The library is often an overlooked and underrated resource. As always, you can borrow thousands of different books from the library as long as you have a free library card. Not only can you read paperback and hardcover books, you can borrow e-books from the library as well. Many libraries are linked in local “networks,” so even if the library closest to you doesn’t have the book you’re looking for, another library nearby can send it over. Make the most of your membership and join a book club or attend a free community event.
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For those who prefer to read on a tablet or e-reader, there are plenty of options available. An app for iPhones, iPads and other Apple products called iBooks offers an entire category of free books. If you have a Kindle e-reader, you can access Amazon’s collection of free e-books. There is a “Top 100 Free” list where you can browse the best free e-books, according to ratings from readers.
Kindle also offers the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library for Amazon Prime members. You can “borrow” one book each month from the online lending library. You can even read at a leisurely pace, as these books have no due dates and can be returned at any time.
There are other online book lending options for those looking to borrow books. Keep in mind with these options that they work best if you are able to lend books as well. Open Library and Booklending.com are just a few examples. If you prefer a paperback, try PaperBack Swap for a network of readers that mail each other requested books to read. The website claims that it has more than 3 million books available.
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If you consider yourself well-read, you might consider becoming a book reviewer. Start by reviewing books on Amazon or the social network Goodreads. Other readers will vote for your reviews if they find them useful. Once you establish a collection of detailed, thoughtful reviews, you may be contacted by authors to review their books for free. Goodreads is an excellent place to find new books to read based on your past favorites. You can also connect with your friends and share the titles you are enjoying with each other. Each year, you can browse the new “Best of” lists at Goodreads, compiled by votes from the website’s members.
Speaking of authors, follow along with your favorites on their websites, blogs and social media channels. Often authors will release short stories or older novels for free. Plus, you’ll be in the know on new releases by subscribing to an author’s website.
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Of course, you can always turn to your own community for a book exchange. Clean out your bookshelves, pile up the books you no longer want and host a “book swap” with family and friends. Everyone can get the chance to clean up their collection and find a few new reads to take its place.
If you’re hoping to motivate your kids to read, there are plenty of free options out there. Many children’s books can be found at the resources named above, but also check out the Read Me Stories app for beginning readers. The app releases a new book every day and offers the option to have kids read or be read to by different voices. The app is designed to have children interact with the stories and help their reading development.
Hopefully, this inspires you to pick up a good book in honor of International Literacy Day on Sept. 8. With the money you saved accessing free books, you might even be inclined to make a donation to a nonprofit organization dedicated to prioritizing literacy worldwide, such as UNESCO.
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Free Ways to Read More Books This Month originally appeared on usnews.com
