- Reading for pleasure and the Libby app
- Reading for Pleasure spaces in the LRCs
- What can I read?
- Read eBooks, audiobooks and magazines with Libby
Reading for pleasure and the Libby app
Take a break from your studies with Reading for Pleasure at Herts. Relax with a print book in one of our LRCs or use the Libby reading app to read or listen wherever you are.
Reading for Pleasure spaces in the LRCs
Our Reading for Pleasure areas provide comfortable seating and a collection of non-academic books, giving you a space to relax and take a break from studying.
You can find them at:
- College Lane LRC: (ground floor near the Welcome Desk)
- de Havilland LRC: (ground floor by the entrance)
Reading for pleasure area in our College Lane and de Havilland Learning Resources Centres
What can I read?
You can choose from:
- Fiction and non-fiction print books: read in the LRC or borrow them to take home. See our book borrowing page for more information.
- Digital magazines: choose from thousands of titles on Libby, including entertainment, lifestyle, business and current affairs.
- eBooks: discover fiction and non-fiction, from bestsellers to literary prize winners.
- Audiobooks: choose from our collection if you prefer to listen.
Read eBooks, audiobooks and magazines with Libby
Libby is a free library reading app for Herts students and staff. You can use it to browse and borrow eBooks and audiobooks. Libby describes its service as a library app for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks.
How to access Libby
- Download the Libby app from your app store or access Libby for Herts in a web browser.
- Search for our University Library.
- Sign in using your University username and password.
- Browse the collection and choose what you want to borrow.
Problems logging into Libby on Android
There is currently a known issue with OpenAthens login to the Libby app on Android devices. Libby is working with OpenAthens to resolve this.
In the meantime, sign in to Libby on a desktop browser or Apple device and create a backup passkey to use on your Android device.
See Setting up Libby on another device for instructions.
What devices can I use with Libby?
You can download the Libby app on:
- iOS devices running iOS 10 or newer
- Android devices running Android 5.0 or newer
- compatible Fire tablets
For Fire devices, check the Libby compatible
How to borrow and read on Libby
Once you've signed in:
- Select the library symbol to browse the collection.
- Choose a title and select Borrow or Read a sample.
- You can borrow a title for 7 days and have up to three books on loan at a time.
- Select Shelf to see your current loans.
- Open your eBook, audiobook or magazine to start reading or listening.
- Select Manage Loan for options including renew and return.
Can't find a title?
Use Notify Me in Libby if you can't find what you're looking for.
Add another library to Libby
If you're a member of another library that uses Libby, such as Hertfordshire public libraries, you can add your library card and access its collection alongside the University's collection.
- Open the settings menu in Libby.
- Select Add Library and follow the instructions.
Get help with Libby
For help and support using the Libby app, visit the Libby help page.