Calibre & Libby Setup with Kobo Libra Colour.

Summary

In this tutorial, Paul demonstrates how to permanently transfer books from the Libby app to a Kobo device, bypassing library loan limits. He explains the process step-by-step, including installing essential plugins like DEDRM, Overdrive Libby, and DEACSM for DRM removal. Paul also covers setting up a connection with the Libby app, downloading books, and transferring them to the Kobo device. Once the books are on the device, users can return them via the Libby app, offering a seamless way to store and enjoy library books without worrying about loan durations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video teaches how to permanently add books from a library to your Kobo device using Calibre and plugins.
• 📚 You can borrow library books directly to your Kobo via your library card, but borrowing limits and loan durations apply.
• 🔒 The Overdrive Libby plugin helps you link your Calibre to your Libby account to access library books.
• 🛠️ The DEDRM and DEACSM plugins are necessary to strip DRM protection from downloaded library books, making them permanent on your Kobo.
• 📱 The video demonstrates how to install and configure the plugins, including the Overdrive Libby plugin for syncing library books.
• 💡 To remove DRM from books, you'll need to link your Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) account within Calibre.
• 📥 The video explains how to download books from Libby in .ACSM format, which is not directly usable on your Kobo without DRM removal.
• 🔄 Once DRM is removed, the books are transferred to your Kobo device, ready for permanent use without any time limits.
• 🖥️ The process of transferring books involves using Calibre to manage metadata and send the books to the Kobo device.
• 🎥 The tutorial also covers how to return borrowed books from the Libby app after transferring them to the Kobo, so you can borrow new ones.
• 🔁 This method can be repeated as many times as needed to transfer more books from Libby to your Kobo permanently.

Q & A

How can you borrow books from a library to your Kobo device?

You can borrow books directly from a library by linking your library card to your Kobo device. However, this method only lets you borrow books for a limited time (e.g., 21 days), and you can only borrow a certain number of books at a time depending on your library's limits.

Why isn't the direct syncing feature between Kobo and multiple library cards working?

As of November 2024, syncing multiple library cards through the Libby app to your Kobo device isn't working for the user in the video. Despite following various tutorials, the feature seems to have stopped working, potentially due to recent changes in software or settings.

What plugins are needed to permanently store library books on your Kobo device?

You need three plugins: DEDRM, Overdrive Libby, and DEAC. DEDRM is used to remove digital rights management (DRM), Overdrive Libby connects your library account to Calibre, and DEAC removes the Adobe DRM from the file.

How do you install the necessary plugins in Calibre?

To install the plugins, go to Calibre's preferences, navigate to 'Plugins,' and install the DEDRM, Overdrive Libby, and DEAC plugins. After installation, restart Calibre to activate them.

How do you link your library account to the Overdrive Libby plugin?

Click on the Overdrive Libby icon in Calibre, then select 'Link Configuration.' This will generate a setup code that you need to enter in the Calibre plugin section to sync your library account.

How do you borrow books using the Libby app in the process?

Once your account is linked in Calibre, you can borrow books through the Libby app by selecting available titles, such as from the James Patterson series in the video. After borrowing, the books appear in your Calibre library.

What is the significance of the '.ACSM' file format?

.ACSM is a file format used by Adobe Digital Editions to represent books that have DRM. It isn't the actual book file but a link that lets you download the protected content.

How do you remove the DRM from the borrowed books?

After downloading the .ACSM files from Libby, you use the DEAC plugin in Calibre to remove the Adobe DRM. You'll need to configure the DEAC plugin by linking your Adobe account or importing an activation code if you're using Adobe Digital Editions on Windows.

What should you do after DRM removal to transfer the books to your Kobo device?

After removing the DRM, update the metadata for the books in Calibre (such as adding series details, page numbers, and word counts). Then, connect your Kobo device to Calibre and send the books to it.

Can you return the borrowed books once they're transferred to your Kobo?

Yes, once the books are transferred to your Kobo device, you can go back to the Libby app, highlight the books, and return them to the library. This frees up your library loans for future borrowing.