I used to buy ebooks like they were going out of style. Fifteen bucks here, twelve bucks there. Then a friend asked if I had ever used the library app, and my book budget dropped to zero.

The trick: your local library almost certainly gives you free ebooks, and it takes ten minutes to set up.

The app: Libby

The big one is Libby, which connects to your local library’s digital collection. You download the app, enter your library card number, and you have access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks. All free, all legal, all supported by the library.

I was skeptical too. The selection is better than I expected, new releases show up, and the app is surprisingly good.

You need a library card

If you do not have a card, get one online. Most libraries let you sign up for a digital card on their website in a few minutes. You enter your address and name, they issue a card number instantly, and you use that number in Libby. Some libraries mail a physical card too, but you do not need it to start reading.

Set up your libraries

In Libby, you can add multiple library cards. If your local library has a thin selection, add nearby library systems. Many libraries allow non residents to get a card, sometimes for a small annual fee, which is still way cheaper than buying books.

I have two cards on mine, my local one and the county system, and the combined selection is huge.

How the holds and loans work

You borrow ebooks like physical ones: they expire automatically, so no late fees, and you can renew if nobody is waiting. If a popular book is checked out, you join a hold list and get notified when it is your turn. New releases sometimes have waits, but older books are usually instant.

The automatic return is the best part. I never have to remember to return a book, it just disappears from my shelf when the loan ends.

What about audiobooks

Libby does audiobooks too, and they are included in the same loan system. Audiobooks are great for commutes and chores, and free ones are the best kind. The app downloads them to your phone so you can listen without data.

Other free sources

Beyond the library, Project Gutenberg has over 70,000 public domain books for free, and Standard Ebooks does beautiful formatted versions of classics. Both are legal and free. If you like older literature, these are gold mines.

One warning: check the return date

The one catch is that library ebooks vanish on the due date. If you are halfway through a book, you might lose it. Turn on airplane mode before the due date to keep reading past the loan, or just renew it. Renewal is one tap in the app.

I have read eleven books this year and spent zero dollars. My library card is now the highest value thing in my wallet, and I mean that literally.