How to Download Audiobooks from Libby Using IDM on PC?

Published On - December 3, 2024

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Libby is a popular library app that allows users to borrow audiobooks and eBooks from their local libraries for free. While it offers great content, downloading audiobooks for offline listening typically requires the Libby app itself. However, using a tool like Internet Download Manager (IDM) can offer a more flexible option to save audiobooks directly to your PC for offline use. This guide will walk you through the process of downloading audiobooks from Libby using IDM on your PC.

Step 1: Install the Necessary Software

Before you begin, ensure that you have both Libby and Internet Download Manager (IDM) installed on your PC.

  1. Download and Install Libby App:
    • If you haven’t already, download the Libby app from the Microsoft Store or visit Libby’s website to access it. Create an account or sign in using your library credentials.
  2. Install Internet Download Manager (IDM):
    • You can download IDM from its official website (www.internetdownloadmanager.com).
    • After installing IDM, it will integrate with your browser for easy downloading of content.

Step 2: Open the Audiobook in Libby

files workingTo download an audiobook from Libby, follow these steps:

  1. Open Libby on your PC.
  2. Search for the audiobook you want to borrow and click on it.
  3. After borrowing the audiobook, select the Listen button to begin streaming the audiobook in your browser.

Step 3: Find the URL for Audiobook Streaming

IDM works by intercepting download links. To find the right URL for the audiobook you want to download:

  1. Open the audiobook in the browser version of Libby (you can do this through your web browser or by using the Libby app in “browser mode”).
  2. Play the audiobook or pause it at the beginning so the streaming session starts.
  3. Right-click on the page and select Inspect or Inspect Element (depending on your browser) to open the Developer Tools.
  4. Look for the Network tab and refresh the page. Then, look for a media file (usually a .mp3 or .aac file) under the network requests.
  5. Once the correct file is identified, copy the URL for that file. This is the direct download link that IDM will use.

Step 4: Download the Audiobook with IDM

Once you’ve located the URL for the audiobook, IDM can be used to download it directly to your computer:

  1. Open IDM and click the Add URL button.
  2. Paste the URL you copied from Libby into the URL field.
  3. Select the download folder where you want to store the audiobook and adjust any other settings as necessary.
  4. Click OK, and IDM will start downloading the audiobook.

Step 5: Convert the Audiobook (Optional)

In some cases, audiobooks downloaded from Libby might be in a format that’s not compatible with your preferred audio player. If this happens, you can use a tool like Audacity or Freemake Audio Converter to convert the file into a more convenient format (such as MP3).

Step 6: Listen to the Audiobook Offline

Once the download is complete, you can now listen to the audiobook on your PC or transfer it to any device you use for listening to audio files. Enjoy your book!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it legal to download audiobooks from Libby using IDM?

Yes, as long as you are downloading audiobooks that you have borrowed through your library’s account on Libby, it is legal. However, it is important to ensure that the download is for personal use and adheres to the library’s terms and conditions.

2. Do I need an internet connection to use IDM?

Yes, you will need an internet connection to download the audiobook. Once the download is complete, you can listen to the audiobook offline without needing an internet connection.

3. Can I download multiple audiobooks at once using IDM?

Yes, IDM allows you to queue multiple downloads. You can add several audiobook download links to the IDM queue, and it will download them sequentially.

4. Why is IDM not detecting the audio file from Libby?

If IDM is not detecting the audio file, make sure you have started playing the audiobook in the browser. Also, ensure that the correct media file is being streamed (e.g., MP3 or AAC). Refreshing the page and inspecting the network again may help.

5. Can I download audiobooks from Libby to my phone using IDM?

IDM is designed for PC use only. However, you can transfer the downloaded audiobooks to your phone via USB or by syncing with cloud services such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

Conclusion

Downloading audiobooks from Libby using IDM is a great way to keep your favorite books available for offline listening on your PC. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily download and enjoy audiobooks whenever you like. Just remember that downloading copyrighted content from any service should always follow the legal guidelines and terms of use set by the service provider. Happy listening!