Your Library Is in Your Pocket: How to Borrow E-Books for Free
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Your library is in your pocket: borrow free e-books and audiobooks from home with your library card and a smartphone. (Image created using Gemini.)
Did you know that your Bertie County library card gives you access to thousands of books and audiobooks without you ever having to leave your porch? You don’t need to buy a Kindle or pay for a subscription. If you have a smartphone or tablet, you already have everything you need to start reading for free.
The secret is an app called Libby. It’s the digital wing of our public library system, and it’s one of the best “hidden gems” for residents who want to save money and stay entertained.
How to Get Started in 5 Minutes:
- Download the App: Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for “Libby, by OverDrive.” It’s the one with the icon of a person reading behind a maroon book.
- Find Your Library: When you open the app, Libby will ask if you have a library card. Tap “Yes.” Then, select “I’ll Search For A Library” and type in “Albemarle Regional Library” (which serves Bertie County).
- Sign In: Select the Albemarle Regional Library system from the list. You will then be asked for your Library Card Number (the barcode on the back of your card).
- Find a Book: Tap the Magnifying Glass at the bottom to search for a specific author or title. If a book is available, just tap “Borrow.” If someone else is reading it, you can tap “Place Hold” to get in line.
- Start Reading: Tap the Shelf icon (the stack of books) to see what you’ve borrowed. Your books will automatically disappear on their due date, so you never have to worry about late fees!
A Pro-Tip for Audio Fans: If you prefer listening to books while gardening or driving, look for the Earbuds icon at the bottom of a book cover. These are audiobooks, and they play right through your phone’s speakers or your car’s Bluetooth.
Need a little help setting it up? If you don’t have a library card yet, or if you get stuck on Step 3, feel free to stop by the Library & Extension office. Both I and our librarians would be happy to walk you through it one-on-one!
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This article was developed by the author with the assistance of Gemini (Jan 30, 2026 version), a large language model developed by Google. Gemini was used to refine the instructional formatting of this piece and develop the accompanying graphic.