters that kids actually want to listen to, like:

Pro-tip: You can add multiple library cards to one Libby account. If your local library has a long wait for a book, check if your state’s major city library (like Brooklyn Public Library or your state capital) allows all state residents to get a digital card. More cards = more "copies" available to you.

Libby has "Read-Along" books where the narrator reads the story while the words are highlighted on the screen. It’s great for emerging readers.

If your kid thinks traditional novels are "mid," graphic novels are the gateway drug to literacy. Libby’s built-in viewer for comics is surprisingly good.

Teens love Libby because it gives them privacy. They can check out books about mental health, identity, or just trashy romance without you seeing the cover on their nightstand.

Check out our full guide on best graphic novels for reluctant readers

Is Libby safe? Generally, yes. It’s a library, not a social media platform. There are no strangers to talk to, no "likes" to chase, and no data-mining for ads.

However, parents should know: Libby provides access to the entire library collection. This includes adult fiction, spicy romance (looking at you, Colleen Hoover), and gritty true crime. There is no "hard" parental control that locks the app down to only kids' books in a way that a tech-savvy 10-year-old can't bypass.

Ask our chatbot for a step-by-step on setting up Libby filters

Let’s be real: the biggest hurdle with Libby is the Waitlist. If your kid wants a book right now because all their friends are talking about it, and there’s a 12-week wait on Libby, they are going to be annoyed. This is a great "teachable moment" about delayed gratification, but it can also be a buzzkill for a kid who is actually excited to read.

If Libby doesn't have what you need, check Hoopla. Many libraries offer both. Unlike Libby, Hoopla usually has "instant" borrows—no waitlists—but you are limited to a certain number of checkouts per month (usually 5-10).

Also, if you are using an iPad or tablet, be wary of the "App Hop." A kid starts on Libby, gets bored with a slow chapter, and within three taps they are playing Roblox. If your goal is deep reading, sending the Libby book to a dedicated e-reader like a Kindle Paperwhite is the pro move. It removes the temptation of other apps entirely.

Instead of making it another "educational app" you're forcing on them, frame it as a unlimited free pass. "Hey, I got this app that lets you download any manga or graphic novel you want for free so I don't have to keep saying 'no' to the $15 ones at Barnes & Noble."

Let them curate their own "Shelf." Let them see the "Hold" list as a "Coming Soon" queue, much like they wait for a new season of a show on Netflix.

Libby is a rare "win-win" in the digital parenting world. It saves you money, encourages literacy, and provides a safe, ad-free environment. It’s not perfect—the waitlists can be a pain and the filtering requires a bit of manual setup—but compared to the predatory monetization of most kids' apps today, it’s a breath of fresh air.

Check out our guide on the best Kindle settings for kids