Read ebooks For Free

Borrow hundreds of titles from your local library with Libby

It has always amazed us that UK library services don’t do more to publicise the fact that you can go online and borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library completely free of charge.

Admittedly, the process hasn’t always been easy; the app you needed to use - originally called OverDrive - was a bit tricky to install and set up. However, the company behind OverDrive recently launched a new iOS app, called Libby, that is much easier to use.

Your local library will only have a limited stock of ebooks and audiobooks, and you might have to join a waiting list to borrow the latest titles or a popular blockbuster.

However, all the titles available through Libby are completely free, which makes this a real hidden gem of an app that deserves a much wider audience. Just ensure that you have a valid library card and membership number ready when you download Libby, which is free from the App Store.

Cliff Joseph

HOW TO Borrow ebooks and audiobooks

1 Local libraries

Libby starts off by asking which library you belong to. Many local libraries are part of a larger group of libraries - for instance, if you live in Tower Hamlets, you’ll find it’s part of the city-wide London Libraries Consortium.

2 Members only

In order to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library, you’ll need to have a valid library membership card. This will show your membership number, and you’ll have a security PIN too, both of which you enter into Libby.

3 Library online