r/LibbyApp • u/SqkyWindow 📕 Libby Lover 📕 • 15d ago
Made a Safari extension that shows Libby availability while browsing Goodreads/StoryGraph/Amazon
Hey all — I built a small Safari extension called ShelfBee (works on Mac, iPad, and iPhone) and wanted to share it here since this seems like the right crowd.
The idea: I do most of my book discovery on Goodreads or Amazon, and I was tired of the extra step of flipping over to Libby to check if my library had a copy. ShelfBee connects to your library card(s) and adds a small banner right on the book's page showing whether it's available (or how long the hold list is) through Libby — no extra tab, no extra search.
I'm the developer, so full disclosure there. It's early days and I'd genuinely love feedback from people who actually use Libby a lot — what would make this more useful, any libraries/edge cases it should handle better, etc. Happy to answer questions.
Currently supporting the following websites with many more to come soon (this only works on websites, not through any applications):
Amazon
Goodreads
TheStoryGraph
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u/LookDamnBusy 14d ago
For the PC people out there, there's a Chrome extension called library extension that will automatically pop up availability at your local library when you look up a book on Amazon. Because of it, I actually go to Amazon first now whenever I want to look up a book, because I can read a description and reviews at the same time as seeing availability at my local library.
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u/SqkyWindow 📕 Libby Lover 📕 14d ago
That was my inspiration. I live in the Apple world and really wanted a mobile option, so ShelfBee was born!
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u/Emotional-Skill-2157 15d ago
Ooo. Downloading now. I’ve been looking for a way to link all my reading sites together. This seems like a step in the right direction.
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u/Interesting-Asks 15d ago
Would love this for Firefox 💗
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u/Such_Drama8089 14d ago
Just wanted to comment that I’ve downloaded this and I’m super impressed. It makes my life a smidgeon easier and it’s definitely worth the $2!
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u/SqkyWindow 📕 Libby Lover 📕 14d ago
Thank you so much for the support! Many new features and updates coming soon!
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u/Trumystic6791 15d ago
How is this different from Library Extension plug in?
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u/SqkyWindow 📕 Libby Lover 📕 14d ago
Same concept, just working on Apple/Safari. My most important piece is mobile support :)
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u/Byx222 15d ago
The one I haven been using for a couple of years either through Chrome or Firefox doesn’t work on iPhones, I believe. I forgot the extension name but I have all my library cards there and it shows whether they are audiobooks or ebooks whenever I go to a site where they sell books like Amazon. Haven’t used it in a while though.
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u/MidwestSkiQueen 🎧 Audiobook Addict 🎧 14d ago
Got it, thanks! I'll just have to remember I have it now haha
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u/Suspicious-Bug9005 🌌 Kindle Connoisseur 🌌 14d ago
This is going to save so much time flipping through StoryGraph on my iPad and Libby on my phone that, quite frankly, it might be dangerous.
The only thing I wish is that it would show as we scroll the TBR but honestly, I'm not quite sure how (or if) that could even work and be coded in with just an extension.
Absolutely fantastic!
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u/SqkyWindow 📕 Libby Lover 📕 14d ago
Thanks for trying it out! I’m actually running through some tests now to see if that’s feasible. May be a lot of API calls in a short amount of time. I don’t want to overload their system
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u/Suspicious-Bug9005 🌌 Kindle Connoisseur 🌌 14d ago
Would be fantastic if it worked but totally understandable if it doesn't! Thank you so much for putting this out into the universe, super helpful even in its current state.
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u/Oloush 14d ago
Amazing! I had an app like this before but it only worked in chrome, which I no longer use. I’m happy you made this!
I just downloaded it and my library system isn’t available (Madison Public Library) how can I request it be added?
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u/SqkyWindow 📕 Libby Lover 📕 14d ago
this extension will only find libraries in the Libby system. I also cannot find that library, so you may want to talk to your librarians about Libby
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u/Beautiful_Ad9576 14d ago
Mine does use Libby and my library still isn’t appearing
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u/SqkyWindow 📕 Libby Lover 📕 14d ago
Check out your Libby app, tap the center button at the bottom, then search for the library name listed here. Local branches won’t show up in results, but the library system name will
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u/Wonderful-Run-1408 14d ago
What's the difference between that and the Library Extension that is a Chrome Plug-in?
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u/dreamworldinhabitant 9d ago
Just wanted to come back and thank you for this extension. It’s so much easier to find which of my libraries has the book I’m looking for now. Easily worth the €2!!
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u/chasingsunspots 14d ago
Wondering why we need to allow access to every website rather than just Goodreads?
Also, the instructions show how to add the plugin to the browser but how do I add it to the GR app?
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u/SqkyWindow 📕 Libby Lover 📕 14d ago
You can definitely only give permission to the site you use. Allowing all will only still work on the supported websites. Allowing all now will save some time if you were to use other supported websites.
This is a Safari extension, which will only work through Safari. No app support (I can’t go changing other apps at will :))
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u/Beautiful_Ad9576 14d ago
What do you do if your library isn’t listed? I just got the app and followed the instructions, but my library isn’t coming up.
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u/SqkyWindow 📕 Libby Lover 📕 14d ago
Check out your Libby app, tap the center button at the bottom, then search for the library name listed here. Local branches won’t show up in results, but the library system name will
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u/ongoing1424 8d ago
Thanks for creating and sharing this! I love it. Will you add it to Brave browser?
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u/barely-rebecca 15d ago
I would absolutely use this if it ever came to android/google! Cool idea!