Banner image: Leeds Central Library. Photo by LibraryOn.Reading for adults in libraries
“My world — and my children’s world — would be a lot smaller without the library.”
Find books and more for all ages
The latest bestseller? A new e-book for your commute? A magazine related to your hobby? Whatever you want to read, libraries have something for everyone.
They’re free, easy to use and filled with endless stories waiting to be discovered.
And with titles for children as well as the ability to read on your own device, it’s never been easier to get closer to your library.
Free books, e-books and audiobooks
However you want to read, there’s an option at libraries.
Visit in person
Printed books
- Browse the shelves or online catalogue
- Order books that aren’t in stock
- Take several books home at a time
- Renew on the phone, digitally or in person
On your device
E-books
- Get free e-books through apps like Borrowbox and Libby
- Borrow instantly and read on your smartphone or tablet wherever you are
- Configure your own reading view, changing fonts, text size
Enjoy on the go
Audiobooks
- Enjoy narrated books through smartphones and tablets
- Listen through headphones as you travel or commute
- Control playback speed and set sleep timers
2026 is the National Year of Reading
If you’re into it, read into it.
Reading is the ultimate way to dive further into what you love, whether it’s football, family time, fashion, cooking, comics or crafting.
Get involved with the National Year of Reading in 2026 by joining the library and taking part in free and low-cost events.
Free digital newspapers and magazines
Books aren’t the only way to read. Libraries offer ways to follow the news, current affairs and your personal interests, all through your own device.
Newspapers
Keep up with the news
Depending on your library authority’s subscriptions, you might access digital versions of:
- The Daily Mirror
- Daily Mail
- The Guardian
- Daily Star
- Daily Express
- Metro
- Newsweek
- The Economist
- The Spectator
Magazines
Explore your interests
As well as books related to hobbies, libraries offer digital versions of well-known magazines such as:
- Heat
- Grazia
- New Scientist
- Good Housekeeping
- Cycling Weekly
- Empire
- BBC Gardeners’ World
- ComputerActive
- Good Food
- Classic Rock
Foreign publications
Expand your world
Libraries are great ways to access publications from abroad – with no paywalls. Titles include:
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Washington Post
- The New Yorker
- EL PAIS
- South China Morning Post
- The New Yorker
- Bloomberg Businessweek
Explore library e-lending
Free books, audiobooks and magazines – on your own device.
Reading for pleasure - and wellbeing
Research has shown that reading is a great, low-cost way to improve personal wellbeing. Reading regularly can reduce stress, help relaxation and increase empathy.
That’s as well as improving vocabulary, developing knowledge and broadening perspectives on the world.
The Reading Well programme provides lists of books available at libraries that can help with life’s challenges, such as being a teenager, mental health difficulties and dementia.
Questions about using libraries
Do I need to be a member to enter a library?
No. Anyone can enter a public library and there’s no charge to go in.
Do I need to be a library member to borrow books?
Yes. You might need to show some identification and proof of address to become a library member. But every library authority is different, so it’s best to find your nearest library and ask the staff.
Once you’re a member you can use your library card to borrow books and more.
How many library books can I borrow at a time?
It varies by library authority. In some regions you can borrow up to 20 books at a time. When you become a library member staff will tell you how many books you can take home.
How does library e-lending work?
With library e-lending you can use your own device to enjoy e-books, audiobooks and digital versions of newspapers and magazines.
Learn more about e-lending in libraries.
How do I know what e-lending app to download?
When you become a library member the staff will be able to tell you which app or apps you should download.
Learn more about e-lending in libraries.