How to Get Free Books by Mail: Everything You Need to Know

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A comprehensive list of ways to read for free
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Reading is a beloved activity for people of all ages, but it can be pretty expensive to regularly purchase new books. Luckily, there are several ways to get free physical copies of books for yourself or your child, and we’ll cover them all. We’ll also go how to get free e-books and audiobooks, so keep reading!

Getting Free Books by Mail

Check out services like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, or Books By Mail programs at your local library. You can also find free books on Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle, try out book-swapping sites like BookMooch, sign up for publisher giveaways, or become a reviewer on sites like Fresh Fiction.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Get Free Books for Children & Young Adults

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  1. Step 1 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
    Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails free books to children from birth to 5 years old. It was founded by country music legend Dolly Parton in 1995 as a way to help children access high-quality books, no matter their family’s income.[1] The program started in Dolly’s home state of Tennessee, but it has expanded to areas all over the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Australia.[2]
    • How to Get Started: Visit the Imagination Library Website to check if the program is available in your area. If it is, you can then register your child and start receiving some amazing books!
  2. Step 2 Books By Mail programs at public libraries
    Many public libraries have Books By Mail programs. These services deliver books to people who are unable to go to the library due to physical disabilities or lack of transportation.[3] If you’d like to check out library books for your child but can’t make it to the library in-person, this is a great option!
    • How to Get Started: Visit your local library’s website to see if they have a Books By Mail program. If they do, follow the directions provided to sign up.
    • You’ll then be able to check out the books of your choice and receive them by mail. When you’re finished, you’ll need to mail them back to the library.[4]
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  3. Step 3 The Natural Inquirer
    The Natural Inquirer has a great selection of educational books about science and the environment. These include journals of articles, activity books, and coloring books. It's a great option if your child is interested in learning more about animals, agriculture, or the climate.[5]
    • How to Get Started: Go to the Natural Inquirer website, and click “Order Materials” on the side menu.
    • From there, you can either view all available products, or navigate to the type of product you’re looking for (journals, readers, coloring books, etc).
    • Browse products and add them to your cart for free. Next, head to check out and provide your address information.
  4. Step 4 Free Lego Magazine
    Made for children ages 5-9, the Lego Life Magazine is a fun-filled reading option for any kid who loves Legos. The magazine includes activities, posters, and comics to read. There are five Lego Life Magazine issues per year, and they’re completely free if you subscribe.[6]
    • How to Get Started: Create an account on the Lego website, or log into your account if you already have one.
    • Enter your address details and the name and age of the child you’re subscribing for. Your child will then receive their free Lego magazine via mail five times per year.[7]
  5. Step 5 Fresh Fiction
    If your child has graduated to reading Young Adult (YA) books, check out Fresh Fiction. The website includes all kinds of genre fiction (romance, mystery, thrillers, etc), but it also has a good selection of YA novels.[8]
    • How to Get Started: Visit the Fresh Fiction website and click on “Contests.” There, you’ll find several different contests and giveaways you can enter to receive free books via mail.
    • You can also apply to become a reviewer on the website. This allows you to receive a free copy of a new book in exchange for an honest review.[9]
  6. Step 6 American Action Fund for Blind Children & Adults
    The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults sends a free Braille book every month to blind children who register for the Braille Books Program. If your child is blind or has low vision, this is a great way to provide them access to high-quality, entertaining Braille books![10]
    • How to Get Started: Go to the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults website, and fill out their online registration form for the Braille Books Program.
  7. Step 7 Facebook Marketplace & Freecycle
    Some people decide to give away free children’s books when their child has outgrown them. Others donate their books because they’re moving or decluttering their homes. Whatever the case, many of these people prefer to find loving homes for their donated books, rather than taking them to a thrift shop, so they list the books for free on sites like Facebook Marketplace & Freecycle.
    • How to Get Started: Visit the Facebook Marketplace website or the Freecycle website. Use the “search” options to look up free books for your child.
    • Some “sellers” on Facebook Marketplace offer a mailing option and send you the books, but others may require an in-person pick up.
    • For Freecycle, you’ll need to pick up the books in-person, as they don’t have a mailing option. Always use caution, and choose a public location for the pick-up if possible.
  8. Step 8 Little Free Library
    Little Free Library is a non-profit organization that places small book stands in high-need neighborhoods. You can take and return books from these little libraries completely free of cost.[11] This option does require visiting the book stands to retrieve the books (rather than receiving them by mail), but the libraries are usually beautifully decorated and fun to look at, so this can be a fun activity to do with your child.
    • How to Get Started: Download the Little Free Library app from the App Store or Google Play Store, or visit the map on their website to locate a Little Free Library near you.
    • Visit the Little Free Library and choose some free books!
  9. Step 9 Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program
    The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program requires actually going into a Barnes & Noble store to retrieve your free book, rather than receiving it by mail. Nevertheless, it’s a fun way for 1st-6th grade students to score one free book at the end of the summer. Here’s some more info:[12]
    • How to Get Started: Visit the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program website, and click the link to the downloadable reading journal, which is available in both English and Spanish.
      • Note: The journal likely won’t be available until summer starts; if you’re visiting the website earlier or later in the year, you’ll only see the link to the past year’s journal.
    • Follow the instructions listed at the top of the document. Your child will need to read 8 books of their choice over the course of the summer and document them in the reading journal.
    • In July or August, your child can bring their completed reading journal to any Barnes & Noble store. They’ll then be able to pick a free book from a great list of titles for 1st-6th graders!
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Get Free Books for Adults

