How to read ebooks for free
Reading a paperback novel or magazine is a rare chance to unplug from the digital world and immerse yourself in a great story.
But while hardcopy versions are staging a comeback it’s still hard to beat the convenience of reading a book on a screen.
This is especially the case for people who live in small towns or anyone who finds it hard to get out and about.
With sites such as Amazon, you can buy nearly any popular book and be reading it on your smartphone, tablet or Kindle within seconds.
But not everyone can afford to buy every book they read which is why it’s worth seeking out free ebooks.
The best place to start is your local library, though you’ll need to be a bit patient and be prepared to take some time to get set up.
Most libraries have an app that lets you download ebooks free. You need to be a member of the library and have your login details handy. You’ll also need a device (either Android or Apple) so you can download an app, though some allow you to read it on your computer.
The libraries use different apps (Libby is popular and so is Wheelers and BorrowBox) but all are easy to use and most let you access books for up to 14 days. Some of these apps also provide audiobooks.
Most New Zealand libraries also provide digital magazines through apps such as Flipster and RBdigital and are best read on tablets.
Manybooks is an easy-to-use website that provides free books. They have more than 30,000 books available including many classics and novels from emerging and selfpublishing authors. The books can be read on your Kindle or on the website.
There are also free ebooks on the Google Play store. There are quite a few available and you can also get audiobooks.
You’ll need to download the Google Play Books app for your Android or Apple device or else you can read them on the Google Play Books website.
You can’t download them for a Kindle.
Feedbooks provides thousands of free ebooks that have become accessible via public domain. Other options include Free-eBooks.net and openlibrary.org.
If you prefer audiobooks, then take a look at LibriVox, which has many classic and out-of-print books.