How To Get Library Ebooks Without A Library Nearby?

I live in a rural area with no nearby libraries, but I've found several ways to access ebooks. Many public libraries offer digital membership cards that you can sign up for online, even if you're not a local resident. Websites like OverDrive and Libby allow you to borrow ebooks with these digital cards. Some libraries, like the New York Public Library, offer out-of-state memberships for a small annual fee, giving you access to their entire digital collection.

Another option is Project Gutenberg, which has thousands of free public domain ebooks. Open Library is also great—it lets you borrow books digitally for free. Lastly, apps like Scribd and Kindle Unlimited offer subscription-based access to a vast library of ebooks. It takes a bit of research, but there are plenty of ways to read without a physical library nearby.

As someone who loves reading but doesn’t have easy access to a physical library, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring digital alternatives. One of the best solutions I’ve found is using library apps like Libby or Hoopla. Many libraries now allow non-residents to sign up for a digital card for a small fee, and some even offer it for free. For example, the Brooklyn Public Library has a program where anyone can get a digital card regardless of where they live.

Another great resource is Open Library, which works like a digital lending system. You can borrow ebooks for up to two weeks, just like a physical library. Project Gutenberg is another fantastic option—it’s completely free and offers over 60,000 ebooks, mostly classics.

If you’re willing to pay a little, Kindle Unlimited and Scribd provide access to a huge selection of books for a monthly subscription. Scribd also includes audiobooks and magazines, which is a nice bonus. I also recommend checking out author newsletters or websites—many indie authors offer free or discounted ebooks directly to readers. With a bit of effort, you can build a whole digital library without ever stepping foot in a physical one.

Being an avid reader in a place without libraries forced me to get creative. One of the easiest ways to access ebooks is through digital library cards. Some libraries, like Houston Public Library, allow non-residents to purchase a yearly membership for digital access. It’s worth checking if your state offers a statewide library card—some do, even if you live far from a branch.

Free platforms like Project Gutenberg and ManyBooks are lifesavers for public domain books. For newer titles, Open Library lets you borrow ebooks just like a traditional library. I also love using apps like Libby because they sync across devices, so I can read on my phone or tablet.

Subscription services like Kindle Unlimited and Kobo Plus are great if you read a lot—they’re like Netflix for books. Some authors even give away free ebooks on their websites or through newsletters. If you’re into fanfiction, Archive of Our Own and Wattpad have tons of free stories. There are so many ways to read without a physical library, you just have to know where to look.