Softwr

Libraries · head to head

FOLIO vs Libby

FOLIO logo

FOLIO

Libraries

The open source library services platform reimagined

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: FOLIO fOLIO is open source with no vendor-run SaaS from the FOLIO project itself; adopters must self-host or contract a third-party hosting partner separately.; 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: FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Libby covers Library card authentication.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FOLIO and Libby actually diverge.

Attributes where FOLIO and Libby differ
AttributeFOLIOLibby
Pricing modelopen-sourceFree with a participating library card, no subscription
PlatformsWeb, ApiiOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks)
Founded2016Unknown

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 FOLIO

  • Modular app architecture
  • Circulation and check-out
  • Inventory and cataloging
  • Acquisitions and invoicing
  • Electronic resource management
  • User management
  • Agreements and licenses
  • Course reserves

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.

FOLIO

  • Academic library managementnot Libby
  • Custom library applicationsnot Libby
  • Consortial systemsnot Libby
  • Electronic resource managementnot Libby

Libby

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

Where each one falls short

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

FOLIO

  • FOLIO is open source with no vendor-run SaaS from the FOLIO project itself; adopters must self-host or contract a third-party hosting partner separately.

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

FOLIO

Free
  • Community EditionFree
    • Modular app ecosystem
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging
  • Hosted (via EBSCO/Index Data)$undefined/year
    • Everything in Community
    • 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 FOLIO if

  • You need modular app architecture.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want circulation and check-out.
FOLIO 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 FOLIO or Libby better?
Neither clearly leads. FOLIO 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, FOLIO or Libby?
FOLIO starts at Free and Libby at Free.
Does FOLIO or Libby run on more platforms?
FOLIO runs on Web, Api. Libby runs on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks).
Can I use FOLIO for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is FOLIO best used for?
FOLIO is most often used for academic library management, custom library applications, consortial systems, electronic resource management. Of those, academic library management and custom library applications are not what Libby is typically brought in for.
What can FOLIO do that Libby cannot?
FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Circulation and check-out, Inventory and cataloging, Acquisitions and invoicing. Libby covers Library card authentication, Holds queues, Multi-library support, OverDrive Read and Listen.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

FOLIO: Is Folio free to use?

Yes, Folio is an open source library services platform built through community collaboration, with no licensing fees for the software itself.

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.

FOLIO: Is Folio free for commercial use?

Folio is open source software with no inherent restrictions on commercial use, though the specific license terms should be reviewed for your use case.

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.

FOLIO: Is there professional support available for Folio?

The website does not specify whether paid support contracts or professional services are available for Folio implementation and maintenance.

Source
Libby: Can I use Libby without a library card?

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

Share

Related pages

More on FOLIO

More on Libby

Keep looking

Other head to heads