AI audiobooks are invading Libby. Here’s how I avoid them.

Source: Mashable Tech

Like it or not, AI is everywhere.

It was only a matter of time before the technology began showing up in the literary world. The novel Shy Girl was picked up by a major publisher last year, only to be canceled after allegations of AI‑generated passages.

Now, AI voices are getting into the mix. Libby users are discovering that AI has also infiltrated the service’s audiobooks.

As pointed out by user @ems.book.shelff on TikTok, AI audiobooks have arrived on Libby, the app that connects public‑library card holders with their library’s e‑book and audiobook collections.

This isn’t the first instance of AI and Libby crossing over. On Nov. 20, 2025, Libby posted an article launching its Inspire Me feature, which uses large‑language‑model generative AI to recommend books to users. The “Inspire Me” feature is easy enough to avoid, but an underlying issue on Libby is the presence of audiobooks narrated by AI. For dedicated audiobook listeners, losing the human touch of a real person’s narration can be devastating.

If you want to steer clear of AI, here’s how to spot AI audiobooks in Libby.

How to Spot AI Audiobooks in Libby

Step 1: Search for AI Voices

In the Libby app, go to the search bar and look for the terms Digital Voice and Synthesized Voice. This will display all titles that feature AI voice narration, which is commonly referred to as either a digital or synthesized voice.

Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Step 2: Browse Through Results

Click into individual book listings. In each book’s details, the narrator will be listed. Any books that use AI will have the narrator listed as either “synthesized voice” or “digital voice.” If you’re looking to avoid AI, simply don’t borrow those titles.

Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable