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Text to speech for Libby

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If you want to improve Libby's accessibility or productivity features, discover your text-to-speech options for Libby below!

Text to speech for Libby

If you are looking for a way to broaden your literary horizons, then you may have thought about using a program called Libby. Libby is an app from Overdrive, one of the most popular programs in the world for people who enjoy listening to audiobooks. Overdrive has a partnership with libraries all over the country. Those who are patrons of overdrive can access books from some of their favorite public libraries all over the country. Then, they can use them to listen to audiobooks on their phones, tablets, or computers. Recently, Overdrive released an app called Libby, which represents a major upgrade for the program.

What is Libby?

Essentially, Libby is a more streamlined version of the Overdrive app, and it has quickly become one of the most popular choices among audiobook lovers. Some of the major benefits of Libby include:

  • You are able to easily switch between libraries and library cards. You can add a wide variety of libraries to the app. Then, you can add multiple cards for each library. That way, if one of your cards is full, you can simply switch to the other card. You don't have to worry about logging in and out of the app.
  • In addition, the program does not automatically log you out. You don't have to worry about locking back in, entering your library card numbers again, and getting bogged down when you want to check something out.
  • If there is a book that is automatically on hold, it will be added to your shelf. No matter what library is coming from, or which card you use, it will land right on your shelf.
  • You can take a look at your prior Libby activity to figure out which books you have previously checked out. This makes it easier for you to place holds on books that you did not finish or get around to reading in the first place.
  • You have the ability to listen to a sample of just about any title. You don't have to download anything, and you don't have to open it in a new window. The app is very easy to use.

Clearly, Libby is one of the most popular apps available for those who enjoy listening to audiobooks. In addition, the team at Overdrive is making continuous improvements to make it even better.

New accessibility enhancements in Libby

Recently, the team at Overdrive announced that it was making a few accessibility enhancements in Libby to make the program even better when compared to Amazon Kindle. Some of the improvements include:

  • Navigation bar labels — Now, there is an option in the app itself to add labels beneath each of the navigation bar icons. Even though it is only available in the English language, it could be expanded to other languages in the future. This makes it easier for you to figure out what you are clicking in the navigation bar.
  • Adjustable text size — You have the option to change the size of the text on the screen. This means that you can make it easier to read the screen if you have a visual impairment or low vision.
  • Change the reading speed — You also have the option to change the playback speed in the program. If you don't want to miss anything, you can slow down the playback speed. If you want to get through it faster, you can increase the reading speed.
  • Lighting options — Now, you can access the device's lighting setting directly through Libby. That way, you can change the lighting setting depending on the ambient lighting in the room.

These are just a few of the many accessibility features that have recently been added to Libby. You are in control of just about every feature of the program.

Using Libby with a screen reader

If you want to get the most out of Libby, you should consider combining it with a screen reader. There are plenty of versatile programs available. If you combine this program with a screen reader, you can use it with multiple services. That way, you are not limited to only one source when it comes to finding your books. If you find one of your books is available elsewhere, you can still use a screen reader to go through it. This is particularly helpful for people with visual or reading disabilities. Even people with dyslexia can get more out of the program if they find a versatile screen reader. For these reasons, you should consider finding a desktop screen reader or mobile device screen reader that can help you with Libby.

Recommended text-to-speech options for Libby

Now, there are plenty of text-to-speech (TTS) options that can help you get more out of Libby. Some of the most popular examples include:

iOS VoiceOver

If you have an iOS device, such as an iPhone or an iPad, you may want to check out iOS VoiceOver in the App Store. This program uses a gesture to activate the screen reader. Even if you can't see the screen, you can wave over the screen and ask the program to read to you. Then, it will give you an audible description of what is on the screen. You can adjust the pitch and speaking rate of the program. This allows you to customize it to meet your needs.

Android TalkBack

Android TalkBack is a Google screen reader that is included on Android devices. You can control your device without having to see it, and there are many customizable features. Do note that the exact nature of the program will vary depending on the Android device you have. There are plenty of commands that can make it easier for you to edit the text on the screen. You can also use this program to read the text on the screen to you. You can also use different gestures. For example, a three-finger double tap will copy the selected text to the clipboard. Then, you can triple-tap with three fingers to paste the text on the screen.

Speechify

Without a doubt, the best TTS program is Speechify. Speechify can handle a wide variety of text files, including text from Libby. Speechify is also a great program for people with learning and visual disabilities. For example, you can highlight the text on the screen as it reads to you. Speechify is additionally beneficial for people with dyslexia or those learning a new language. You can also increase or decrease the reading speed. That way, you can get through your books at a pace that is appropriate for you.

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.