How to get ALL ebooks & audiobooks free - even if your library sucks!

Summary

This video offers a guide on legally obtaining free Kindle and audiobooks through library apps like Libby and hoopla, saving viewers money. The speaker shares tips on utilizing local libraries, accessing neighboring library systems, and using a Google Chrome extension to simplify the process. Additionally, for those outside the U.S. or with limited library access, the video suggests purchasing a library card from Orange County, Florida, for extensive book access.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker has read approximately 250 books, mostly for free, using apps like Libby and hoopla.
• 💻 Libby and Overdrive are apps that allow users to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from the library for free.
• 🔍 The speaker demonstrates how to search for and borrow books from the Sacramento Public Library system using these apps.
• 📈 There can be a waitlist for popular books, but holds can be placed, and users are notified when the book becomes available.
• 🔄 Users can manage their holds and loans, including returning books early to help others in the queue.
• 🎧 Audiobooks can be listened to in the browser or through the Libby app, with features like speed adjustment and bookmarks.
• 🔄 Hoopla offers immediate access to books without a waitlist, with a limit of four books per month.
• 🏢 The speaker suggests utilizing reciprocal agreements between library systems to access more books.
• 📍 State laws in the U.S. sometimes allow for library card reciprocity, expanding access to books across the state.
• 🌐 For those outside the U.S. or with limited local library access, purchasing a library card from a system with a vast catalog, like Orange County in Florida, is recommended.
• 🔧 The 'library extension' for Google Chrome simplifies the process of borrowing from multiple library systems by showing availability across all registered libraries.

Q & A

How many books has the speaker read through Kindle and audiobooks?

The speaker has read roughly 250 books through a mixture of both Kindle books and audiobooks.

What is the primary method the speaker uses to get free books?

The speaker uses the apps Libby and hoopla, in combination with their local library, to get free books.

What is the main benefit of using a Kindle according to the speaker?

The main benefit of using a Kindle, as mentioned by the speaker, is the ability to get ebooks from a library sent directly to the Kindle for free.

How does the speaker save money on audiobooks?

The speaker saves money by not purchasing audiobooks from sites like Audible, but instead getting them for free through the library using Libby and hoopla.

What are the four different things the speaker plans to share in the video?

The speaker plans to share how to utilize the local library, how to use neighboring library systems, what to do if the library system doesn't have Libby or hoopla, and how to use a Google Chrome extension to simplify the process.

What is the name of the company that Libby is associated with?

Libby is associated with OverDrive, which is the main name of the company.

How long is the typical loan period for books from the library on Libby or OverDrive?

The typical loan period for books from the library on Libby or OverDrive is three weeks, although some libraries may have a two-week period.

How does the speaker handle the wait time for books that are not immediately available?

The speaker places a hold on the book and moves it back in the queue when they are ready to read it, using the email notifications to manage the timing.

What is the difference between Libby/OverDrive and hoopla?

While Libby/OverDrive may have waitlists for popular books, hoopla allows users to borrow books immediately without a waitlist, with a limit of four books per month.

How can someone gain access to more libraries beyond their local one?

One can gain access to more libraries by taking advantage of reciprocal agreements between library systems, or by purchasing a library card from another library system, such as Orange County in Florida.

What is the name of the Google Chrome extension that helps manage multiple library systems?

The Google Chrome extension that helps manage multiple library systems is called the 'library extension'.

How does the library extension work to simplify the book borrowing process?

The library extension allows users to input multiple library systems they are members of and quickly shows which libraries have the desired book available, streamlining the borrowing process.