I tried dozens of bookish apps so you don’t have to! Here are 5 that any reader absolutely needs (and are totally free to download!)
1. Goodreads
Goodreads is a social media outlet that’s all about books! You can read or write reviews, scan book covers and barcodes, and organize your shelves! The app will tailor book recommendations based on the books you shelf in the app, so it’s a great way to stay up to date on new releases! You can enter giveaways, make friends, update your reading progress, and join online book clubs!
2. Libib
Libib is an organization app that allows you to scan and shelf books, movies, music, and video games! Like Goodreads, Libib works with their online site where you can review and annotate your reads.
If you own tons of books like I do, then you may forget which books you own and which ones you want to buy. (I know, I have a real book buying problem.) With Libib, you can check your scanned shelves to see if you already own said book without making a double purchase! I also separate my books into read, unread, and DNF (did not finish) shelves. Whenever I’m scheduling an unhaul, I like to make another shelf of books that I’m planning on donating. If you struggle to keep your books organized, this is the app for you!
3. Libby
Never underestimate the power of your local library ever again! With Libby, you can have thousands of books and audiobooks at your fingertips in seconds. The best part? It’s absolutely free! All you need is a library card! When prompted, enter your library card information and you can check out books/audio books and place unavailable books on hold. You can have up to 5 loans and 5 holds at a time.
4. Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle app encompasses the perks of a kindle on nearly any device. If you don’t have an e-reader or purchase ebooks from Amazon, you can easily read them on the Kindle app! If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can access hundreds of free ebooks with the app!
My favorite thing about the Kindle App is the fact that you can highlight and annotate what you’re reading. As a college student, I love the app since I don’t have to carry heavy books around and I’m able to jot down my notes without having to put down my book!
5. ThriftBooks: New & Used Books
If you’re looking for some cheap, used books, then ThriftBooks is the app to download! They have over 13 million books for sale at up to 90% off.
This app is perfect for readers on a budget. However, be wary of the condition of the book that you are choosing! A book may be insanely cheap on the app, but may be in bad condition. If book condition doesn’t bother you, then by all means take advantage of the deals from the app!