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  1. Step 1 Harlequin Reader Service
    The Harlequin Reader Service is a monthly subscription that delivers books published by Harlequin. When you subscribe, you get your first two books completely free! After this, the books will cost money, but they’re still highly discounted (20% off each). Plus, when you sign up for your free welcome box, you’re automatically entered into a giveaway contest for a chance to win free books for a whole year.[13]
    • How to Get Started: Visit the Harlequin Reader Service page on Harlequin’s website. Sign up for the service and choose your welcome collection.
    • You’ll receive the two books in your welcome collection completely free of charge, plus an extra free gift.
    • From there, you can either continue on to receive monthly subscription boxes (fees will apply), or you can cancel your subscription.
  2. Step 2 Publisher giveaways
    Many publishers have periodic sweepstakes and giveaways you can enter for a chance to win free books. It may take a few tries to win one, so persistence is key!
  3. Step 3 Goodreads giveaways
    Goodreads is a popular website that allows readers to track their progress, review books, and follow other reviewers. Goodreads also allows members to join giveaways for the chance to receive free books in both print and e-book formats.[14]
    • How to Get Started: First, create a Goodreads account.
    • Click on “Browse” from the menu at the top of the screen, then click on “Giveaways.”
    • From there, you’ll be able to browse and enter the giveaways of your choice.[15]
  4. Step 4 Library Thing
    LibraryThing is a website that allows you to catalog your books and track your reading progress.[16] They also have an Early Reviewer program, which gives away new and forthcoming books for free in exchange for honest reviews.[17]
    • How to Get Started: Go to LibraryThing’s website and click “Join Now.” Once you have an account, you’ll be able to sign up to be an Early Reviewer.
    • Once you’ve become an Early Reviewer, you’ll be able to browse available books and request them.[18]
    • Keep in mind that there’s a limited quantity of each book, so you may not get every book you request. Just be persistent and keep trying!
  5. Step 5 BookMooch
    BookMooch allows you to give away books you no longer want in exchange for a different used book. It’s completely free to sign up, and you can use the service from anywhere in the world. The only costs that apply are mailing fees when you send your books to others.[19]
    • How to Get Started: Go to BookMooch’s website and sign up.
    • List the books you want to give away. Users will then be able to browse and requests your books.
    • For every book you give away, you earn 1 point. You can then use that 1 point to request any book that another user has listed.
  6. Step 6 Bibles for America
    Bibles for America is a service that provides completely free copies of the New Testament to anyone who requests them. You just need to live within the U.S. or U.S. territories.[20]
    • How to Get Started: If you’re in need of a new copy of the Bible, head to the Bibles for America website to place your order.
    • Enter your name, email, phone number, and shipping address into the form.
    • Click “Order My New Testament.” It will be mailed out to you free of charge.
  7. Step 7 Free Jiffy Cookbook
    Jiffy—the brand behind the popular cornbread mix available in most grocery stores–offers a free copy of their recipe book for anyone who signs up online.[21] If you love to cook, this is a great way to get some yummy new recipes free of charge.
    • How to Get Started: Head to the Jiffy website and fill out the online form to order your free cookbook.
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Get Free E-books & Audiobooks

