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YDL’s digital service Libby (Overdrive) has made some accessibility improvements to the Libby app. After partnering with the accessibility platform Fable, and based on research and direct feedback from users with cognitive, visual and motor disabilities, there are new updates that make the Libby app more accessible for all users. Check them out!  

  • Low-vision and blind users can use screen readers to browse, borrow, read eBooks and magazines, and listen to audiobooks in Libby. Libby has plans to expand testing to desktop screen readers like NVDA and JAWS in the future. 
  • When using a screen reader, low-vision and blind users can enter “Read From Here” mode to have the text of an eBook or magazine read aloud. 
  • There is an option in the in-app menu to add labels beneath each of the navigation bar icons. (please note: this setting is currently only available in the English language) 
  •  Libby uses the text size setting of the user’s device and scales the text in the app accordingly. Users can also increase the text size in eBooks manually. 
  • Users can choose from 48 speed settings to find the speed that best suits their needs. 
  • Shortcuts in Libby’s eBook reader and audiobook player supplement the keyboard navigation. 
  • Libby uses the device’s built-in lighting setting and displays the app in light or dark mode accordingly. Users can also choose a lighting option (light, dark, or sepia) in the ebook reader manually.

Look for more accessibility updates coming in early January 2022 including: screen reader and voice control improvements, keyboard focus indicators, reduction of color and text variation, reduction of transitional motion, full screen menus, and an updated menu icon. For more information about accessibility in Libby, visit Libby Help or OverDrive’s accessibility statement.