Do you want to start reading books online for free?

As readers, we often display our extensive collection of bought books, forgetting that you can (and sometimes should) read for free. 

In this post, I’ll show you how to read books online for free!

Reasons to Read Books Online For Free

Are you feeling the itch to dive into a good book, but you’re hesitant to make a trip to the bookstore or shell out cash for yet another addition to your overflowing bookshelf? I’ve got a solution that’s not only budget-friendly but also fits perfectly into our digital age – reading books online for free.

Don’t get me wrong, I totally understand the lovely feeling of buying a physical book. The act of creating a personal library is my personal high.

But there are plenty of reasons why you might want (or need) to read free books online. Let’s dive into just a few.

1. Convenience

Let’s face it, books take up space. Whether you’re living in a tiny apartment or trying to minimize clutter, a digital library is a game-changer. 

Plus, digital libraries are available 24/7. You can carry a vast collection of books wherever you go, all stored neatly on your device. 

2. Budget-Friendly Reading

Some people believe that buying and owning books is the elite reading experience. I’m not one of those people. 

Reading online for free means you can explore a wide range of books without spending a dime. You can engage with your hobby without worrying about wasting money. 

We’ve all been there – you buy a book, only to discover it’s not your cup of tea. With digital options, you can sample books risk-free, and if something doesn’t click, you can move on to the next one without any buyer’s remorse.

3. Instant Gratification

I hate driving, but I’d do it if there’s a bookstore involved. When I can get books instantly on my Kindle, however, I’ll kiss my yellow beetle goodbye. 

With online books, you don’t have to wait for shipping or making trips to the bookstore. If you’ve ever had that “I need something to read right now” feeling, online reading is your answer.

4. Environmentally-Friendly

For a long time, I’ve wondered whether my reading hobby is doing more harm than good. I’ve seen people talk about over-consumption, and for good reason.

I believe this should be mainly directed toward corporations, but it can be a good feeling to do something positive for the environment as an individual. 

Digital reading is a more sustainable option. No trees are harmed in the making of eBooks, which is something worth considering if you’re striving for a greener lifestyle.

5. Diverse Selections

I live in Florida, which means (you guessed it) there’s a ton of book banning happening. Libraries and bookstores are being attacked simply for curating reads that feature a diverse group of characters. 

Online platforms often provide access to a vast and diverse collection of books, including niche genres like banned books. You’ll discover hidden gems and explore authors you might never have encountered otherwise.

Plus, you might avoid pissing off that conservative mom and dad you’re living with. If you use a library app, you can read any book you want and send it back when you’re done. You don’t have to hide them on your physical shelf!

How to Read Books Online For Free

You might have wanted to read online for a while, but you don’t know where to find free books. To help, I’ll show you my favorite way to read online for free!

Step 1: Get a Library Card

When you put the words “free” and “books” together, what do you think of?

That’s right, the LIBRARY. My favorite way to read for free.

You might not think it saves that much money, but it really does. 

At the beginning of this year, I bought a digital reading tracker from AubreiKTemplates. Along with tracking my favorite genres and reading formats, it also allowed me to see how much I’ve saved from using the library:

So far, I’ve saved $522! It’s truly worth it.

Now, I do understand that the quality of your local library depends on where you live. So, be sure to explore which libraries are in your county. 

I’d recommend getting a library card if it’s accessible to you. Although some libraries have apps, you’ll have to visit in person to get a library card. All you’ll need is proof of address, but I understand that this isn’t doable for some people.

If you don’t have many local libraries or you can’t get a library card, don’t worry. At the end of this post, I’ll list some alternative websites that you can use to read for free. 

Step 2: Download Your Library’s E-Reader App

If you can get a library card in person, feel free to ask the librarian what reading apps your library uses. Depending on the location, this might be:

• Libby
• CloudLibrary
• Hoopla
• OverDrive

At least, these are the ones that are popular by me, in Florida. 

Whenever I don’t know which one my library uses, I always search for “[Library name] reading app”. This will usually pull up a page on your library’s website with this information. 

For example, my library lists CloudLibrary, hoopla, CloudLibrary NewsStand, and The Palace Project:

Once you know which one to use, download the app on your phone. Then, choose the library location where you got a library card. You’ll also need to enter your card number:

Now you’re free to start reading!

Step 3: Start Reading Books Online For Free

With your library app, you can download any ebook or audiobook that’s available. Since it’s library-based, certain (usually popular) items might be checked out already. In this case, simply put a hold on them.

Otherwise, you can borrow anything that’s there!

My library uses the CloudLibrary app, which uses a built-in e-reader:

However, some other options like Libby allow you to send books to your Kindle. You’ll have to explore the different features included in your library app!

Other Ways to Read Books Online For Free

Libraries can be an amazing option for reading books for free. However, they might not be the best option for everyone. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of other platforms for free online reading. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• BookBub
• Project Gutenberg
• The Library of Congress
• Open Library
• Google Books

Keep in mind that most of the time, you get what you pay for. Many free e-books are classics that fall under public domain. If you’re looking for a new release, I’d suggest putting it on hold at your library.

FAQs About Reading Books Online For Free

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I hope this helped you read books online for free!

While you’re here, check out some more (amazing?) insights from a chronically online 24-year-old:

• 7 Novels Everyone Should Read
• Two Weeks Notice Movie Review
• Love Is Blind Review: A Lesson in Male Manipulation

What is your favorite way to read books online for free? Leave a comment below!