Ten years ago, I looked at getting an e-reader and actually shopped around for one. I wasn’t happy with the functionality of them at the time and so I never did get one.

Around that time, I even tried to borrow e-books and e-audio from the library. It was a very daunting task. You had to have to a program called Overdrive and it was difficult to use. It also wouldn’t let you renew your materials like you could with regular items that you borrowed. I found all of this too restricting so I held off joining the digital reading revolution.

Lately, though, I have been reading a lot of books on my phone. For free. And it is super-easy.

I use an app called “Libby” that is absolutely incredibly. It lets you store both print books and audio books directly on your phone and is very easy to use. It requires a data or wi-fi connection to search for and download books, but after that, they live on your phone and you can access them without being online.

The digital material you borrow automatically gets returned and removed from your phone on the due date.  But, if someone has not requested the material, you are able to renew it. And all of this is free with your public library card.

The search function is relatively easy to use. You first need to set your preferences.  You can search for material meant for certain age ranges or audience, by genre, by availability, and by publication date.

You can choose to look for books, audiobooks, or both.

There is also a handy explore function that lets you visually browse for a variety of topics, themes, and moods.

As you can see, I have two books downloaded to my phone right now. One is due in 13 days and one is due in 11 days.

I try to always have at least one book on my phone. This way if I am ever bored or need something to do, I can quickly open a book and read a few pages.  It is super-handy having books with me wherever I go now. The best part of it all is that you do not need a new device to do this. You can use your phone. And it is completely free.