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Reviewed and published by trentmaziarz, March 23, 2026. Discovered and drafted by our automated research pipeline.
In 2019, OverDrive launched a Google Assistant integration that let Libby users search for and borrow library books using voice commands on smart speakers, phones, and other devices. Its current operational status is unclear, as Google has since discontinued many third-party Assistant integrations.
Details
The Libby Action for Google Assistant launched in March 2019 and was compatible with over one billion devices, including Google Home speakers, Android phones, smart watches, and smart displays. Patrons could initiate library interactions by saying "Hey Google, talk to Libby," then search for titles, hear book descriptions read aloud, receive recommendations, and borrow items hands-free. This was an early experiment in making library collections accessible through conversational AI platforms. Google has since deprecated many third-party Actions from its Assistant platform, and OverDrive has not published documentation confirming whether this integration remains functional.
Products affected
Libby
Sources & Evidence
Other practices by OverDrive, Inc.
OtherIn March 2026, OverDrive hired Marc DeBevoise as its new president. DeBevoise previously led AI-driven product development at a video technology company, and his appointment signals a continued strategic focus on expanding AI across OverDrive's products.OtherOverDrive filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI in 2025, arguing that OpenAI's use of the name "Sora" for its AI video generator causes harmful confusion with OverDrive's Sora student reading app, which has served K-12 schools since 2018.OtherOverDrive published a formal policy in 2025 laying out how the company intends to use AI responsibly across its products. The policy covers privacy, environmental impact, intellectual property, and what uses of AI the company permits and prohibits.
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