eMagazines

On February 1, 2021 our digital magazine collection moved from RBdigital to the Libby app. Over 3,000 popular magazine titles and up to three years of back issues are available for checkout in Libby from OverDrive.

1. Download the free Libby app on iOS or Android devices, or use the OverDrive app on the Kindle Fire (Amazon App Store). You may also visit libbyapp.com in your browser.


2. Follow the prompts to find the Santa Monica Public Library. Sign in with your valid Library card number and PIN.


3. Browse the Library's collection and borrow a title.


4. Borrowed titles appear under Shelf > Loans and download to the app automatically when you're connected to Wi-Fi, so you can read them when you're offline.

Need more help with Libby? Visit the Help site and Libby Academy within the app for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen to my checkouts and checkout history from RBdigital?

Checkouts and checkout history will not be moved to OverDrive. However, you’ll be able to mark titles you’ve already read using Tags in Libby. Export your Transaction History from RBdigital by accessing My Account > Profiles (available via web browser only).

Is there a way I can access magazine issues I previously borrowed from RBdigital?

Yes. You will be able to access your historical magazine loans by either downloading the free Zinio app or going to zinio.com. From the Zinio app or website, you can register for a new Zinio account using the same email address you used to access RBdigital. Once registered, your previously borrowed magazine loans will be available in your account.

Which magazines are available on Libby?

Over 3,000 popular magazine titles and up to three years of back issues are available for checkout. Browse the collection to find your favorites and discover new reading interests.

If an issue isn’t available, do I need to place a hold?

All magazine issues are available for checkout at any time. There’s no need to place holds.

Is there a lending period for magazines?

Yes. Magazines may be borrowed for 21 days.

Can I renew magazines?

Yes. You will have the option to renew a magazine within 3 days of the end of the lending period. 

Will I be able to automatically borrow new issues of magazines?

No. Auto-checkout of new magazine issues is not supported.

Will magazines count toward my checkout limits in Libby?

No. Magazines will not count toward checkout limits.

How long will the RBdigital app be available?

The RBdigital app will be available until March 31, 2021.

 What happened to RBdigital?

In June 2020 RBdigital was acquired by OverDrive. If you have used the RBdigital app, Libby/OverDrive now replaces it. You will need to use the Libby app, the OverDrive app, or visit libbyapp.com to access the Library’s digital magazine collection. 

You can also access articles from over 2,000 magazines, including Consumer Reports, through MasterFILE Complete.