Free & cheap ways to read more books

Reading is a brilliant way to learn, relax or lose yourself in a new world – but the cost of buying brand-new titles can soon add up. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy more books without spending a fortune, whether you prefer paperbacks, ebooks or audiobooks.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to read books online for free, get free audiobooks, and find cheap books in the UK. From library loans to second–hand bargains, these tips will help you feed your reading habit on a budget.

Where to get free books

Whether you’re borrowing from a public library, stumbling upon a Little Free Library, or swapping books through online communities, there are plenty of ways to pick up new reading material in the UK without needing to spend anything.

Public libraries

Almost every town and city in the UK has a public library, and signing up for a library card is free. Once you’re registered, you can borrow physical books and get access to ebooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby or OverDrive. Some libraries also have online magazines, newspapers and other digital resources available to members at no extra cost.

Libraries aren’t just about borrowing either! You’ll often find they host author events, reading clubs and community activities to help you connect with fellow book-lovers. Meeting like-minded readers also means you can share any books you own with each other and have your own, collective library!

And do you always struggle to find what you want at the library?If your local branch doesn’t have a specific title, you may be able to request an inter-library loan or suggest they purchase it.

Little Free Libraries

While Little Free Libraries originated in the US, you can still find them dotted around the UK. These are community-run book stations where anyone can take a book or leave a book at no charge. You might spot them in local parks, neighborhood streets or near community centres. Take a look at their online map to see how many are in your area.

They’re usually simple wooden boxes or shelves, often maintained by volunteers. The selection might be small, but it’s a wonderful way to discover hidden gems and connect with your local community. If you can’t find one nearby, you could consider starting your own. It’s a great community project that encourages people to read more – and you can find the Little Free Libraries guide to getting started here.

Local book swaps

Book swaps can be casual get-togethers with friends or more formal community events, sometimes held in cafés, pubs or church halls. The concept is simple: bring a book you’ve read and trade it for one you haven’t.

• Friend group swaps – Host a book swap night at home. Everyone brings at least one book to trade, and you all leave with something new to read.

• Community swaps – Keep an eye on local events listings or social media pages for organized book swap sessions. Charities sometimes host them as fundraisers.

• Workplace swap shelves – Some offices or shared workspaces have a dedicated shelf where people can leave and take books freely.

Swaps are a cost-free way to refresh your reading list and discover titles you might not have picked up otherwise. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to give books a second life rather than letting them collect dust.

How to read books online for free

If you love reading but don’t want to spend money on books, there are plenty of ways to read online for free. Many platforms offer access to thousands of ebooks, ranging from classic literature to modern works in the public domain.

With so many online resources, reading doesn’t have to come with a price tag. There are plenty of options for book lovers on a budget. Check out the following platforms for access to literary classics or modern reads for free.

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg is one of the best resources for free classic literature. It offers over 60,000 ebooks, including works by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain. Because these books are in the public domain, they’re completely free to download in multiple formats, including Kindle and EPUB. If you love classic novels, this is a great place to start.

Open Library

Open Library is a digital reworking of a traditional library. You can borrow ebooks for free from a vast collection of modern and classic books. It includes fiction, non-fiction, and even academic texts. Create a free account, and you can start borrowing books instantly – just as you would from a local library!

Google Books

Google Books is another great tool for finding free-to-read books. Many books that are out of copyright are fully available to read online. You can also often access free previews of several chapters from newer titles – a great way to explore a book before deciding if you want to buy or borrow it!

ManyBooks

ManyBooks offers a wide selection of free ebooks, covering everything from classic literature to contemporary indie reads. While some books require payment, there are thousands of completely free titles across different genres. If you’re looking to discover something new beyond the classics, ManyBooks is worth exploring.

The Pigeonhole

The Pigeonhole is worth exploring if you’re looking for a different way to read books online for free. They serialise a variety of books into digital installments – which they call staves – and makes them available through their website or app. Some titles are entirely free, while others require a small subscription fee – which you’ll see clearly when choosing a book.

A unique aspect of The Pigeonhole is its interactive reading experience. Readers can leave comments, share thoughts and see other participants’ reactions as they progress through each stave, adding a book club feel to your reading. It’s a budget-friendly way to discover new or contemporary titles you might not have picked up otherwise, all while engaging with a community of fellow readers.

Where is the most affordable place to buy books online?

If you prefer to own your books rather than borrow, buying online is often the cheapest way to build your collection. Here are some of the best places to find affordable new and secondhand books:

Amazon

Amazon frequently offers discounts on bestsellers, new releases, and older titles. You can also find used books at lower prices from third-party sellers in the Amazon Marketplace, often with free delivery for Prime members.

AbeBooks

AbeBooks specialises in secondhand, out-of-print, and rare books, often at bargain prices. Many independent booksellers list their stock here, making it a great place to track down older editions or collectables.

World of Books

World of Books offers gently used books at lower prices, with free UK delivery. They specialise in recycled and pre-loved books, making it a budget-friendly and environmentally conscious option.

eBay & Facebook Marketplace

For one-off deals, eBay and Facebook Marketplace allow you to buy cheap books from private sellers. You can often find popular novels or specific editions at a fraction of the price – just check seller reviews before purchasing!

Are books cheaper on Kindle?

Ebooks are often seen as a cheaper alternative to physical books, but are Kindle books always the most affordable option? The answer depends on the title, format, and any promotions available at the time.

Are Kindle books always cheaper than physical copies?

While Kindle books can be cheaper than paperbacks or hardbacks, the price difference varies. Many bestsellers are priced similarly across Kindle and physical editions, especially if they’re new releases. Ebooks frequently go on sale though, and Kindle-exclusive promotions can make digital copies the better deal.

If you’re an avid reader, Amazon offers several ways to access Kindle books for free or at a reduced price:

• Prime Reading: If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can access a rotating selection of free Kindle books.

• Kindle Unlimited: For a monthly subscription, you can read thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines – it might be worth seeing if what you want to read is on there before taking out a subscription!

If you find a subscription is right for you but don’t want to add to what you’re already paying for each month, our guide on finding and cancelling subscriptions might help.

Best places to find cheap Kindle books

If you’re looking to get discounts on Kindle books, take a look at the following places where you can find free and heavily discounted titles:

• BookBub and eReaderIQ: These websites send alerts on Kindle book price drops, limited-time deals, and even free books. You can set preferences for your favourite genres and get notified when books you’re interested in become available at a lower price.

• Amazon’s free Kindle books section: Amazon offers a dedicated section of completely free Kindle books, including classics, indie books, and promotional titles from major publishers. You can browse by genre or check for limited-time free offers.

By keeping an eye on discounts and using services like Kindle Unlimited or Prime Reading, you can build a digital library for a fraction of the cost – sometimes even for free!

How to get free audiobooks

If you prefer listening to books rather than reading, there are plenty of ways to enjoy audiobooks for free. You might even find that book you were going to pay to read is actually free as an audiobook! The added bonus is you can listen while you cook, clean, commute, exercise or just relax. Here’s where to find free audiobooks without paying a subscription:

Libby

Libby is a free app that lets you borrow audiobooks from your local library. All you need is a valid library card and you can listen to thousands of titles on your phone, tablet, or e-reader. Availability depends on your library, but it’s a fantastic way to access bestsellers and classics without the cost.

Librivox

Librivox offers a huge collection of free audiobooks, all read by volunteers. The selection mainly includes classic literature and out-of-copyright books, making it a great option if you love older novels, poetry, and historical texts. And if you fancy yourself as a voice over artist, you can apply to record book readings yourself!

Spotify & YouTube

Both Spotify and YouTube have audiobooks available at no cost. Some authors and publishers upload full-length books legally, while others share dramatic readings or chapter-by-chapter recordings. Searching for “free audiobooks” on either platform should uncover those hidden gems!

Audible free trial

If you’re new to Audible, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial, which gives you one free audiobook to keep—even if you cancel before the trial ends. While this isn’t an ongoing free service, it’s a great way to get a free listen to a book you’ve been wanting to try.

Final chapter…

Reading doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to enjoy books for free or at a lower cost, with options to suit every type of reader. You can borrow from the library, swap books with friends, or make the most of free digital resources.

If you prefer ebooks, platforms like Project Gutenberg and Open Library offer thousands of titles at no cost. For audiobook lovers, Libby and Librivox provide a huge selection of free listens. And if you’d rather own your books, secondhand stores and online marketplaces like World of Books and AbeBooks are great places to pick up affordable reads.

No matter your budget, there’s always a way to enjoy more books. With so many free and low-cost options available, the next great read is never out of reach!

If you want more money-saving tips, take a look at the latest guides we have available.