You can only watch Netflix for so long before you have to take a break. As much as I'd rather be out doing things that don't involve social distancing, I am planning to take advantage of the time that I have to enjoy some books.
It probably is not surprising that I have more than enough books at home to read. I'm definitely not in danger of running out of books, but I realize that not everyone is as stocked with books.
So, I thought I would share a few places to get access to ebooks. Some of these are places that I already use and a few are places that I've seen shared on social media.
Local Libraries may offer access to Libby where you can borrow ebooks from your library while on your couch. About 90% of libraries have ebooks available for the public, and right now most libraries will allow you to sign up even if you don't currently have a library card. Check your library's website for more information about getting books this way.
Prime Reading offers over 1,000 books and magazine that you can access if you have Amazon Prime. While this isn't technically free, if you already have Prime, then you don't pay any extra for this service. We stopped our Prime at the end of last year, so I can't tell you exactly what's available, but it's definitely worth taking a look at.
Project Gutenberg is an online source for books that has been around for years. It doesn't have the most pleasant navigation system, so it can be hard to browse to find books if you don't already have a book or author in mind. The site offers digital versions of books that were published before 1921. You won't find today's bestseller on the site, but you can read a ton of classic books. Here are a few of my suggestions to read on Project Gutenberg.
Open Culture offers many of the same books as Project Gutenberg, but the site is worth taking a look at because it also offers links to free audiobooks, movies, and online courses. Even if you don't plan on reading an ebook from here, you should save the site because it is such a great resource.
Open Library has licenses to allow you to borrow newer books than Project Gutenberg or Open Culture. If you're looking to read books like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games, this is a good option. I will say that I personally have never used this site, but it looks easy to use. If you try it and find out that the site doesn't work well, please let me know.
RivetedLit is your source for YA novels by Simon Teen. You do have to sign up for the newsletter in order to read the books. Some of the books are excerpts, but others are full books. I signed up even though I already have more than enough books to read because I want to read The Mortal Coil. I think that the books change each month, so if you see one you want to read, don't wait.
Dartfrog Books is offering 20 books to read online. There are a variety of genres and topics to choose from. It looks like there is something for everyone. I was interested by The King and Mrs. Simpson, but I should probably finish watching The Crown first.
Scribd is offering free 30 day access to its catalogue of ebooks. The normal price for the service is $8.99 per month. I actually was a member of Scribd before I moved to Tennessee because my local library in Mississippi didn't offer ebooks. Scribd is easy to use, and it's more than worth the price even if you only read one or two books per month. If I weren't able to use Libby with the Nashville Public Library, I would still be using Scribd.
If you know of other good sources for free ebooks, please share in the comments below.
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