Libby’s secret AI function shocked me

Guide-lending app Libby will get loads of use on my gadgets. As a voracious reader and an E Ink tablet enthusiast, I most likely learn at the very least a dozen books a month due to Libby so when this app has a brand new function to take a look at, I need to soar in and mess around with it instantly. A number of days in the past, I came upon by way of Reddit that there was an experimental new AI function within the app that’s designed to assist readers discover their subsequent e-book. I used to be just a little skeptical of this new function as I am not an enormous fan of AI usually, however I used to be nonetheless excited to check it out.

Nonetheless, it seems to be like this function is a bit arduous to search out, as app customers will not discover it on any menus throughout its preliminary rollout. As a substitute, it’s a must to enter a magic phrase into Libby’s search field.

Getting began with #InspireMe

The chatbot is only one key phrase away

Getting began with the chatbot is pretty simple, all it’s a must to do is sort #InspireMe (with the hashtag) into Libby’s search field on the high of the display. From there, you will be greeted with a space-y background and a immediate field, that features a number of fundamental classes you possibly can select from, like “nerdy,” “mythic,” or “haunted.” Following that, the chatbot offers you some fundamental synopses of broad plot tropes which you’ll then choose from to see 5 choices accessible at your library that match these broad classes. In keeping with Libby, this new function prioritizes volumes that may be borrowed instantly, so it is simpler than ever to search out your subsequent learn.

Along with performing these broad searches, you may as well use Libby’s #InspireMe AI function to advocate books primarily based on tags you utilize within the app. I initially used this to search for books primarily based on the eyeball emoji tag, which I created for books I need to circle again to and skim later when my TBR is backed up.

Canva/Pocket-lint

The AI suggestions from that tag labored properly sufficient, however I used to be shocked after I went again and tried to get suggestions primarily based on one other tag I created for books I began however did not end I I discovered that there was a time restrict in between tag-based searches. There would not appear to be something like this for the usual immediate, which I used to be ready to make use of a number of instances to generate completely different outcomes.

When you’re achieved with the chatbot, you possibly can shut it by choosing the Menu button on the high left. To re-access it, you need not sort the key phrase once more, simply press the Libby icon on the heart of your menu bar on the backside on the display to start out once more.

Is that this AI achieved proper?

I do not understand how a lot I will use this function, however my first impression is nice

Pocket-lint/Canva

I’m loath to say that I like an AI function in 2025, however I’ve to say that this one impressed me. It is unassuming, unobtrusive, and whereas I do not know if I personally will ever use it once more, I can see it being helpful for many who are caught in terms of discovering their subsequent learn.

Although there are many moral questions in terms of the environmental influence of AI, Libby’s AI policy says that the function has been particularly designed to reduce vitality influence. As well as, the AI bot doesn’t save any particulars about you or your gadget, and solely makes use of your studying historical past if you happen to particularly ask it to (like in my case with the tag).

It is value noting that there was vital backlash to this function on-line, with many customers on Reddit decrying the addition of one more AI function to an app that did not actually need it. I can not say I absolutely disagree with that sentiment, however I’ll say that I used to be shocked at how a lot I did like utilizing the app. So long as it stays a hidden, optionally available function I can not say I am too mad about it being an possibility for many who would profit from it.