Libby can be downloaded on most any device from the device’s app store. Additionally, you can access Libby from your web browser by visiting this site: https://libbyapp.com/library/sails.
Overdrive is the older version of this software. Overdrive gives you access to the same titles you would find in Libby; however, it is no longer available as an app. You can access Overdrive from your web browser by visiting this site: https://sails.overdrive.com/.
On This Page
- Partner Libraries – Setup Borrowing From All MA Library Networks!
- Getting Started in Overdrive & Libby
- Frequently Asked Questions
- I lost my card and got a new library card number. How do I change it in Overdrive/Libby?
- I forgot my password / PIN. How can I get it reset?
- Why do I have to wait so long for eBooks and eAudiobooks?
- Do my checkout settings (loan period, etc.) apply to all loans across Libby and Overdrive?
- I’m using Overdrive, but I want to switch to Libby. Will my information sync over?
- I used to have the Overdrive app but can no longer find it. What happened?
- Libby is asking me to verify and re-verify my library card when I attempt to checkout an item on hold that is now available. What do I do?
- I have more questions!
Partner Libraries
What is a Partner Library?
Partner Libraries are Massachusetts library networks that have agreed to share access to their digital collections with each other. This means you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks from any Partner Library with your SAILS library card.
How do I set up Partner Libraries?
Setting up a Partner Library is easy. The process is different depending on whether you are using Libby or Overdrive.
What Partner Libraries are available in Massachusetts?
Boston Public Library
CLAMS Library Network
CW MARS
Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
Minuteman Library Network
NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange
Old Colony Library Network (OCLN)
Partner Libraries in Libby
Libby automatically checks for Partner Libraries available to you and will inform you if a partner library has the item available.
If you previously added Partner Libraries in Libby, you do not need to delete them in order to continue using the app. This new feature is only for people who have NOT previously added Partner Libraries to their Libby app.
Partner Libraries on Overdrive
Overdrive users do not have to add partner libraries to their account. Instead, you can simply select a partner library from the drop down at the top of the screen.
Selecting a partner library will take you to that library’s Overdrive page, where you will be prompted to sign in with your library card. Choose SAILS Library Network from the drop down.
Searching & Placing Holds at Partner Libraries
You can place holds on a partner library’s items with your SAILS card. How to do this depends on whether you are in Libby or Overdrive.
In Libby
NOTE – Libby now automatically searches all available partner libraries. The section below is ONLY applicable if you have previously added partner libraries to your Libby account.
By default, Libby only allows you to search one library’s catalog at a time. If you want to search ALL catalogs that you have access to, you’ll have to conduct what’s called a deep search.
Click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen to search.
Since Libby didn’t pull up the exact title searched for, it does not exist in this particular library’s catalog. You can do a deep search to search ALL partner library catalogs (as long as you’ve added them in Libby).
You can do a deep search in one of two ways. The first is to scroll down to the bottom of your results list and select the icon that says “deep search.”
You can also get to deep searching by selecting the icon at the top of the results screen, which allows you to set filters and select deep searching.
Choose your filters to narrow down your list. When you’re done select the button at the top to show all available titles.
Once you’ve located the item, you can place a hold or view the wait times at all libraries that own this item. To do this, click on the little library card icon to the right.
In Overdrive
Overdrive does not allow you to perform a “deep search” (searching all partner libraries catalogs at one time) like you can do in Libby. So, you will need to search each library’s catalog one at a time to view title availability.
Select the Partner Library you wish to search from the drop down at the top. If you check out materials or place holds at a partner library in Overdrive, you will not be able to see those items under your account in SAILS.
Instead, you will need to select the partner library where you have the item checked out or placed the hold, sign in with your SAILS card, and then visit your account to see the item(s).
Getting Started with Overdrive / Libby
Overdrive can only be accessed through your web browser: https://sails.overdrive.com/ Navigate to the website, sign in with your library card, and browse hundreds of titles.
Libby can be accessed from any mobile device and through your web browser. Download Libby in your mobile device’s app store or navigate here: https://libbyapp.com/library/sails
Managing Your Library Card
OVERDRIVE
Overdrive provides you with a range of options under “My Account.”
Loans and Holds will allow you to see anything you have checked out or on hold from SAILS Library Network.
Wish List allows you to build a list of content you’d eventually like to checkout.
Rated Titles gives you the option to review items you’ve read.
History will only feature your charge history if you check the box under Settings → General.
Settings allows you to set up default loan periods and change content and display preferences.
LIBBY
You can navigate in Libby using the Navigation Bar.
The Menu is where you can manipulate your Libby settings. This is also where you can add Partner Libraries and manage your library card (see above).
Clicking on “Manage Cards” will take you to a screen where you can manipulate your library card.
Clicking on Library will allow you to browse a particular library’s catalog. Search will give you the option to search catalogs and filter. Shelf and Tags are discussed more below.
