Even if you love reading, getting access to books isn’t always easy—and while brand-new hardbacks may be beautiful, they’re so expensive! Well, fear not, because here are four great resources for finding books that you may not have known about.
1. Libby
Libby is an app that allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks just like you would from a library. They have thousands of options available, and you can even browse their catalogues to find your next favorite! All you need is a library card to link your account, and you can rent and return books as if you were actually at the counter.
2. Scribd
Scribd is another option for online reading materials. It has a monthly subscription, but gives you access to books, audiobooks, magazines, news articles, podcasts, and even sheet music! They boast over one million books and articles. It’s also an app, so you can access your books on the go.
3. Thriftbooks
More of a fan of physical copies, but don’t want to spend a fortune? Thriftbooks is exactly what it sounds like—it’s an online used book seller that offers a huge variety. The products on Thriftbooks are ranked by quality, from new to acceptable, so you know exactly what you’ll be getting. Whether you need a book for a class that you’ll only use for a semester, want to find a childhood favorite with the original cover, or just want to save money, Thriftbooks is a great option to try.
Focusing mainly on works that are out of copyright, Project Gutenberg is a completely free, volunteer-run website that digitizes older texts. They have everything from Beowulf to Sherlock Holmes, with a collection of more than 60,000 ebooks and counting. Since they’re mostly older books, you might even find that one reading assignment that you’re supposed to have the textbook for by now.
From children’s audiobooks to texts, these sources offer a spectrum of books for any readers. Even if you’re not looking for something specific, check them out today! They might just come in handy in the future.