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  1. Step 1 NetGalley
    NetGalley provides free digital copies of books before they’re published. All you need to do is sign up, and then you can start requesting books through their website. If the publisher approves your request, you'll receive your free e-book.
    • Keep in mind that publishers tend to approve requests from readers who have a history of writing meaningful reviews for the books they’ve received, either on their personal blogs or sites like Goodreads.[22]
  2. Step 2 Goodreads
    In addition to book giveaways, Goodreads also offers access to several e-books and e-book excerpts as free downloads from their website.[23] These include books from all genres, such as classics, YA, nonfiction, romance, and more.
  3. Step 3 Libby
    Libby is an app that allows you to borrow e-books and audiobooks from your local library for free. All you need to do is download the Libby app from the App Store or GooglePlay and sign up. You’ll then be able to download books to your Kindle, iPad, computer, or phone.[24]
  4. Step 4 DigiLibraries
    DigiLibraries offers a wide range of free downloadable e-books. The website includes classics such as Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. There are also extensive offerings from other genres, including poetry, religion, science, humor, and art.[25]
  5. Step 5 Kindle
    If you already have a Kindle and an Amazon Prime Membership, we’ve got good news for you. There are tons of free books that come with your Prime subscription, and you can easily download them at no additional cost. Available genres include mysteries, thrillers, literary fiction, fantasy, and romance.[26]
  6. Step 6 Free Children’s Stories
    Free Children’s Stories offers tons of free books for elementary school and middle school-aged kids. All you need to do is visit their website and start browsing stories by age. You can then read the complete book on the website itself—no download required!
  7. Step 7 Storyberries
    Storyberries is an online platform that offers free stories for children to read. The website includes both classic and contemporary stories, as well as discussion guides you can use to talk about them with your children.[27]
  8. Step 8 Audible Premium Plus free trial
    When you sign up for Audible for the first time, you get two free audiobooks. After 30 days your free trial ends, and your subscription will automatically renew for $14.95 per month.[28] So, if you don’t want to continue your subscription, make sure to cancel it before 30 days pass!
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Section 4 of 4:

Visit Your Local Library to Read for Free

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  1. Your local public library is a great resource if you want to read for free.
    All you need to do is sign up for a library card, and you’ll be able to check out a wide range of books and read to your heart’s content. So, if you’re looking for a way to read more without breaking the bank, check out a library near you!
    • Public libraries encourage connection in your community, and they also offer access to computers and technology if you need them.[29]

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References

  1. ↑ https://imaginationlibrary.com/about-us/
  2. ↑ https://dollyparton.com/imagination-library
  3. ↑ https://www.countyofnapa.org/852/Books-by-Mail
  4. ↑ https://lacountylibrary.org/books-by-mail
  5. ↑ https://naturalinquirer.org/
  6. ↑ https://www.lego.com/en-us/life?locale=en-us
  7. ↑ https://www.lego.com/en-us/life
  8. ↑ https://freshfiction.com/about.php
  9. ↑ https://freshfiction.com/faq.php#FAQ9
  1. ↑ https://actionfund.org/programs/braille-books-program
  2. ↑ https://littlefreelibrary.org/about/
  3. ↑ https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program/
  4. ↑ https://www.harlequin.com/readerservice/sub_faq.html?pubid=30000&subid=ns0
  5. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-is-goodreads
  6. ↑ https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway?sort=featured#?ref=nav_brws
  7. ↑ https://www.librarything.com/
  8. ↑ https://www.librarything.com/more
  9. ↑ https://www.librarything.com/ner
  10. ↑ http://bookmooch.com/about/overview
  11. ↑ https://biblesforamerica.org/place-order/
  12. ↑ https://www.jiffymix.com/recipes/recipe-book/
  13. ↑ https://www.netgalley.com/tour
  14. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-is-goodreads
  15. ↑ https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby
  16. ↑ https://digilibraries.com/
  17. ↑ https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/books-and-authors/the-best-books-to-read-for-free-with-prime
  18. ↑ https://www.storyberries.com/bedtime-stories-short-stories-for-kids/
  19. ↑ https://www.audible.com/mk/freetrial
  20. ↑ https://www.library.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Value-of-Libraries.pdf

About This Article

Gerald Posner
Reviewed by:
Gerald Posner
Author & Journalist
This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. This article has been viewed 9,610 times.
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Co-authors: 2
Updated: July 18, 2024
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Categories: Books
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