Reading is a fundamental part of life, but the cost of books, audiobooks, and magazines can add up. Fortunately, for readers across the United Kingdom, there are numerous legitimate and entirely free ways to access a vast library of content. From digital lending services provided by local councils to community book exchanges and national literacy programmes, a wealth of reading material is available without spending a penny. This guide explores the primary sources for free books, audiobooks, and magazines, detailing how they work and how to access them.
The foundation of free reading in the UK rests with public library services. Most UK councils allow free online sign-up, granting immediate access to digital collections of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Two of the most widely used applications for this purpose are Libby by OverDrive and BorrowBox. Libby is a user-friendly app that allows you to borrow eBooks and audiobooks using your local UK library card. It features a broad range of content, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. BorrowBox is another UK-specific app, also supported by many public libraries, which offers free access to eBooks and audiobooks from popular and bestselling authors. Both apps enable readers to stream or download content directly to their phones or tablets. In addition to these apps, many libraries also provide access to digital magazines through platforms like Libby and BorrowBox, allowing you to borrow current issues of popular publications.
Beyond standard library lending, several digital platforms offer specialised access to free books. Project Gutenberg UK is a notable resource, providing free access to public domain classics and British literary works. For those interested in academic or peer-reviewed material, the Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB) offers access to over 88,500 academic books. Open Library provides a free online borrowing system with a digital library card, while Explorion is described as a library for adventurers, and Oxford World’s Classics offers access to novels and other writings from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. For those who enjoy discovering new authors, Jellybooks provides a unique service. It allows readers to view samples of books—often the first 10%—directly in their web browser without needing to install an app or download a file. This service is used by many independent and high street bookshops, including Blackwell's, to let customers preview books before purchasing. Furthermore, Jellybooks frequently tests new and published books for authors and publishers, offering free advance reading copies (eBooks) in exchange for reading data and feedback, which can then be used to review the book online.
For fans of physical books, several options exist beyond traditional libraries. The Reading Agency runs World Book Night, an annual initiative that provides free book giveaways and encourages shared reading through local events and libraries. For community-led exchanges, Little Free Libraries and book swap boxes are common in many UK towns and neighbourhoods. These are perfect for discovering a hidden gem or donating your own reads. For a more localised approach, Freegle and Freecycle are UK-based online communities where people give away unwanted items, including books, for free. These platforms are ideal for finding physical books in your local area. Additionally, Oxfam Bookshops occasionally run clearance sales or giveaways of donated books, offering a chance to find free or heavily discounted print titles.
Audiobooks are also readily available for free. In addition to the audiobook collections on Libby and BorrowBox, the BBC Sounds app has an audiobooks section where you can listen to stories, dramas, and serials. Spotify (UK) can be searched for “full audiobooks,” and YouTube often hosts free streaming of classic and indie audiobooks. Loyal Books is another dedicated source for public domain audiobooks, available in MP3 and podcast versions.
For families and specific demographics, there are targeted programmes. Bookstart, a UK-wide programme run by BookTrust, gives free books to every baby and toddler in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Scottish Book Trust runs free book-gifting schemes and literacy programmes across Scotland. The National Literacy Trust offers free reading materials, family resources, and support for schools and communities throughout the UK. Furthermore, the British Library Digital Services allows you to explore archives, literary collections, and free online exhibitions with reading materials.
For those looking to stretch their reading budget even further, services like BookBub UK send daily emails with free and deeply discounted eBook deals, tailored to your interests and available for your Kindle or eReader. You can also regularly browse their free eBook section online.
In summary, a diverse ecosystem of free reading resources exists in the UK. Public libraries, through apps like Libby and BorrowBox, are the cornerstone, providing free access to a vast digital collection of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Specialised platforms like Project Gutenberg, Open Library, and Jellybooks cater to different interests, from classics to new releases. For physical book lovers, community initiatives like Little Free Libraries, Freegle, and Freecycle offer tangible alternatives. National programmes such as Bookstart, World Book Night, and the Scottish Book Trust provide targeted support for families and communities. By leveraging these resources, any UK resident can enjoy a rich and varied reading life without financial strain.