How to get free library books online

I've found that a lot of people don't know how to get free library books online, so I thought I'd show you!

How to get an online library card

If you want online books from your library, you'll need a library card. Many libraries offer digital access cards online! Just search for your local public library's website and fill out the application. I did, and it only took a few minutes.

You'll be given a card number and probably asked to select a pin number. Save those - you'll need them later.

How to access free library books online

There are a few ways to access library ebooks, audiobooks, and sometimes even streaming movies online, for free!

Sometimes the library website offers a way to search for what you want. Other times, you'll need to download a free library app first. They'll ask for your card number and pin number, and probably what library you belong to. Then you get your book and start reading!

Which app you download is different for every library system, so look at the library website to see how they have it set up.

If you're having trouble getting the book you want, feel free to call or email your local librarian. That's what they get paid for!

About library downloads

Digital media like ebooks and audiobooks are licensed, not sold. Libraries pay authors (sometimes, quite well) for the license to loan out their books! 

Usually, a library will buy several licenses, then when your ebook is "returned" they loan it out to someone else. So make sure you only download an ebook that you're going to read right away.

If you forget, that's fine - you can borrow it again at any time.

Want to check out a print library book?

To check out physical copies, you'll need to go to your public library for a full access card. But this card is the best, because you get to access all the parts of your library (including the online collections)! 

Libraries have all sorts of programs going on: free classes, storytime for children, help with filling out forms, and so much more. There's a fiber arts crafting group I'd like to join that meets at mine. All free! Just put in your card number when you sign up. Or you can just go there to read, work, study, or sit. 

Your tax dollars pay for your library! Go use it.