Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t change our picks or your price.
Quick answer: The easiest ways to get free books legally are your public library (including the Libby and Hoopla apps), Project Gutenberg and Standard Ebooks for public domain classics, LibriVox for free audiobooks, little free libraries, book swaps and legitimate giveaways. Retailers also offer free ebooks and trials, but check the terms before signing up.
Quick facts
Public libraries lend print, ebooks and audiobooks for free
Project Gutenberg has over 70,000 public domain ebooks
LibriVox offers free public domain audiobooks read by volunteers
Little free libraries and swaps cost nothing
Avoid pirate sites; they are illegal and unsafe
You do not need to spend a lot to read a lot. Between libraries, public domain collections and community sharing, there are many legal ways to get books for free. This guide covers the best options, with tips to make them work for you.
Table of Contents
1. Your Public Library
A library card is the best free book source. Libraries lend print books, large print, audiobooks and ebooks. Through apps such as Libby and Hoopla, you can borrow digital titles on your phone or e-reader, often with a free card from your local system. If your library does not have a title, ask about interlibrary loan, which can bring books from other libraries. Many libraries also offer free access to newspapers, language courses and other resources.
2. Public Domain Ebooks
Books published long ago have no copyright and can be shared freely. Project Gutenberg offers more than 70,000 ebooks in many formats, including classics by Austen, Dickens and Twain. Standard Ebooks provides carefully formatted editions of public domain works. These sites work with Kindle, phones and computers. The copyright status depends on the country, so check that a title is public domain where you live.
3. Free Audiobooks
LibriVox has thousands of audiobooks read by volunteers from the public domain. Libby and Hoopla offer many audiobooks through libraries. Some publishers and retailers give away a free audiobook with a trial. Remember to cancel before billing starts if you do not want to continue. YouTube also hosts legal audiobooks of public domain works.
4. Free Ebooks and Deals From Retailers
Retailers such as Amazon, Kobo and Barnes and Noble have lists of free ebooks, often the first book in a series or older titles. Services like BookBub send email alerts about free and discounted ebooks. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you may be able to borrow some titles through Prime Reading. Check the details on the page before you download.
5. Little Free Libraries, Swaps and Secondhand
Little free libraries are small boxes in neighborhoods where people take and leave books. Book swaps, community groups and Buy Nothing groups also share books at no cost. Used bookstores and library sales offer very cheap titles. These options are great for children’s books, which kids outgrow quickly.
6. Giveaways and Advance Copies
Publishers and authors often hold giveaways on Goodreads, social media or newsletters. Reviewers and bloggers can request advance copies from services such as NetGalley, though approvals are not guaranteed. Entering a giveaway is free, and winning is a bonus. Be careful with sites that ask for payment information to enter a free contest.
7. Free Trials and Subscriptions
Services such as Audible, Kindle Unlimited and Scribd offer free trials for a limited period. They are legal and can be useful if you want to binge a series, but set a reminder to cancel. Compare options like Kindle Unlimited with free library apps to see what suits you.
What to Avoid
Pirated books on file-sharing sites are illegal and harm authors. They can also carry viruses. If a recently published best-seller is offered free on an unknown site, it is almost certainly pirated. Stick to libraries, public domain and official promotions.
How to Get the Most From Your Library Card
Many readers use only a fraction of what a library offers. Ask about digital cards you can get online, including from larger systems that accept out-of-area residents for a small fee. Request purchase of a title you want, since libraries often buy books patrons suggest. Look for programs such as book clubs, author talks, book bundles you can pick up on a schedule and kits for kids. Some libraries lend e-readers, Wi-Fi hotspots and board games. Setting a reminder for due dates and using the app to renew keeps things simple, and since many libraries have dropped late fees, borrowing has few downsides.
A Free Reading Plan for the Month
Here is a sample month using only free sources. Start with a new release on Libby, placing a hold early so it arrives mid-month. Pair it with a public domain classic from Project Gutenberg as your slower, daily read. Keep a free audiobook from LibriVox or Hoopla for chores. Finally, swap a book at a neighborhood little free library or a friend. That gives you four reading experiences, in four formats, with no cost at all, and a variety that keeps you from getting bored.
Digital Tools to Help You Find Free Books
Several tools make searching easier. The Libby and Hoopla apps search your library’s collections. Sites such as Open Library list public domain and borrowable books. BookBub and similar services send alerts for free ebook promotions in your favorite genres. Setting up alerts and saving searches means you can grab free titles when they appear and read them at your own pace.
Related: how to track your reading and Kindle vs paperback.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get free books legally?
Use public libraries, public domain sites such as Project Gutenberg, free promotions and community swaps.
Is Project Gutenberg legal?
Yes, it shares books whose copyright has expired.
Can I get free audiobooks?
Yes, through libraries, LibriVox and free trials.
Are free ebook sites safe?
Official ones are; avoid unknown sites that offer new best-sellers for free.
Do I need a library card for Libby?
Yes, you sign in with your library card.