How to Renew a Libby Audiobook Loan

Can You Renew a Libby Audiobook Loan?

Yes - Libby allows renewals on audiobooks, but only when no other patron has the title on a hold waitlist. This is because digital library loans, like physical ones, are limited resources. When a patron has the book on hold, the system needs to pass it on to them once your loan expires.

If the title is not in high demand and no holds exist, a Renew button will appear in your Loan Details screen. The option appears automatically in the Libby app during the renewal window - typically the final 3 days of your loan. You do not need to contact your library to initiate a renewal.

How Do You Renew a Libby Audiobook in the App?

Renewing takes only a few taps. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Libby app and tap the Loans shelf icon at the bottom.
2. Find the audiobook you want to renew and tap on the cover.
3. Select Loan Details (or the three-dot menu on some versions).
4. If renewal is available, you will see a Renew Loan button. Tap it.
5. Confirm the renewal when prompted. The new expiry date will be shown.

The renewed loan starts from the current date, giving you another full loan period. Your chapter position, bookmarks, and notes are completely unaffected by the renewal.

How Early Can You Renew a Libby Loan?

Libby typically allows renewals starting 3 days before the loan expires. Before that window, the Renew option will not appear even if no holds exist. If you plan to renew, check your loan regularly in the final week of the loan period so you do not miss the window.

What If Someone Has a Hold on the Libby Title?

If another patron has placed the book on hold, the Renew option will not appear in your app. In this case, the book will be automatically returned at expiry and passed to the next patron in the hold queue. You will need to re-join the waitlist to borrow it again.

This is by design - the hold system ensures fair access to limited library titles. Popular audiobooks with long waitlists may become available to you again weeks or months later depending on how many holds are ahead of you in the queue.

How Many Times Can You Renew a Libby Audiobook?

The number of allowed renewals depends on your library's digital lending policy. Most libraries permit one or two consecutive renewals per checkout. Some libraries allow unlimited renewals as long as no holds exist. A few libraries do not allow renewals at all on certain titles or during peak periods.

To find out your library's specific renewal limit, check their website or contact their digital services desk. The limit is not displayed in the Libby app itself.

What Should You Do If You Cannot Renew?

If renewal is blocked by holds, your best option is to increase your playback speed to cover more of the audiobook before the loan expires. Use our Libby Speed Calculator to find the exact minimum speed you need to finish before expiry - just enter the book length, days remaining, and your daily listening time.

Even a modest increase from 1x to 1.5x speed saves 33% of your listening time, which can make the difference between finishing and not finishing before the loan ends.