Do you want to learn how to get free books?
Finding free books is easier than you might think. Whether you prefer fiction, nonfiction, children’s titles, or classics, there are many legal ways to read without spending money. You can use public libraries and digital lending apps, enroll in free-book programs for kids, join neighborhood book swaps, review advance copies, or explore large public-domain collections. With a few simple strategies, you can keep your reading list full while saving money.
Best Ways To Get Free Books
Below are practical tips and resources to help you get free books.
1. Get a library card
A public library card is the most reliable route to free books. Most libraries issue cards at no cost with a valid ID and proof of address. Libraries lend physical books, audiobooks, and often digital titles via apps like Libby and OverDrive.
Beyond lending, many libraries run programs such as story times, craft nights, and community lending of items like state park passes or camping kits. Some libraries even run reading challenges that reward participants with books to keep.
Many libraries also offer digital library cards you can sign up for online using just an email address and phone number. Once registered, you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks from home via library apps.
2. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails a free, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth through age five. Launched in 1995, the program reaches children in many U.S. counties and in countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. The books are high-quality and delivered directly to your home, making it an excellent option to build a child’s home library and encourage early literacy. Enrollment is free and open to every child regardless of family income; check availability in your area to register.
3. Little Free Library
Little Free Libraries are small, publicly accessible book-sharing boxes found in neighborhoods and parks. The idea is simple: take a book, leave a book. They’re easy to find using the official map or by searching terms like “little free library” in map apps. You can also start your own Little Free Library to share books in your community. They’re great for discovering unexpected reads while out and about.
4. Review books
Reviewing books is a common way to receive free advance copies—either digital or physical—in exchange for an honest review. Sites and services that connect reviewers with authors and publishers include online review communities and dedicated review platforms. If you enjoy writing about books, sign up for review programs or contact publishers directly to request review copies. Some services mail physical books to reviewers who commit to providing feedback.
5. Start a book blog
Creating a book blog can open doors to free books from authors and publishers, especially as your audience grows. Blogs focused on book reviews, reading lists, or themed content can earn affiliate income and attract review requests. Even general-interest blogs that include book coverage sometimes receive review copies. If you enjoy writing and sharing recommendations, a blog is a long-term way to build relationships with publishers and receive free titles.
If you’re new to blogging, there are many free courses and guides that explain how to choose a niche, set up a site, grow traffic, and monetize content through ads and affiliate links.
6. Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg offers over 70,000 public-domain ebooks that you can download or read online for free. The collection focuses on older works whose copyright has expired, making classics and historic texts readily available in formats like EPUB and Kindle. It’s an excellent resource for free literature and frequently updated additions.
7. Ask friends and family
Friends and family often have books they no longer read and are happy to share. Ask around, organize a casual book swap, or post a request on social media. Swapping titles is an easy, low-cost way to refresh your home library and pass books along when you’re finished.
8. Open Library
Open Library is a digital lending platform with millions of titles available to borrow or read online. It includes books in multiple languages and covers a broad range of genres. You can search by language or subject and borrow digital copies for a limited loan period, similar to a physical library.
9. Buy Nothing groups
Buy Nothing groups—typically hosted on Facebook—are neighborhood-based communities where people give away items for free. Books frequently appear in these groups; joining a local Buy Nothing community makes it easy to claim titles offered by neighbors. You can also post a request for specific books, as members often respond to direct asks.
10. BookBub Deals
BookBub curates daily ebook deals and alerts you to free and deeply discounted titles across platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Sign up, choose your favorite genres, and receive email notifications for curated deals. While BookBub doesn’t sell books directly, it helps you find promotions that make many ebooks temporarily free.
11. OverDrive app
OverDrive (and its Libby app) connects your library card to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Install the app, link your library card, and borrow digital titles for timed loans—perfect for reading on phones, tablets, or e-readers without visiting a branch.
12. BookCrossing
BookCrossing is a community practice of leaving books in public places for others to find, read, and re-release. It’s a social, global form of book sharing where you can track books’ journeys online. It’s a fun way to discover unexpected reads and participate in a sharing economy of books.
13. Amazon Kindle Store
The Amazon Kindle Store offers many free ebooks—some permanently free and others temporarily free through promotions. Search for free Kindle books or sign up for services like Kindle Unlimited to access a large library for a monthly fee (often with trial periods). Amazon also runs occasional promotions that make select titles available at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about getting free books.
What are some ways to get free books mailed to me?
Programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mail free children’s books. Review programs and author giveaways can also result in physical copies being mailed to you. Local library giveaways or community book swaps sometimes include free-to-keep books as well.
What resources are available for getting free books from publishers?
Publishers distribute advance review copies through review platforms and by contacting bloggers and reviewers directly. Joining book review sites, building a blog, or subscribing to publisher and author newsletters helps you learn about opportunities for free review copies.
What is the best way to get free books for kids?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and public library children’s programs are top choices for free kids’ books. Libraries often host free reading events and occasional book giveaways as well.
How to get free books for students?
Teachers and schools can apply for grants, partner with literacy organizations, or use free digital resources to provide students with books. Educational websites and library services also offer free or low-cost digital titles for students.
Where can I find free legally available ebooks?
Open Library, Project Gutenberg, and library apps like OverDrive/Libby are excellent sources of legally free ebooks and public-domain works.
How to get free physical books from Amazon?
Amazon occasionally runs promotions offering free physical books, and programs like Amazon Vine and review partnerships can provide review copies to eligible reviewers. Watching for special deals and joining relevant programs increases your chances of receiving free physical books.
What other stuff can I get for free?
Beyond books, many communities and websites list free or low-cost items and services. Local buy-nothing groups, library programs, and charity organizations often distribute a range of items. Look for community resources and guides tailored to your area.
How to Get Free Books – Summary
Free books are accessible through libraries, digital lending apps, community book exchanges, review opportunities, public-domain archives, and targeted programs for children. By combining these options—library borrowing, Little Free Libraries, Buy Nothing groups, Project Gutenberg, and review or blog opportunities—you can read widely without spending much.
Whether you’re borrowing audiobooks through an app, receiving monthly kids’ books in the mail, or claiming free ebooks from curated deals, there are many legitimate paths to expand your library for free. What’s your favorite way to get free books?