What is the best way to get books/things to read for free/cheap?

So im usally am stuck at home but ive never felt like rading but i also want to learn somethign new. i was thinking i should read a how to book or, (blank) for dummies but i do online school, i cant drive because im afraid and i tend to freak out when going somewhere becasue i have autism.

is there a librairy app or something i should know of, also feel free to suggest a book if you would like… or ask for more detailes?

quasar ,
@quasar@aussie.zone avatar

Kindle Unlimited, a Audible sub and public library mostly.

TimTheEnchanter ,
@TimTheEnchanter@beehaw.org avatar

Since I’m seeing Libby mentioned a lot: for those in the US, check the libraries in the large cities in your state, too. Sometimes they have digital-only cards available for statewide residents. You can have several library cards on Libby so you have lots of options!

Also check your area for Little Free Libraries, which are free “take a book, leave a book” boxes!

medlii ,

Yes, and there are libraries with cards for non-residents, too! That's what I use on Libby. These are typically not free, but some are low-cost. If you don't have a library card already, this is a great way to get one without having to drive somewhere. For example, according to this list, Fairfax VA charges $27 per year for access to a catalogue of "over 50,000 ebooks and 21,000 audiobooks".

https://bookriot.com/out-of-state-library-cards/

Nyla_Smokeyface ,

I really need to check out my library again. I have one near me and I really should take advantage of it again.

alex ,

Nooot as legal as the other alternatives here, libgen.is has a gigantic catalogue (if you know what you’re looking for) to download ebooks from.

nxtequal ,

I’ll add that if you can’t find it on libgen, or if you’re looking for comics and manga ie things that might not be on there, FMHY is a great thing to google ;) includes audiobooks if you’d prefer that to reading. Includes direct downloads as well as torrents.

That said, depending on what you want to learn, there may be a youtube video on it. There’s tons on youtube for certain subjects like video editing or coding if that’s what you’re interested in.

Edit to add: if you’d rather buy a physical copy, ebay and AbeBooks are great sources.

alex ,

(AbeBooks is owned by Amazon - bookshop.org might be a better alternative.)

JaymesRS , (edited )
@JaymesRS@midwest.social avatar

The below are all legit sources of free books that are above board.

For publishers offering free digital versions you have the following:

Tor has a free book of the month club for sci-fi & Fantasy.

Subterranean Press says they are doing something similar

Baen’s Free Library

Others specialize in cleaning up and offering improved copies of public domain books:

Standard EbooksOpen CultureFaded PageAlice and Books

toy_boat_toy_boat ,

Don’t forget Project Gutenberg

JackbyDev ,

Yes, sign up for a library. You can get digital books even if you can’t physically go.

Sharmat ,

Project Gutenberg is a great source for books that have entered the public domain.

gyrfalcon ,
@gyrfalcon@beehaw.org avatar

archive.org is a great resource, their stuff can be a bit older but is still very useful.

WhelmedInEurope ,
@WhelmedInEurope@beehaw.org avatar

The Libby app connects with a lot of libraries. There are a few others that are library specific such as cloudreaders, hoopla, and kanopy. If you have a library card, try checking your library’s website for a digital collection or elibrary. Depending on where you live you may have access to more library cards as well. I have one for the county library that uses Libby and one for the public library that uses cloudreaders.

storksforlegs ,
@storksforlegs@beehaw.org avatar

Yes, I second libby. You can access books, comics, even a wide selection of audiobooks to borrow. A+ app.

shanghaibebop ,

This. You can even get audiobooks through Libby.

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