Online libraries have transformed access to knowledge, offering millions of books, audiobooks, and resources for free or at minimal cost. Below is a curated list of the top 10 online reading libraries from around the world, detailing how to join, their charges in USD and INR, and their URLs.
1. Open Library
Description: Open Library, an initiative of the Internet Archive, aims to create a web page for every book ever published, offering over 3 million free books, including classics and out-of-print titles.
How to Join: No registration is required to read public domain books. For borrowing recent titles, create a free account on the Internet Archive website.
Charges: Free
URL: openlibrary.org
2. Project Gutenberg
Description: Project Gutenberg provides over 60,000 free eBooks, focusing on classic literature and public domain works, available in multiple formats like ePub and Kindle.
How to Join: No registration needed; simply browse and download books.
Charges: Free
URL: gutenberg.org
3. Internet Archive
Description: A massive digital library with over 3 million texts, videos, and audio recordings, including books and archived web pages via the Wayback Machine.
How to Join: No registration required for public domain content. Borrowing digitized books requires a free Internet Archive account.
Charges: Free
URL: archive.org
4. National Digital Library of India (NDLI)
Description: Sponsored by India’s Ministry of Education, NDLI offers a vast repository of educational resources in multiple Indian languages, including books, journals, and audiobooks.
How to Join: Register for free on the NDLI website using an email or institutional ID.
Charges: Free
URL: ndl.iitkgp.ac.in
5. Libby by OverDrive
Description: Libby connects users to local library catalogs worldwide, offering free eBooks and audiobooks through participating libraries. It’s available in 78 countries.
How to Join: Download the Libby app and sign in with a valid library card from a participating library. Some libraries allow digital card creation via phone number.
Charges: Free with a library card
URL: overdrive.com
6. Hoopla
Description: Hoopla provides instant access to eBooks, audiobooks, comics, and more through public libraries, with no wait times for many titles.
How to Join: Sign up via the Hoopla app or website with a library card from a participating library.
Charges: Free with a library card
URL: hoopladigital.com
7. Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)
Description: DPLA offers over 40 million digital resources, including books, images, and videos, from U.S. institutions and some Indian partners.
How to Join: No registration needed for open-access content; some resources may require a library account for borrowing.
Charges: Free
URL: dp.la
8. Read Print
Description: Read Print offers over 8,000 free books by 3,500 authors, with features like personal bookshelves and reading groups. It was named one of TIME’s 50 best websites in 2010.
How to Join: No registration required to read; sign up for free to create bookshelves or join discussion forums.
Charges: Free
URL: readprint.com
9. Bookshare
Description: Bookshare provides accessible books for people with print disabilities, offering over a million titles in formats like braille and audio. Public domain books are available to all.
How to Join: Free for U.S. students with qualifying disabilities; others can join with a membership. Public domain books require no registration.
Charges: Free for public domain books; individual membership costs $50/year (?4,200, based on 1 USD = ?84).
URL: bookshare.org
10. ManyBooks
Description: ManyBooks offers over 50,000 eBooks, primarily classic titles, with some modern books available at discounted prices.
How to Join: No registration needed to download free books; optional sign-up for personalized recommendations.
Charges: Free for most titles; some modern books have costs (varies).
URL: manybooks.net
Notes on Charges
- Currency Conversion: Charges in INR are based on an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD = ?84, as of August 2025.
- Free Access: Most libraries are free, especially for public domain content. Services like Libby and Hoopla require a library card, which may involve local library membership fees (often free or nominal).
- Membership Costs: Bookshare is the only library listed with a clear subscription fee for non-public domain access ($50/year or ?4,200). Always check the respective websites for updated pricing.
These online libraries cater to diverse reading needs, from academic research to casual reading, and are accessible globally with minimal or no cost. Explore their collections to find your next great read