Setting Up Your Ebook Preference
You can read ebooks through Libby/Overdrive or through Kindle. (View our Kindle Privacy Statement here.)
IN OVERDRIVE
You can choose reading in your browser or reading on Kindle based on your preference. If you choose to read on your Kindle, you will not be able to return the book through Overdrive. Your Kindle will automatically return the book for you when your lending period is over, or you can login to your Kindle account and return your book manually.
Additionally, you can set Overdrive to only show ebooks that are able to be read on Kindle. Navigate to My Account → Settings. Under “Content Preferences,” click the box next to Kindle Preference.
IN LIBBY
Under “Menu” scroll down and select “Read Books With…”
Libby will prompt you with the option to switch between reading on Kindle or reading in the Libby app. You can also select “I Have No Preference” if you’d rather switch between both.
Loan Checkout Periods
SAILS Library Network offers 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day loan periods for ebooks and audiobooks. You can set your default preferred lending period in settings. (NOTE: Default lending period only applies to SAILS Library Network content. If you borrow from a partner library – see above- you may be restricted to different loan periods.)
While these are default settings, some material in the SAILS catalog may have set lending periods that cannot be changed.
IN OVERDRIVE
In Overdrive, navigate to My Account → Settings. Under “General,” select your preferred lending period for each type of content.
IN LIBBY
You have the ability to select your loan period when you borrow an item.
Click on the time period next to “Borrowing for…” to be presented with more loan period options. Libby will default to this setting the next time you checkout this particular item type at the library you’re borrowing from.
Understanding Your Shelf and Tags (Libby Only)
Libby combines your loans, holds, and notices from all libraries under the heading Shelf.
You can also see your borrowing history under Timeline.
The “Actions” button in the upper right corner will display different options depending on whether you are on Loans, Holds, Timeline, etc. For example, if you are under “Timeline,” clicking on the “Actions” button will give you the option to remove all of your history, export your history, disable Libby from recording your history, etc.
Tags can be used to set up wish lists, notification lists, and more. Use the “Actions” button at the top to create a new tag or learn more about this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
I lost my card and got a new library card number. How do I change it in Overdrive / Libby?
Overdrive: Your new library card will automatically work when you login to Overdrive.
Libby: While your new library card will work just fine in Libby, the app will display your old library card number when you click on Manage Card under Settings. You can manually change it by clicking on the three dots and selecting Rename Card.
I forgot my password / PIN. How can I get it reset?
You can reset your PIN at this link. You can also visit this page to see a list of options available to you: https://sailsinc.org/my-account/
If you require additional assistance, fill out our Overdrive Help Form and someone will get back to you.
Why do I have to wait so long for eBooks and eAudiobooks?
Visit our FAQ on hold / lending wait times for e-content.
Do my checkout settings (loan period, etc.) apply to all loans across Libby and Overdrive?
Different libraries have different default loan settings, so you will need to set your preferences for each partner library network. Visit “Loan Checkout Period” (above) for more information.
I’m using Overdrive, but I want to switch to Libby. Will my information sync over?
Your loans, holds, and wish lists will transfer over to Libby once you sign in with your library card, but there is currently no option to export your reading history. If you are concerned about losing your reading history, please visit Overdrive Reading History and decide which option best suits your needs.
I used to have the Overdrive app but can no longer find it. What happened?
Overdrive discontinued support for its app in early 2023. Since then, users can only access Overdrive through their Internet browser.
Libby is asking me to verify and re-verify my library card when I attempt to checkout an item on hold that is now available. What do I do?
There is currently an issue in Libby where you may be asked repeatedly to verify your card in order to check out a hold that has become available. Overdrive (the vendor behind the Libby app) is looking into the problem but has proposed this workaround in the meantime.
Head to the SAILS Overdrive website – sails.overdrive.com.
If your item on hold belongs to SAILS, select the “Sign In” button.
If your item on hold belongs to another library, select the library from the Partner Libraries menu in the top right corner.
You will be redirected to the Partner Library and should then click “Sign In.”
On the Sign In screen, select SAILS Library Patrons from the drop down menu. You can then input your library card and PIN as normal.
Once logged in, you will ONLY see loans and checkouts for any items that belong to that particular library system.
In the example below, I am signed into my SAILS account through the Boston Public Library Partner Library page. The loans and holds shown are items that I’ve checked out and/or placed on hold from BPL.
Once you have checked out your hold via Overdrive, you should then go back to the Libby app, select the Shelf icon in the menu, tap “Actions,” and then tap “Synchronize Shelf.” Doing this will show you the item you checked out via Overdrive.
Overdrive is currently working on a permanent fix to this problem. If you have questions or run into issues, we encourage you to reach out to your local library.
I have more questions!
Visit Overdrive Help or Libby Help for more assistance.
If you are in Overdrive–
Select the “Help” icon at the top right of the screen.
If you are in Libby–
Scroll down on the “Menu” tab until you see the “How can we help?” button.