The great debate continues: physical copy or ebooks? While this writer for one takes advantage of both mediums of reading, the convenience of ebooks makes it easy to crush our TBR shelves. There are so many great apps and services that offer platforms with millions of different ebooks so that we can read our favorite stories anywhere we want.
In this informative Bookstr article, we will look at the features of four different websites that provide ebook access. Since times are tough right now, all of these options have free versions. Let’s take a closer look at what the ebook world has to offer.
Project Gutenberg
First up is Project Gutenberg, an online database that provides access to 75,000 ebooks. No special app is needed — these books can be read via Epud or Kindle. There is also the option to read their resources directly in a web browser, either on your computer or mobile device. Their focus is on older titles, those whose copyright has expired. If you are looking for something specific, the site offers search filters by author, title, subject, language, and more!
Project Gutenberg is a non-profit organization. Additionally, small donations from users provide much-needed help for the project’s volunteers to maintain the site and offer top-notch eBooks to their readers. Donations also are directed to upload additional books and promote the project to new users.
Internet Archive
Internet Archive was born in 1996, with a focus on researchers, historians, scholars, and people with print disabilities. But the general public can also find the website massively useful. They also function on volunteers, employees, and donations from their users.
From experience, Internet Archive is a remarkable resource for those literature college students looking to access their required reading list. The site has a surprising number of popular literary titles. Also running as a non-profit organization, Internet Archive offers more than just books — there is also a wide variety of movies, software, and music. They also connect with the Wayback Machine, where one can search the history of over 916 billion websites.
Wattpad
This site requires that you have an account via Facebook, Google, or email to access their resources. It is a platform for both readers and writers. Wattpad offers options to download their stories, so one is allowed to read them from anywhere via their mobile device.
The ebooks offered are from self-published writers, as a way to get their work visible. Writing contests and annual awards provide a beneficial and productive writing community. Readers can be sure to find several great reads, as there is no shortage of the different genres represented, including Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, and Horror.
OverDrive
As a platform that works with public libraries, grade schools, and universities, OverDrive offers a wide collection of ebooks, audiobooks, online magazines, and streaming videos. As the other options featured in this article, OverDrive’s access, including its associated apps, is always free — no fees or subscriptions. All you need is a library card or university access!
Recently, in the past few years, OverDrive has teamed up with different apps to provide their resources. The main collaboration is with Libby, which has been a popular online library for many. Kanopy delivers access to many streaming videos. Sora and Teaching Books focuses on educational ebooks and audiobooks for both children and teens in grade school.
No matter what platform you decide to use, hopefully, these suggestions will open up a new literary world for you!
To discover more useful reading tools, read our article: 5 Useful Bookish Apps To Help You Fulfill Your Reading Goals.
For even more book recommendations, dive into our bookshelf: Did You Know? Bookstr Trivia for Your Curious Bookish Mind.
