Google Books lists nearly three million free e-books, which can be browsed by clicking on its Free Classics shelf and can be read on most devices, except for Kindles that aren't the KindleFire.
You'll need a library card, of course -- so if you don't already have one (more than 40% of Americans don't), borrowing free e-books might be a good reason to finally visit your public library and get a library card.
CNN: E-book lending: Your public library's best kept secret?
Sony continues to offer its popular and critically-acclaimed public library lending feature by offering patrons with a valid library card the ability to easily and conveniently borrow free e-books wirelessly from over 15, 000 public libraries in the US via an intuitive, simple-to-use dedicated icon on the device.
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Even though libraries have options to get many e-books for free, lending out many of the most popular titles definitely costs money.
CNN: E-book lending: Your public library's best kept secret?
Publishers fear that if readers realize they can borrow e-books for free from their local library, they might not buy them as much.
Under its subscription program Prime, Amazon.com has already been bundling its Kindle device with content free downloads of thousands of e-books and movies that could entice different reader and movie viewers market segments.
Finally, a new textbook store called iBooks 2, also a free app, will feature digital e-books for schools.
Others' libraries have cut back on other media purchases, such as CD audiobooks, to free up funds for purchases of e-books.
CNN: E-book lending: Your public library's best kept secret?
For every hour that their e-books are being published and distributed free in competition with legal copies offered for sale, they lose potential sales.
Why would consumers buy e-books if they can get them for free at the library?
CNN: E-book lending: Your public library's best kept secret?
Librarians, on the other hand, have consistently advocated for free information for all in every form possible when it comes to e-books.
Maybe not, but librarians are increasingly paying more attention to e-books and audiobooks, and even offering them for free download over the Web.
The site offers parents free advice via e-mail, guided tours of "safe sites" and recommended links and books on homeschooling.
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