How to read books free in Canada with your library card
Most Canadians can borrow ebooks and audiobooks free on their phone. Here's how, in three steps.
- Get a free library card from your city or town's public library. Most let you sign up online; you'll need a local address.
- Install Libby (free, iPhone and Android), find your library and sign in with your card number.
- Search for a book and tap Borrow, or place a hold if there's a waitlist. Books return themselves when the loan ends, so there are no late fees.
Some libraries also offer Hoopla, which lends instantly with no waitlist. On every Page North book page, the green box links straight to Libby / OverDrive and Hoopla for that book.
Questions
Is Libby free in Canada?
Yes. Libby is the free app from OverDrive that most Canadian public libraries use to lend ebooks and audiobooks. You sign in with your library card.
How do I get a library card?
Public library cards are free for residents of the area the library serves. Most libraries let you sign up online or in person with proof of address. Newcomers can usually get a card as soon as they have a local address.
What is Hoopla?
Hoopla is another free library app with ebooks, audiobooks and comics you can borrow instantly. Not every Canadian library offers it, so check your library's website.
Why is there a waitlist for some books?
Libraries buy a limited number of digital copies, so popular books often have holds. Place a hold in Libby and it's sent to you when your turn comes.
Are there free classics?
Yes. Books in the public domain, like Anne of Green Gables, are free and legal to download from Project Gutenberg.