The National Library Board (NLB) runs one of the world’s most accessible public library systems, and its digital collection now exceeds 1.5 million eBooks and audiobooks. For residents of Singapore, borrowing an eBook is entirely free, provided you have a valid NLB membership. This step-by-step guide explains how to borrow eBooks from NLB using the Libby app (OverDrive), the NLB Mobile app, and a web browser. Whether you are new to digital borrowing or want to refine your workflow, these instructions cover account setup, searching, borrowing, returning, and troubleshooting common issues.
This article is part of our broader Complete Guide to Buying and Borrowing Books in Singapore. If you prefer physical copies, see Where to Buy New Books or Best Secondhand Bookshops. For in-person library registration details, refer to our NLB Library Card Guide.
1. What You Need to Borrow eBooks from NLB
Before you can borrow an eBook, ensure you have the following:
- A valid NLB membership card. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can register for free. Foreigners with a work pass, student pass, or dependent pass also qualify for free membership. If you already have a physical library card, your account is already active. If not, see the registration steps in our guide.
- A device to read on. Any smartphone, tablet, e‑reader (except Kindle, see note below), laptop, or desktop computer works.
- An internet connection. Needed to browse, borrow, and download. Offline reading is possible after the download completes.
- The Libby app (recommended) or the NLB Mobile app. Libby is developed by OverDrive, NLB’s main eBook partner. The NLB Mobile app also provides access to the same OverDrive collection, but Libby offers a more streamlined user experience.
Important note about Kindle: NLB’s eBooks are available in EPUB or PDF format. They are not compatible with Amazon Kindle devices out of the box. Kindle users can borrow via the Libby app but must read on the app, not on a Kindle hardware device. Alternatively, you can download EPUB files and transfer them to a Kindle using the “Send to Kindle” feature, but the process is circuitous and occasionally breaks. For most users, reading on a phone or tablet via Libby is simplest.
2. Step-by-Step: Setting Up the Libby App
Libby is the easiest way to borrow and read NLB eBooks. Follow these steps:
2.1 Download and Install Libby
- Open the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search for “Libby”, the publisher is OverDrive, Inc.
- Tap Install or Get. The app is free.
2.2 Add Your Library
- Open Libby. You will be prompted to “Add a library.”
- Tap Search for a library and type “National Library Board” or “NLB.”
- Select National Library Board (NLB) from the results.
2.3 Sign In with Your NLB Account
- After selecting NLB, tap Sign In with My Card.
- Enter your library card number (the 9‑digit or 12‑digit number on your physical card or in your account email).
- Enter your PIN. The default PIN for new accounts is the last four digits of your NRIC/FIN. If you changed it, use that.
- Tap Sign In. A confirmation message appears: “You are now signed in to National Library Board (NLB).”
Your Libby app is now ready. You can borrow up to 16 items (eBooks and audiobooks combined) at a time. Loan periods are 21 days for most titles, with some offering 14‑day options. You can renew an item if no one else has placed a hold.
3. Searching and Browsing for eBooks
NLB’s digital catalogue contains over 1.5 million titles across fiction, non‑fiction, children’s books, comics, and magazines. In Libby, you can search or browse by:
- Keyword, title, or author, use the search bar at the top.
- Subjects, tap “Browse” and then “Subjects” (e.g., “Thrillers,” “Business,” “Romance”).
- Collection, NLB often features curated collections such as “New Releases,” “Staff Picks,” and “Audiobook Favourites.”
- Format, filter by “eBook” or “Audiobook” (Libby shows both in one catalogue).
- Language, NLB has eBooks in English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and other languages. Look for the “Language” filter.
- Availability, you can filter to show only titles that are available now, or all titles (including those on hold).
When you find a title, tap it to see details: a summary, publication date, number of pages, reader ratings, and a list of formats offered (EPUB, PDF, or both).
4. Borrowing an eBook
4.1 If the Book Is Available (No Wait)
- Tap the title to open its details page.
- Tap the Borrow button (usually orange or blue).
- Libby will prompt you to choose a loan period, 7, 14, or 21 days. Select your preference.
- Tap Borrow again to confirm.
- The book appears in your “Shelf” (loans section). Tap Read Now to start reading immediately.
- The eBook will download. Once downloaded, you can read offline by tapping the cover.
4.2 If the Book Is on Loan (Place a Hold)
If another reader has the book, you see a “Place a Hold” button instead of “Borrow.”
- Tap Place a Hold.
- Libby asks if you want to be notified when the book is available. Choose Notify Me.
- You can optionally set a “skip the line” preference: if you are willing to wait longer, you can delay your hold. The default is to place you in line immediately.
- Confirm the hold. Libby shows your position in the queue and the estimated wait time (e.g., “3 weeks”).
- When the book becomes available, Libby sends a notification to your phone. Tap the notification to borrow it. You have 3 days to accept the loan before it passes to the next person.
Tip: If you cannot wait for a popular title, consider checking secondhand copies if it is a textbook, or browsing rare book dealers for out‑of‑print editions.
5. Reading Your Borrowed eBook
Libby offers an integrated reader that works on phones, tablets, and web browsers. Here is how to use it:
5.1 Reading in the Libby App
- From your “Shelf,” tap the book cover.
- The reader opens. Swipe left/right or tap the edges to turn pages.
- Tap the center of the page to show controls: a table of contents, font size, brightness, background colour (white, sepia, night mode), and line spacing.
- To bookmark, tap the ribbon icon in the top right.
- To highlight text, hold your finger on a word, then adjust the selection rectangle and tap “Highlight.”
- To search within the book, tap the magnifying glass icon (if available).
5.2 Reading on a Computer (Libby Web)
- Go to libbyapp.com in your browser.
- Click Sign In and select NLB. Enter your library card number and PIN.
- All your current loans and holds appear. Click a book to read in your browser.
5.3 Downloading as EPUB/PDF (Advanced)
If you prefer to read using another app (e.g., Adobe Digital Editions, Apple Books), you can download the file:
- On Libby Web (not the app), open your “Shelf.”
- Click Manage Loan (the three dots next to the book).
- Select Download EPUB or Download PDF.
- The file will be protected by Adobe DRM. You will need an Adobe ID to open it on most readers.
Note that this process is more technical, and many users find the built‑in reader sufficient.
6. Returning an eBook Early
Returning early frees up your borrowing slot for another title. In Libby:
- Go to your “Shelf.”
- Tap the Manage Loan menu (three dots) on the book you want to return.
- Tap Return Early.
- Confirm. The book is immediately removed from your shelf and becomes available to the next borrower.
You cannot return an item early in the NLB Mobile app, you must use Libby or Libby Web.
7. Using the NLB Mobile App for eBooks
The NLB Mobile app (available on App Store and Google Play) also provides access to eBooks. However, it is less intuitive than Libby. Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Libby | NLB Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| eBook reading | Built‑in reader (excellent) | Built‑in reader (basic) |
| Audiobook support | Yes (built‑in player) | Yes (separate player) |
| Holds management | Intuitive | Functional but clunky |
| Search filters | Many filters | Fewer filters |
| Offline reading | Yes | Yes (download via app) |
To borrow via NLB Mobile:
- Log in with your library card number and PIN.
- Tap the eBooks icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Search or browse. When you find a title, tap Borrow.
- Choose your loan period and confirm.
- The book appears in your “My Loans” section. Tap Read to open it.
Because Libby is more user‑friendly, we recommend it for most borrowers. But the NLB Mobile app works well in a pinch.
8. Tips and Troubleshooting
8.1 Common Issues
- “Cannot sign in. Invalid card number or PIN.” Double‑check your library card number. If you forget your PIN, visit any NLB library with your NRIC to reset it, or call the NLB hotline at 6332 3255.
- “Title not available in your region.” NLB’s digital collection is licensed for Singapore residents only. If you are travelling, you may need a VPN with a Singapore IP address to borrow or open the book.
- “Download keeps failing.” Ensure your internet connection is stable. Try closing and reopening the app. If the issue persists, delete the book and re‑borrow it.
- “Book not showing in my Shelf after borrowing.” Pull down to refresh the Shelf. If still missing, sign out and sign in again.
- “Can I read on Kindle?” Not directly. Use the Libby app on your phone or tablet. Some users side‑load EPUB files onto Kindles using “Send to Kindle,” but this is not officially supported.
8.2 Maximising Your Borrowing
- Use the “Skip the Line” feature: When placing a hold, Libby sometimes offers a “Skip the Line” option, a day‑pass for a limited number of copies that bypass the queue. This is rare but useful.
- Check the “New Releases” section weekly: NLB adds hundreds of new titles every month, including bestsellers like Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese.
- Use the “Tag” system in Libby: You can create tags (e.g., “Want to Read,” “Fiction 2025”) to organise titles. Tap the tag icon on a book’s detail page.
- Search for magazines: NLB also offers digital magazines through the Libby app, titles like The Economist, National Geographic, and Vogue. These do not count toward your 16‑item loan limit.
8.3 Returning to Physical Books?
If you prefer the feel of print, NLB’s physical branches have over 5 million items. Use the same library card to borrow up to 8 physical items for 21 days. Find branch locations and opening hours on the NLB website. Alternatively, you can purchase new books from retailers like Kinokuniya, Popular Bookstore, or Times Bookstores. For secondhand options, see our guide to secondhand bookshops.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
9.1 Is borrowing eBooks from NLB free?
Yes. There is no charge for borrowing eBooks or audiobooks for Singapore residents with a valid library card. Non‑residents can register for an annual fee of SGD 42.80 (adult) or SGD 21.40 (student).
9.2 How many eBooks can I borrow at once?
You can borrow up to 16 items (eBooks + audiobooks combined) at any one time. Physical items have a separate limit of 8.
9.3 Can I renew an eBook?
Yes, if no one else has placed a hold. In Libby, go to your Shelf, tap “Manage Loan,” then “Renew.” You can renew once. If there is a hold, you will be placed on the waiting list when the loan expires.
9.4 What happens when the loan period ends?
The eBook automatically expires and is removed from your device. You do not need to do anything. If you are in the middle of reading, you can borrow the book again (if available) or place a hold.
9.5 Can I read on multiple devices?
Yes. Libby syncs your loans, holds, bookmarks, and reading progress across all devices where you are signed in with the same NLB account. You can start reading on your phone and continue on a tablet or computer.
10. Final Words
Borrowing eBooks from NLB is a straightforward, cost‑effective way to access a vast digital library. The Libby app simplifies the entire process, from registration to reading. With a little practice, you can borrow your first book in under five minutes. For the best experience, keep your app updated, check for new titles regularly, and take advantage of the hold system for popular releases.
If you run into any difficulties, the NLB staff at any branch or the NLB hotline (6332 3255) are helpful. You can also visit the NLB website’s eResources page for tutorials and FAQs.