Let’s be honest, folks, libraries aren’t always the easiest places to browse in the digital age. While shelves in a physical building invite exploration, the online catalog can feel cold and mechanical. Libby, the widely used library app, is trying to change that by introducing a feature that leans directly into artificial intelligence. Called “Inspire Me,” it’s designed to guide readers through their local library’s digital collection in a way that feels less like a database search and more like a database conversation.
At its core, Inspire Me is about using AI to make discovery more personal. Instead of the usual algorithms that churn out generic suggestions, the tool taps into each library’s unique collection. Readers are presented with prompts, which Libby calls “inspirations.” Tap one, and the AI immediately surfaces five books it believes match the request. Each title comes with a short explanation of why it was chosen, and the system gives preference to books that can be borrowed right away.
This is more than just recommendation software. It’s an attempt to use AI responsibly, without removing the role of librarians or human curation. OverDrive, the company behind Libby, says the technology is built to enhance the work libraries have already done, not replace it. Readers still benefit from the collections chosen by their community’s librarians, but with an AI layer that helps surface titles that might otherwise stay buried.
The rollout is happening now, with most library patrons expected to see Inspire Me appear in September. Accessing it will be straightforward: just tap the Libby icon at the bottom of the app. On first launch, users will also be shown exactly how recommendations are generated, along with links to privacy and content policies. The emphasis is on keeping the AI transparent rather than mysterious.
For readers, this means a chance to stumble into new titles more easily. For libraries, it could translate into stronger engagement and higher circulation across digital collections. Either way, it’s another reminder that even in the world of books, AI is quietly reshaping how we find and consume information.
