The internet, an endless labyrinth of lists upon lists, beckons with its siren call. Amidst this digital deluge, I’m offering one more—though this one is a lifeline for voracious readers (book hoarders excuse) seeking legitimate online sources for ebooks and audiobooks. These trusted havens open doors to vast and varied realms, welcoming millions of smartphone users and the select few who’ve embraced the sleek e-book devices. Here, within the labyrinth, lies the key to countless adventures waiting to be unlocked.

The below list has been personally curated by me and I have used these portals at any one point of time to access written literature or audiobooks. I must admit I am not a fan of audiobooks and I am yet to get accustomed to the habit of listening to books.

I tried listening to audiobooks during my morning runs (the activity of waking up early to get some sunshine and physical exercise). But I had to give up on running because my brain couldn’t handle multitasking—apparently giving up running was the easier thing to do. Don’t be judgmental. It’s raining all the time here.

To the dismay of many of my friends who swear by physical books and the old paperbacks and the local library (Thank you Eloor) where I often used to frequent, I have started using the Kindle which I recently purchased thanks to the pandemic lockdown. Is there a word for the scent of books? Like petrichor in the first rain?

So not making this longer, here is a good list of legitimate sources for ebooks and audiobooks which are easily accessible.

1. Project Gutenberg

Website: Project Gutenberg

Formats: ePub, Kindle, HTML, Plain Text

Project Gutenberg is a volunteer-driven initiative that offers over 60,000 free ebooks. This extensive collection includes classic literature, reference works, and even some modern works. You can read them online or download them in various formats to enjoy on your preferred device.

2. LibriVox

Website: LibriVox

Formats: MP3, Ogg Vorbis

LibriVox provides free public domain audiobooks read by volunteers from around the world. Their library includes thousands of titles ranging from classic literature to historical texts. You can stream or download the recordings in MP3 or Ogg Vorbis formats.

3. Open Library

Website: Open Library

Formats: ePub, PDF, Daisy, DjVu, Plain Text

An initiative of the Internet Archive, Open Library aims to be a universal book catalog. It offers over one million free ebooks and a vast collection of borrowable digital texts. Formats include ePub, PDF, and more, ensuring compatibility with various e-readers and devices.

4. Loyal Books

Website: Loyal Books

Formats: ePub, Mobi, MP3, iTunes

Loyal Books offers thousands of free audiobooks and ebooks. The site features classic literature and works from a variety of genres. Formats are versatile, catering to both ebook readers and audiobook listeners.

5. ManyBooks

Website: ManyBooks

Formats: ePub, Mobi, PDF, AZW, FB2

ManyBooks provides a vast library of free ebooks, primarily classic literature. The user-friendly site allows you to search by genre, title, or author and download books in various formats compatible with most e-readers.

6. Internet Archive

Website: Internet Archive

Formats: ePub, Kindle, Daisy, PDF, DjVu, MP3

The Internet Archive is a digital library offering millions of free books, movies, music, and more. Their ebook collection spans numerous genres and formats. They also have a vast selection of audiobooks available for download.

7. BookBub

Website: BookBub

Formats: ePub, Kindle

BookBub is a service that provides daily deals on ebooks, including a selection of free titles. While primarily a platform for discounted books, their free section includes a rotating collection of quality reads in popular formats.

8. Digital Book.io

Website: Digital Book

Formats: ePub, Kindle, MP3

Digital Book aggregates free ebooks and audiobooks from various sources, including Project Gutenberg, LibriVox, and Open Library. Their user-friendly interface allows you to search by genre or format and download your chosen content.

9. Planet eBook

Description: Planet eBook offers a curated collection of classic literature for free. Their library includes timeless works from authors like Orwell, Fitzgerald, and Austen.

Website: Planet eBook

Formats: ePub, PDF, Kindle

10. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Description: This website hosted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA provides access to the complete works of William Shakespeare. You can read all of Shakespeare’s plays, sonnets, and poems online for free.

Website: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Formats: HTML

11. Tech Books for Free

Description: Tech Books for Free offers free ebooks on technology and programming. The collection includes books on various programming languages, software engineering, and computer science topics. From what I understand the copyright of these books are in the public domain and hence made accessible. This is a great resource for coders and wannabe coders and college grads.

Website: Tech Books for Free

Formats: PDF

12. Banned Books Online (upenn.edu)

Description: Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, Banned Books Online provides access to books that have been banned or challenged. This collection promotes the freedom to read. You will be surprised to see the titles listed here. From Ulysses by James Joyce to D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover banned in parts in the modern western progressive nations- The United Kingdom and The USA. They put the Taliban to shame.

Website: Banned Books Online

Formats: HTML, Plain Text

13. NetGalley

Description: NetGalley connects publishers and authors with readers who review new books. You can request free advance copies of ebooks in exchange for honest reviews.  Free Advance Copies (ARCs) are a great way of getting access to yet to be published books from big and small publishers. You could also request ARCs from publishers directly of you are ready to slog it.

Website: NetGalley

Formats: ePub, Kindle

14. Edelweiss Plus

Description: Edelweiss Plus offers free digital review copies of upcoming books. It’s a great resource for book reviewers, librarians, and booksellers to access new titles before publication.

Website: Edelweiss Plus

Formats: ePub, PDF

15. Goodreads

Description: Goodreads features a group where members can receive free advanced copies of books in exchange for reviews. It’s an excellent way to discover new authors and genres. You will find authors of children’s books here who want their works to be reviewed. Great place to find some excellent books if you are willing to be an active member of the group.

Website: Goodreads – Advanced Copies for Review Book Giveaways

Formats: Various (ePub, PDF, Kindle)

16. Freebooksy

Description: Freebooksy provides daily lists of free ebooks from various genres. You can find both indie and traditionally published books available for free for a limited time. Freebooksy is a tricky site. You need to stay on your toes to find something you like for free.

Website: Freebooksy

Formats: ePub, Kindle

17. Open Culture (Audio Books)

Description: Open Culture offers a wide selection of free audiobooks, including classic literature, non-fiction, and educational content. The site links to resources where these audiobooks can be streamed or downloaded.

Website: Open Culture (Audio Books)

Formats: MP3

18. Storynory

Description: Storynory provides free audiobooks and stories for children. The collection includes fairy tales, classic literature, and original stories narrated by professional actors.

Website: Storynory

Formats: MP3

With these legitimate sources, expanding your TBR of ebooks and audiobooks is easier and more affordable than ever. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature, modern fiction, or educational texts, there’s something for everyone. Happy reading and listening!