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Evergreen ILS vs Libby

Evergreen ILS logo

Evergreen ILS

Libraries

Highly scalable open source library software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Libby logo

Libby

Libraries

Free ebook and audiobook app from OverDrive, gated entirely on an active public library card

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Evergreen ILS server installation is supported only on Debian 10, 11, 12 and 13 and Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04; Libby popular and new titles are frequently unavailable for weeks or months due to holds queues, which makes it unreliable for reading something the day you want to start it.
  • They diverge on capability: Evergreen ILS covers Circulation management, Libby covers Library card authentication.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Evergreen ILS and Libby actually diverge.

Attributes where Evergreen ILS and Libby differ
AttributeEvergreen ILSLibby
Pricing modelopen-sourceFree with a participating library card, no subscription
PlatformsWeb, Desktop, ApiiOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks)
Founded2006Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Libraries).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Evergreen ILS

  • Circulation management
  • MARC cataloging
  • Acquisitions
  • Serials management
  • OPAC with faceted search
  • Patron management
  • Offline circulation
  • Consortia support

Only in Libby

  • Library card authentication
  • Holds queues
  • Multi-library support
  • OverDrive Read and Listen
  • Send to Kindle
  • Tags and shelves

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Evergreen ILS

  • Running a consortium-scale library catalogue and circulation systemnot Libby
  • Self-hosting an open source integrated library system across multiple branchesnot Libby

Libby

  • A reader who wants free access to bestsellers and is willing to wait weeks in a holds queue for popular new releasesnot Evergreen ILS
  • Someone who holds cards for multiple library systems and wants to widen their available catalogue in one appnot Evergreen ILS
  • A reader who wants ebooks sent directly to a Kindle without buying themnot Evergreen ILS
  • A budget-conscious reader who already pays library taxes and wants to use the benefit fully instead of also paying for Everand or Storytelnot Evergreen ILS

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Evergreen ILS

  • Server installation is supported only on Debian 10, 11, 12 and 13 and Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04
  • PostgreSQL 14 is the minimum supported version
  • OpenSRF 3.3.0 or later must be installed separately before Evergreen itself
  • Installation is a manual multi-service process requiring a dedicated PostgreSQL superuser account and shell access

Libby

  • Popular and new titles are frequently unavailable for weeks or months due to holds queues, which makes it unreliable for reading something the day you want to start it.
  • Borrow and hold limits are set per library, so the experience is inconsistent between library systems and can change without notice.
  • Not every library subscribes to OverDrive, and even those that do vary hugely in how many digital copies of any given title they can afford to licence.
  • It requires a real library card tied to residency or another eligibility rule in most systems, so it is not available to everyone regardless of willingness to pay.
  • There is no offline bulk downloading beyond what is borrowed, and loan periods expire automatically, returning the book whether or not you finished it.

Pricing, plan by plan

Evergreen ILS

Free
  • Self-HostedFree
    • Full ILS functionality
    • Circulation system
    • OPAC
  • Hosted (via partners)$200/month
    • Everything in Self-Hosted
    • Managed hosting
    • Professional support

Libby

Free
  • LibbyFree
    • Free with an eligible library card
    • Borrow limits set by your library, not Libby
    • Holds queues on licensed copies

Which should you pick?

Choose Evergreen ILS if

  • You need circulation management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Api.
  • You also want marc cataloging.
Evergreen ILS review

Choose Libby if

  • You need library card authentication.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks).
  • You also want holds queues.
Libby review

Questions people ask

Is Evergreen ILS or Libby better?
Neither clearly leads. Evergreen ILS starts at Free and Libby at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Evergreen ILS or Libby?
Evergreen ILS starts at Free and Libby at Free.
Does Evergreen ILS or Libby run on more platforms?
Evergreen ILS runs on Web, Desktop, Api. Libby runs on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks).
Can I use Evergreen ILS for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Evergreen ILS best used for?
Evergreen ILS is most often used for running a consortium-scale library catalogue and circulation system, self-hosting an open source integrated library system across multiple branches. Of those, running a consortium-scale library catalogue and circulation system and self-hosting an open source integrated library system across multiple branches are not what Libby is typically brought in for.
What can Evergreen ILS do that Libby cannot?
Evergreen ILS covers Circulation management, MARC cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials management. Libby covers Library card authentication, Holds queues, Multi-library support, OverDrive Read and Listen.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Evergreen ILS: Is Evergreen ILS free?

Yes, Evergreen ILS is a free open source library management system. The software is available at no cost for libraries and organizations to install, deploy, and customize according to their needs.

Source
Libby: Do I pay for Libby?

No, it is free, but you need an active card from a library that uses the OverDrive/Libby system.

Evergreen ILS: Does Evergreen ILS offer commercial support or hosting?

Evergreen ILS website does not list commercial hosting or support services. As an open source project, it relies on community contributions and institutional deployments. Libraries may arrange custom support through integrators or consultants, but no official commercial offerings are detailed on the website.

Source
Libby: Why is the book I want unavailable?

Libraries licence a limited number of digital copies, so popular titles go into a holds queue just like physical books.

Libby: Can I use Libby without a library card?

No, a valid card and PIN from a participating library are required for every feature.

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