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Original poster

anywhere to get books when libraries shut?

106 replies

yummytummy · 23/03/2020 19:32

i was just wondering i usually always get books from the library and read several a week, this is likely to increase while we are all at home. however obviously now libraries are all shut. i was wondering if there is any other way to borrow physical books? i don't want ebooks or online or anything but actual books. can't really afford to buy either as any spare money going towards increased food budget with kids at home. does anyone have any ideas or things i may not have thought of? i know bigger things to worry about at the moment but reading is my main escape and i have hardly any books left to read and it is stressing me out

OP posts:
fairydustandpixies · 23/03/2020 20:19

My county library service provides free ebooks and audio books online. I appreciate you don't want ebooks but these are free unlike kindle books/subscriptions.

lazylinguist · 23/03/2020 20:18

There are loads of free or very cheap books on Amazon for Kindle, OP. You don't need to sign up for anything or pay £7 a month.

Noodlenosefraggle · 23/03/2020 20:16

The app is called libby. I think it's used by various local libraries.

Original poster
yummytummy · 23/03/2020 20:16

there is absolutely no need to be so vicious

OP posts:
Original poster
yummytummy · 23/03/2020 20:15

maybe try reading my actual responses

OP posts:
Original poster
yummytummy · 23/03/2020 20:15

stop calling me stupid i said i get it ffs

OP posts:
Weregoingonanadventure · 23/03/2020 20:12

I love reading. And lockdown wont change it. You know why? Ebooks!
No one is taking your books. No one is stopping you from reading. No one is saying you shouldn't love reading, especially when you're stuck at home.

We're just saying stop being so inflexible and stupid. People are giving up a lot. People are going without a lot. You're not going to go without or give them up. You can read as much as you like... just read ebooks.

Wolfiefan · 23/03/2020 20:11

Our library also has an online service. It’s free. You just need to register. Have a look at your local library’s website.
And find some old favourites to re read if you can.

LaurieFairyCake · 23/03/2020 20:10

I borrow books from my local library online and they download to their app - and you read them and click return. You can put them on hold - they have about 50,000 books, new releases every week.

All for free Smile

Original poster
yummytummy · 23/03/2020 20:10

omg i do get it. please back off this isn't aibu

OP posts:
Santaclauswhosthat · 23/03/2020 20:10

Yes please don't get random books into your house from Christ knows who. Ebooks definitely. Sign up for free subscription, put an alert on your phone to cancel, repeat.

Reginabambina · 23/03/2020 20:10

Most libraries now offer an ebook option.

Corneysjazzband · 23/03/2020 20:10

You can borrow library ebooks. Look up your local library service. There should be information about an app you can download. Also audiobooks. Google free ebooks - you should be able to find ways to download free books that are out of copyright.

SuckingDieselFella · 23/03/2020 20:09

I love reading.

I get that borrowing paper books will spread a fatal virus.

Why don't you?

Inmyivorytower · 23/03/2020 20:09

ebooks, Amazon have a lot either free or 99p.
Expand your horizons and read out of your comfort zone.

Pentium85 · 23/03/2020 20:09

You can buy used books for a very very reasonable price on eBay (£1-£3)

SlumdogMummy · 23/03/2020 20:09

Check with your library, ours has free ebooks and audio books.

SuckingDieselFella · 23/03/2020 20:08

You don't understand.

If you did you wouldn't be asking this question.

It isn't one rule for you and another for everybody else.

Original poster
yummytummy · 23/03/2020 20:07

and people who love reading i thought would get it and i know there are plenty more things to stress over i truly do but reading is my one luxury as it were and helps my mental health immensely

OP posts:
Ihatemyseleffordoingthis · 23/03/2020 20:07

Our library service offers free ebooks, lots do
And you can ring them up and get a ticket
Still

Original poster
yummytummy · 23/03/2020 20:06

ok fine i get you i do understand honestly i just thought maybe there was an option i haven't thought of.

OP posts:
Patch23042 · 23/03/2020 20:05

Hope you find a solution OP.

SuckingDieselFella · 23/03/2020 20:05

/\ this /\

Also OP, if you're stressed out because you have hardly any paper books to read, you really need to get a grip.

Have a read of some other threads - the ones where people are stressed out over real problems caused by this virus.

Weregoingonanadventure · 23/03/2020 20:00

I mean this in the least horrible way possible... stop being so bloody stupid.
You dont NEED books. You can easily read ebooks for free, get free trials on different platforms and cancel before you're charged. You do not NEED physical books.
People need medicine. People need food. We take the risk for those. We dont take a risk for books.

SuckingDieselFella · 23/03/2020 19:55

You know this virus can live on surfaces, right? And yet you still want to borrow books???

Of course there isn't a safe way to exchange books with strangers.

Unless there's a very good reason why you can't use e-books you are being extremely selfish.