E-lending in libraries
Free e-books and more through the library
Reading is free and easy through libraries – and that includes getting e-books, audiobooks and magazines on your own device.
Once you’re set up you can borrow content without visiting the library in person. It’s a great option for enjoying stories wherever you are, whether you’re commuting, on holiday or doing the dishes.
Most public libraries offer e-lending, which means you can access free e-books, audiobooks and digital publications like newspapers and magazines.
These are some of the e-lending apps libraries use:
Borrowbox offer e-books, audiobooks and ePress titles to library customers for free.
With Libby, you can enjoy free ebooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines from your library.
Pressreader lets library customers enjoy free digital newspapers and magazines on the go.
uLibrary is a free service where you can borrow eAudiobooks and eBooks from your local library.
How e-lending at the library works
The first thing you need to do is become a member of the library. It’s free to join.
The library you’ll join depends on where you live. You can find libraries near you on our national library map.
Some library authorities let you get started online. Sometimes this means you can access digital content through the library without visiting in person.
If you can’t join your library online – or you want to borrow physical printed books – then you’ll need to visit a library in person.
There’s a world of content available for free through libraries, including e-books and audiobooks. Image: LibraryOn
Free digital magazines through Libby
With apps like Libby you can enjoy newspapers and magazines you’d usually need to pay for at no cost, on your own device.
If your library uses Libby these are the steps to get access to your free content:
- Go to our national library map and find your library.
- Join the library – it’s free! You’ll be given a library membership number or card.
- Download Libby to your device.
- Add the number from your library card to Libby.
- That’s it! You can now enjoy digital magazines and newspapers through your device.
Did you know?
You don’t need to return digital loans. They’ll be removed from your device automatically when your loan period ends (if you don’t renew them).
That means there are no late fines for digital loans.
Questions about e-lending at libraries
How do I find out my library authority?
Your library authority is often run by your local council. If you visit your council’s website it will tell you who runs libraries in your area, and how you can join.
You can also find your nearest libraries through our national library map.
How many e-books or audiobooks can I borrow at a time?
It varies depending on where you live. But typically you’ll be able to borrow between five and ten e-books or audiobooks at a time.
Why isn’t the e-book or audiobook I want available?
Just like with printed books, libraries have limited copies of e-books and audiobooks. If the one you want is on loan, you can put it ‘on hold’ and you’ll be notified when it’s available.
How long does a digital loan through the library last?
Loans for e-books and audiobooks are usually around 21 days (three weeks).
If you haven’t finished your title when the loan period ends, you might be able to renew it. If another customer is waiting for it you might only be allowed to renew it a few times before it is returned.
There’s no due date for digital newspapers and magazines.
What happens when my library digital loan ends?
If you don’t renew an e-book or audiobook at the end of your loan, the title will be returned to the library automatically – you don’t have to do anything.
Can I renew a library digital loan?
Yes, you can renew e-book and audiobook loans through your app. If someone else has it on hold you might only be allowed to renew a few times.
You don’t need to renew digital newspaper and magazines, as there is no return date for these.
Can I renew loans of digital newspapers and e-magazines?
Unlike e-books and audiobooks, digital newspapers and magazines have no loan period – so you don’t need to return them.