Buzz
An extensive compilation of methods to access free reading material
Reading is a cherished activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages, yet the expense of purchasing new books regularly can be daunting. Fortunately, numerous avenues exist for acquiring free physical copies of books for yourself or your child, and we'll explore them all. Additionally, we'll delve into obtaining free e-books and audiobooks, so continue reading!
Obtaining Free Books via Mail
Explore services such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, or Books By Mail initiatives at your local library. You can also discover free books on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle, engage with book-swapping websites like BookMooch, participate in publisher giveaways, or become a reviewer on platforms like Fresh Fiction.
Procedures
How to Obtain Free Books for Kids & Teens
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sends complimentary books to children aged birth to 5 years. Established by country music icon Dolly Parton in 1995, it aims to provide access to high-quality books for children regardless of their family's financial status. While initially launched in Tennessee, the program has since expanded to encompass regions across the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Australia.
- Getting Started: Visit the Imagination Library Website to ascertain if the program is available in your vicinity. If so, proceed to register your child to begin receiving an assortment of captivating books!
The Natural Inquirer The Natural Inquirer offers a diverse array of educational books focusing on science and the environment. These include article journals, activity books, and coloring books. It serves as an excellent resource for children intrigued by animals, agriculture, or climate-related topics.
- Getting Started: Navigate to the Natural Inquirer website and select “Order Materials” from the side menu.
- Peruse the available products or filter by type (journals, readers, coloring books, etc).
- Add desired items to your cart at no charge. Proceed to checkout and provide your mailing address.
Free Lego Magazine Geared toward children aged 5-9, the Lego Life Magazine offers engaging content for Lego enthusiasts. Each issue includes activities, posters, and comics to entertain young readers. The magazine, comprising five editions annually, is entirely complimentary for subscribers.
- Getting Started: Register an account on the Lego website or log in if you already have an account.
- Provide your address details along with the child's name and age for subscription. Your child will then receive the free Lego magazine via mail five times per year.
Fresh Fiction For young readers delving into Young Adult (YA) literature, Fresh Fiction is a valuable resource. Alongside various genre fiction (romance, mystery, thrillers, etc), it boasts an extensive collection of YA novels.
- Getting Started: Visit the Fresh Fiction website and access the “Contests” section. Here, you'll encounter numerous contests and giveaways offering opportunities to receive free books by mail.
- You may also apply to become a reviewer on the platform, granting you access to complimentary copies of new books in exchange for honest reviews.
American Action Fund for Blind Children & Adults The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults offers a complimentary Braille book each month to blind children enrolled in the Braille Books Program. For parents of blind or visually impaired children, this presents an excellent opportunity to provide access to engaging and high-quality Braille literature!
- Getting Started: Visit the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults website and complete their online registration form for the Braille Books Program.
Facebook Marketplace & Freecycle Some individuals offer free children’s books on platforms like Facebook Marketplace & Freecycle when their child has outgrown them or due to relocation or decluttering efforts. Many prefer finding caring homes for their books rather than donating them to thrift shops, hence listing them for free on such platforms.
- Getting Started: Visit the Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle websites and use the search function to find free books for your child.
- While some sellers on Facebook Marketplace may offer mailing options, others may require in-person pickup.
- For Freecycle, book pickup is typically in-person as they do not offer mailing services. Exercise caution and opt for public pickup locations whenever possible.
Little Free Library Little Free Library, a non-profit organization, installs small book stands in underserved communities. These mini-libraries allow individuals to borrow and return books free of charge. While this entails visiting the stands to collect books rather than receiving them by mail, it offers a delightful and interactive experience for families.
- Getting Started: Download the Little Free Library app from the App Store or Google Play Store, or visit their website's map to locate a nearby Little Free Library.
- Visit the Little Free Library of your choice and select some complimentary books!
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program requires a visit to a Barnes & Noble store to claim a free book, rather than receiving it via mail. Nevertheless, it provides an enjoyable opportunity for 1st-6th grade students to receive a complimentary book at summer's end. Here's how it works:
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Getting Started: Visit the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program website and download the reading journal, available in English and Spanish.
- Note: The journal may not be available until summer begins; if accessing the website earlier or later, you'll only find the past year's journal link.
- Follow the instructions provided at the document's top. Your child must read 8 books of their choice during the summer and document them in the reading journal.
- In July or August, bring the completed reading journal to any Barnes & Noble store. Your child can then select a free book from a fantastic assortment of titles for 1st-6th graders!
