Smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Nest have become incredibly popular for playing music, setting timers, and answering questions. But can these devices also play audiobooks from your favorite library app, Libby? The answer is yes! You can enjoy audiobooks from both Libby and Hoopla on your smart speakers, including Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Sonos. This guide will walk you through the different methods to get your audiobooks playing seamlessly.
Listening to Libby Audiobooks on Your Smart Speakers
Libby, by OverDrive, is a fantastic app that allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library for free. If you’re an audiobook enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know there are several ways to listen to your Libby audiobooks on smart speakers. The method you use will depend on the type of smart speaker you have.
Using Bluetooth to Connect to Google Nest or Amazon Echo
One straightforward way to listen to Libby audiobooks on Google Nest or Amazon Echo is through Bluetooth. This method essentially turns your smart speaker into a Bluetooth speaker for your phone or tablet.
Here’s how to do it:
- Pair your mobile device: First, you’ll need to pair your smartphone or tablet with your Google Nest or Amazon Echo device via Bluetooth. You can usually do this through the settings menu on your mobile device and by putting your smart speaker into pairing mode (refer to your smart speaker’s instructions for specific steps).
- Establish the Connection: Once paired, ensure your mobile device is connected to your smart speaker through Bluetooth.
- Start Playing in Libby: Open the Libby app on your mobile device and begin playing your chosen audiobook. The audio will now stream through your connected smart speaker.
Important Note: While Bluetooth is a simple solution, it’s important to note that using this method with Libby means you won’t be able to control playback using voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. You’ll need to control playback directly from your mobile device.
Integrating Libby with Sonos Speakers
For Sonos speaker owners, there’s a more integrated and convenient way to listen to Libby audiobooks. Sonos directly supports the Libby service, allowing for seamless playback control within the Sonos ecosystem.
Follow these steps to set up Libby on your Sonos system:
- Add Libby Service in Sonos App: Open the Sonos Controller app on your phone or computer and navigate to add a new music service. Look for and select “Libby” from the list of available services.
- Sign in to Libby: The Sonos app will prompt you to sign in to your Libby account. You’ll be given a setup code to enter.
- Get Setup Code from Libby App: Open the Libby app on your mobile device. Go to the Libby menu (usually three horizontal lines). Tap “Get Some Help,” and then select “Copy To Another Device.” This will generate your unique setup code.
- Enter Code in Sonos App: Return to the Sonos Controller app and enter the setup code you obtained from the Libby app.
- Name Your Account: You’ll be asked to enter a name for your Libby account within Sonos for easy recognition.
- Start Listening: Once signed in, you can browse your Libby bookshelf directly from the Sonos app. Simply tap on an audiobook to begin listening through your Sonos speakers.
If you encounter any issues with the Libby service within Sonos, Sonos support is the best resource for assistance.
Listening to Hoopla Audiobooks on Smart Speakers
Hoopla Digital is another popular digital media service that partners with libraries to offer streaming movies, music, and audiobooks. The way you listen to Hoopla audiobooks on smart speakers varies slightly depending on whether you’re using Google Nest, Sonos, or Amazon Echo.
Hoopla on Google Nest or Sonos via Bluetooth
Similar to Libby, the Bluetooth method is a universal way to stream Hoopla audiobooks to Google Nest or Sonos speakers. Simply follow the same Bluetooth pairing and connection steps outlined earlier for Libby, but play your audiobook from the Hoopla app instead.
Using the Hoopla Skill on Amazon Echo (Alexa)
Amazon Echo offers a more integrated experience for Hoopla users through the Alexa “skill”. Skills are like apps for Alexa, extending its functionality. To use Hoopla with Alexa voice commands, you’ll need to enable the Hoopla skill.
Here’s how to set up and use the Hoopla Alexa skill:
- Enable the Hoopla Skill: You can enable the Hoopla skill through the Alexa app on your smartphone, or by visiting the Amazon Skills store online and searching for “Hoopla Digital”. Enable the skill for your Alexa account.
- “Alexa, Ask Hoopla…” Command: To interact with Hoopla through Alexa, you must begin your voice commands with “Alexa, ask Hoopla…”. This tells Alexa to direct your request to the Hoopla skill.
For example, you can use commands like:
- “Alexa, ask Hoopla how many borrows I have remaining.”
- “Alexa, ask Hoopla to list my audiobooks.”
- “Alexa, ask Hoopla to play my music.”
Alexa is quite flexible with phrasing, so variations of these commands should also work. For instance, “Alexa, ask Hoopla what audiobooks I have borrowed” will likely yield the same result as “Alexa, ask Hoopla to list my audiobooks.” When listening to music or audiobooks, you can use standard Alexa playback commands like “Alexa, next” or “Alexa, previous” to navigate tracks or chapters.
Enjoying Library Audiobooks on Your Smart Speaker
Listening to audiobooks from Libby and Hoopla on your smart speakers opens up a world of convenient listening possibilities. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Bluetooth, the integration of Sonos, or the voice control of Alexa skills, there’s a method to suit your needs. Start exploring your library’s digital collections and enjoy your favorite audiobooks throughout your home!
