How to Get Access to Endless Books for Free (or pretty cheap...)

The Japanese term for buying and not reading books is tsundoku (積ん読).?

While curating a beautifully aesthetic bookshelf can be a lifelong passion and hobby, it’s also expensive! ??

I’m not sure about you, but as a book addict, I could easily spend the equivalent of a car payment (ok fine…. a mortgage payment) in an afternoon at Barnes and Noble. Have you seen those book haul videos?? They’re mesmerizing!?

Even though I’m a firm believer in the ROI of reading, especially when it’s books about entrepreneurship, finances, and mindset, I just don’t want to drop that kind of coin!??

So let’s talk about free and cheap books! There are loads of resources!? Let’s start with the one we all know and love….? The Public Library!

Every human over the age of 5 should have a library card. Hello… they’re free! But not all libraries are created equal. Libraries in small towns have smaller budgets which can mean smaller book selections or limited copies of popular books. Libraries in some states are being subjected to book ban restrictions and removing important items from their collections.?

Unfortunately, both of these apply to me. I live in a small town outside of Boise, Idaho. Our local library is small compared to the Minneapolis Public Library I grew up with. There are often no copies of the nonfiction business-type books I crave. And Idaho is a state that is facing strict book-banning regulations in all of its libraries. (Don’t get me started on that topic!??)

So how do you get free access to a great selection of books?

My favorite tool is the Libby App. Using your library card number it gives you FREE access to their digital and audiobook collections. ??. Who wouldn't love free books?!?!?

But doesn’t this still limit you to a small selection and book bans?? Yes and no. Here’s how it works. I use my small local library card and have access to not only that library but also their local partner libraries, which for me is Boise Public Library. It’s bigger yes, but still doesn’t always have the selection or niche I’m looking for.?

Some large libraries will give you access as long as you live within the state, which can be great if you are in a rural town in a state that also has a big city. Think of the Chicago Public Library, which will give a library card to anyone who lives in Illinois, for free.?

But wait …. There’s more! ??

The ultimate solution is that there are libraries that will give you a library card regardless of where you live. ?? Big libraries, with great selection. Simply go to their website and apply, and they will email you an e-card number. Put that into your Libby app and POOF! Your access has been magically increased. A few of the libraries ironically require you to apply in person.? But if you happen to be traveling to or through one of these areas, why not get a library card???

So even if you don’t have the funds for a shopping spree of full-priced hardcovers you can still work towards self-improvement, increased knowledge, be entertained, or stimulate creativity through digital and audio books FOR FREE!?

Bonus - the Libby app can connect to your Kindle device also, so if that’s your preferred medium, you’re not left out.?

Pro Tip - if you (and a thousand of other book lovers) are all looking for the same hot new release, place it on hold with multiple libraries and you’ll be alerted when it’s available.

I’ve created a resource guide of libraries that will let non-residents have cards. Some within the state and some regardless of state. Some require a small fee for non-local residents, but some are free. Keep in mind Public libraries are funded by a combination of local, state, and federal sources, with the majority of funding coming from local sources. The exact mix of funding varies by library. Nominal fees like $20 for an out-of-state card can go a long way toward ensuring they stay stocked with the books you love.?

Click here for access to the Library List. This is a living document and will be updated as new information is gathered and libraries evolve. If you find information that is out of date please reach out and let me know so it can be updated. Happy reading, and growing