How to Receive Free Books for Adults
Harlequin Reader Service The Harlequin Reader Service offers a monthly subscription delivering books published by Harlequin. Upon subscription, you receive the first two books completely free. Subsequent books are discounted at 20% off each. Additionally, signing up for the free welcome box enters you into a giveaway contest for a chance to win free books for a year.
- How to Get Started: Visit the Harlequin Reader Service page on Harlequin’s website, sign up, and select your welcome collection.
- Your welcome collection includes two free books along with an extra free gift.
- You can choose to continue receiving monthly subscription boxes (fees apply) or cancel your subscription thereafter.
Publisher giveaways Numerous publishers host periodic sweepstakes and giveaways offering free books as prizes. While winning may require multiple attempts, persistence is key.
- How to Get Started: Visit Hachette Book Group’s website or Macmillan Publisher’s website to explore current sweepstakes and giveaways, then enter those of interest.
- Regularly check back for newly added giveaways that may catch your eye.
Goodreads giveaways Goodreads, a popular website for tracking reading progress and connecting with other readers, hosts giveaways offering free books in print and e-book formats.
- How to Get Started: Create a Goodreads account to access giveaways.
- Click on “Browse” in the top menu, then select “Giveaways.”
- Browse and enter giveaways of interest.
Library Thing LibraryThing, a website for cataloging books and tracking reading progress, offers an Early Reviewer program. This program provides free copies of new and forthcoming books in exchange for honest reviews.
- How to Get Started: Visit LibraryThing’s website and click “Join Now” to create an account.
- Once registered, sign up to be an Early Reviewer.
- After becoming an Early Reviewer, browse available books and request those of interest.
BookMooch BookMooch allows users to exchange unwanted books for different used books at no cost other than mailing fees. Signing up is free, and the service is accessible worldwide.
- How to Get Started: Visit BookMooch’s website to sign up.
- List the books you wish to give away, and other users can request them.
- Earn 1 point for each book you give away, which can then be used to request any book listed by another user.
Free Bibles from America Bibles for America offers complimentary copies of the New Testament to those residing in the U.S. or U.S. territories.
- Getting Started: Visit the Bibles for America website to place your order.
- Fill out the form with your name, email, phone number, and shipping address.
- Click “Order My New Testament” to receive your free copy by mail.
Free Jiffy Recipe Book Jiffy, known for its popular cornbread mix, offers a complimentary recipe book to those who sign up online.
- Getting Started: Visit the Jiffy website and complete the online form to order your free cookbook.
Ways to Obtain Free E-books & Audiobooks
NetGalley NetGalley offers advance digital copies of books for free. Simply sign up and request books through their website. If approved by the publisher, you'll receive your free e-book.
- Remember, publishers often favor requests from reviewers who consistently provide insightful reviews, whether on personal blogs or platforms like Goodreads.
Goodreads Besides giveaways, Goodreads provides access to various e-books and excerpts for free downloads from their website. These offerings span across genres like classics, YA, nonfiction, romance, and more.
Libby Libby is a mobile application that enables you to borrow e-books and audiobooks from your local library without any charge. Simply download the Libby app from either the App Store or GooglePlay, sign up, and start enjoying your favorite reads on your Kindle, iPad, computer, or smartphone.
DigiLibraries DigiLibraries provides a vast collection of downloadable e-books for free. Their website features timeless classics like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, along with a diverse array of other genres including poetry, religion, science, humor, and art.
Kindle If you're an Amazon Prime member with a Kindle device, you're in luck! Your Prime subscription grants you access to numerous free books, spanning genres such as mysteries, thrillers, literary fiction, fantasy, and romance, all available for download at no extra cost.
Free Children’s Stories Free Children’s Stories offers a plethora of free books tailored for elementary and middle school-aged children. Simply visit their website to explore stories categorized by age, and enjoy reading complete books directly on the website without the need for downloads.
Storyberries Storyberries is an online platform providing a wealth of free stories for children to delve into. Visit the website to discover a mix of classic and contemporary tales, complemented by discussion guides designed to facilitate meaningful conversations with your children.
Try Audible Premium Plus for Free Signing up for Audible grants you two complimentary audiobooks. Remember to cancel your subscription before the 30-day free trial ends to avoid automatic renewal at $14.95 per month!
Explore Free Reading at Your Local Library
Your local public library offers a wealth of free reading material. Simply obtain a library card to access a diverse selection of books and indulge in reading without spending a dime. Visit a nearby library to discover endless reading possibilities!
- Public libraries foster community engagement and provide convenient access to technology resources.
