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Original poster

Free newspapers - did not know this

32 replies

AquaCat93 · 29/06/2025 23:29

I just discovered that my local library has an app called Press Reader where I can read papers and magazines for free e.g. Mirror, Independent, Guardian, Telegraph, Economist, Women's Health, BBC Science Focus, BBC History, there are hundreds.

All totally free. I've been getting annoyed with BBC clickbait news, but can't really afford to buy a newspaper anymore, so this is amazing.

There seem to be libraries from all over (UK/worldwide) on Press Reader.

OP posts:
Alwaysbackagain · 30/06/2025 00:02

Yes it's great isnt it?

I was told about the app when I moved to my present area and joined the library.
But I didn't use it for a long time because I hadn't quite grasped what a brilliant opportunity it gives read so many news papers and magazines. But I take full advantage of it now.

stayathomer · 30/06/2025 00:04

Libraries are amazing, sad how underused their resources are

wonderstuff · 30/06/2025 00:08

That’s great, so presumably you don’t need to be in the actual library? Do you join with your library card?

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Wolfpinkola · 30/06/2025 00:15

Omg what’s the catch ? This sounds amazing ❤️

Linnet · 30/06/2025 00:27

My library has this. It also has the Libby app and BorrowBox which give free access to e-books, e-audio books and magazines.

Original poster
AquaCat93 · 30/06/2025 00:45

wonderstuff · 30/06/2025 00:08

That’s great, so presumably you don’t need to be in the actual library? Do you join with your library card?

Exactly, just enter library card number and pin.

OP posts:
INeedAnotherName · 30/06/2025 01:15

Pin?

I've had a library card for decades, still live in the same city, and not heard about this.

TheSandgroper · 30/06/2025 01:59

They might have Newsbank, too.

OntheBorder1 · 30/06/2025 02:23

Many years ago I used to do temp work at the local Polytech (very small, most classes held in a larger town). There was almost no work to do and I used to spend all day on Press Reader. That was my happy place.

Hidingawaytoday · 30/06/2025 04:15

Linnet · 30/06/2025 00:27

My library has this. It also has the Libby app and BorrowBox which give free access to e-books, e-audio books and magazines.

Same - I love the libby app!

Bjorkdidit · 30/06/2025 05:10

INeedAnotherName · 30/06/2025 01:15

Pin?

I've had a library card for decades, still live in the same city, and not heard about this.

You'll be able to set up an online account for access and also see details of what books you've borrowed, make reservations and renewals etc.

Look under libraries on your council website or you might need to go to the library with ID to set it up.

sashh · 30/06/2025 06:29

Wolfpinkola · 30/06/2025 00:15

Omg what’s the catch ? This sounds amazing ❤️

No catch. You just need to join a library.

Wolmando · 30/06/2025 06:32

Yes, I use this a lot, I'm old and read and use the Radio Times on it.

GooseOnMyGrave · 30/06/2025 06:34

Omg - thank you!

Wolmando · 30/06/2025 06:35

INeedAnotherName · 30/06/2025 01:15

Pin?

I've had a library card for decades, still live in the same city, and not heard about this.

If your library card is very old you may have to go to the library and get an updated one, I got a new one about 5 years ago as my one from the 90s was obsolete for the online apps

Thatcannotberight · 30/06/2025 07:04

Where I live your library card expires after a certain time. You just go into the library and get you membership renewed. The PIN here is the last 4 numbers of your membership/card number.

Fairyvocals · 30/06/2025 07:07

It’s bloody great. Also, loads of magazines on the Libby app, if your library does it.

HelloGreen · 30/06/2025 07:10

It’s great. I love free audiobooks on Libby.

ExtensivelyDecorating · 30/06/2025 07:12

I need to sort that out, I tried to set it up last year but couldn't get it to work. We don't have Libby but I use Borrowbox for e and audio books.

Pinkrosesyellowroses · 30/06/2025 07:21

Yes, I use it a lot.

INeedAnotherName · 30/06/2025 18:47

Thanks for the updates regarding the pin. I had to have a new card issued about 5 years ago just to use their printer so I'll have a look to see if the last four digits work 🙂

LittlleMy · 30/06/2025 19:51

@AquaCat93 thank you - I had no idea!

Can I ask what the pop up attached below means (may take a few mins for HQ to clear). Does it mean that I will need to sign in again with the same library credentials to prove I’m still a library user since the popu up seems to imply I only have a finite browsing time?

Free newspapers - did not know this
fanmepls · 30/06/2025 20:30

..

Original poster
AquaCat93 · 30/06/2025 20:44

LittlleMy · 30/06/2025 19:51

@AquaCat93 thank you - I had no idea!

Can I ask what the pop up attached below means (may take a few mins for HQ to clear). Does it mean that I will need to sign in again with the same library credentials to prove I’m still a library user since the popu up seems to imply I only have a finite browsing time?

Not sure. Mine says it's access for a month then you have to log out and log in again to reactivate a month of access.

Either way it should be free.

OP posts:
Original poster
AquaCat93 · 30/06/2025 20:47

It's amazing what libraries have - mine also has a late night 7 days a week opening system. I went there today even though it was 'shut', as most libraries are on a Monday, left at 8pm.

OP posts: