The $2,500 Texas Book Festival grant will add requested digital titles that residents can access free through Libby
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Huntsville Public Library has received a $2,500 Texas Library Grant that will help expand its digital collection of e-books and audiobooks available free to local cardholders.
The library was selected as one of 70 public libraries across the state to receive a 2026 grant from the Texas Book Festival. The funding will be used to fulfill long-standing requests from patrons and add more requested and popular titles to the library’s digital catalog.
“We will be able to add to our digital collection both e-books and audiobooks, fulfilling some of the long-standing book requests and add some requested favorites,” the library said on Facebook in announcing the award.
The library said future announcements will provide information about the new titles as they become available.
Digital books available through Libby
Huntsville Public Library cardholders can access the library’s e-books and digital audiobooks through Libby, a free reading app developed by OverDrive.
The city says Libby materials can be accessed using a smartphone, tablet, computer or compatible e-reader. Patrons may borrow digital titles for two weeks, after which the materials are automatically returned. The service does not charge subscription costs or late fees.
Libby users can read or listen while connected to the internet or download eligible titles for offline use. Most e-books borrowed through participating U.S. libraries may also be sent to a Kindle device.
How to access Libby
Residents will need an active Huntsville Public Library card and the four-digit PIN selected when the card was issued.
To begin:
- Download the free Libby app from the Apple App Store, Google Play or the Amazon Appstore. Computer users may access Libby through a web browser at LibbyApp.com.
- Open the app and select the option indicating that the user has a library card.
- Search for Huntsville Public Library, Huntsville, Texas, or the Piney Woods Digital Consortium.
- Select Huntsville Public Library as the home library.
- Enter the library card number and four-digit PIN when prompted.
- Search or browse for an e-book or audiobook.
- Select “Borrow” if the title is available. If all copies are checked out, select “Place Hold” to join the waiting list.
Borrowed materials appear under the “Shelf” section of the app. The Shelf also displays current loans, holds, due dates and notices. Digital titles are automatically returned when the lending period ends, although readers may return them early.
By default, the Libby mobile app downloads most book and audiobook loans for offline use when the device is connected to Wi-Fi. Users may change those settings from the app’s download menu.
What residents need
According to Huntsville Public Library, patrons need a library card, their four-digit PIN and a device capable of accessing the app or website.
The library’s website also says patrons with less than $5 in outstanding fines may continue using the free Libby digital collection.
Readers can adjust font sizes, background colors and typefaces when reading through the app. Users may also place holds, receive notifications when titles become available and submit requests for digital books they would like the library to consider purchasing.
Residents who do not have a library card or who have forgotten their PIN should contact or visit Huntsville Public Library for assistance.
Grant supports libraries across Texas
The Texas Book Festival’s grant program helps public libraries improve collections based on the interests and needs of their communities. The 2026 recipients are using their awards for projects that include children’s books, Spanish-language and bilingual materials, print collections, e-books and audiobooks.
Since the Texas Book Festival was founded in 1995, the organization has awarded 1,562 library grants totaling more than $3.9 million. Funds raised through the annual Texas Book Festival Weekend help support the grants distributed to libraries the following year.
Huntsville Public Library is located at 1219 13th St. Residents may call 936-291-5472 for assistance with library cards, PIN numbers or digital resources.