How to get ALL ebooks & audiobooks free - even if your library sucks!

Matt's Fantasy Book Reviews
28 May 202313:26
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script is a guide on how to save money on books by utilizing library apps like Libby and Hoopla. The speaker shares their experience of reading 250 books for free and provides tips on using these apps, including placing holds, borrowing ebooks and audiobooks, and accessing multiple library systems. They also discuss the option of purchasing a library card from Orange County for extensive access and introduce a Google Chrome extension for managing multiple library accounts.

Takeaways
  • 📚 The speaker has read 250 books through Kindle and audiobooks, paying for only about 10 of them, saving thousands of dollars.
  • 💡 Utilize apps like Libby and Hoopla to borrow books from libraries for free, both ebooks and audiobooks.
  • 🏠 Check your local library's system to see the available books and place holds on the ones you're interested in.
  • 🔄 Use reciprocal agreements between library systems to access a wider range of books.
  • 🌐 In the US, some states allow reciprocity across all library systems, allowing you to access more books by visiting libraries in person.
  • 📍 Non-US residents can purchase a library card from certain libraries, like Orange County in Florida, for access to a large catalog of books.
  • 📚 The wait time for books can be estimated but is often shorter due to the turnover of books among patrons.
  • 📱 Both Libby and Hoopla have mobile apps that function similarly to their desktop versions, making it easy to borrow and return books.
  • 🎧 Audiobooks can be listened to within the Libby app or through the Hoopla app, with features like speed control and bookmarks.
  • 🔄 Use the 'library extension' for Google Chrome to manage multiple library memberships and quickly find available books across systems.
  • 👋 Encourage patrons to return books early to help others in the waitlist gain access to the books sooner.
Q & A
  • How many books has the speaker read through Kindle and audiobooks?

    -The speaker has read roughly 250 books through a mixture of both Kindle books and audiobooks.

  • How does the speaker save money on books?

    -The speaker has only paid for about 10 of the 250 books they've read, saving them literally thousands of dollars by using apps like Libby and hoopla.

  • What are the two main apps the speaker uses to get books for free from the library?

    -The two main apps the speaker uses are Libby and hoopla.

  • How does the speaker utilize their local library to get books?

    -The speaker uses their local library system through the Libby and hoopla apps to borrow ebooks and audiobooks directly to their Kindle.

  • What is the maximum number of books a person can borrow per month on hoopla?

    -A person can borrow up to four books a month on hoopla.

  • How does the speaker handle a long wait time for a book?

    -The speaker places a hold on the book and moves their position back in the line when it becomes available, allowing them to get the book when they are ready to read it.

  • What does the speaker recommend for accessing more libraries?

    -The speaker recommends using reciprocal agreements between library systems, and for those living outside the United States, purchasing a card from a library system with a large catalog, such as Orange County in Florida.

  • How does the speaker manage multiple library cards?

    -The speaker uses a Google Chrome extension called the library extension, which allows them to quickly check the availability of a book across all the library systems they are a member of.

  • What is the cost of a one-year library card from the Orange County library system in Florida?

    -The cost of a one-year library card from the Orange County library system in Florida is $125.

  • How does the speaker suggest using the library extension?

    -The speaker suggests using the library extension by adding all the library systems they are a member of, and then when they find a book, they can quickly see which libraries have it available and borrow it without having to juggle multiple cards or websites.

  • What is the speaker's final advice to the viewers?

    -The speaker's final advice is to explore the tips and methods shared in the video, and to reach out with any technical questions or for further discussion on their Discord Channel.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Utilizing Libby and Hoopla for Free Books

The speaker expresses gratitude to patrons for their support and shares his experience of reading 250 books, mostly for free, using apps like Libby and Hoopla. He explains how these apps, in conjunction with local libraries, allow users to borrow ebooks and audiobooks without cost. The speaker provides a step-by-step guide on how to use these services, including placing holds on books, understanding wait times, and receiving notifications when books become available. He emphasizes the savings and convenience of using these apps, especially for those who read extensively.

05:02
📱 Checking Out Books on Kindle and Audiobook Platforms

The speaker demonstrates how to borrow books using the desktop version of the Libby app, focusing on the process for both Kindle ebooks and audiobooks. He explains the borrowing period, the option to read in a browser or through the app, and the ability to adjust playback speed for audiobooks. The speaker also discusses the immediate availability of books on Hoopla, contrasting it with the wait times on Libby. He encourages viewers to explore both platforms to maximize their access to free reading materials.

10:03
🌐 Expanding Library Access Through Reciprocal Agreements

The speaker talks about increasing access to books by utilizing reciprocal agreements between library systems. He shares his personal experience of gaining access to multiple library systems by signing up online or visiting libraries in person. The speaker mentions state laws in America that allow reciprocity across all libraries and suggests that international residents can also access these services by purchasing a library card from certain systems, such as Orange County in Florida. He provides a solution for those living outside the United States or in areas without Libby or Hoopla access.

🔍 Streamlining Library Book Searches with a Chrome Extension

The speaker introduces a Google Chrome extension called 'library extension' that simplifies the process of searching multiple library systems for books. He explains how the extension works by allowing users to input their location and library system preferences to quickly identify which libraries have the desired books available. The speaker illustrates the extension's ease of use by searching for a book on Goodreads and showing how the extension compares availability across different library systems. He recommends this tool for users with multiple library cards to efficiently manage and access their reading materials.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Libby
Libby is an app associated with OverDrive, which is primarily used for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks from libraries digitally. In the video, the speaker demonstrates how to use Libby to access free books from the library system, highlighting its features such as placing holds on books and receiving notifications when they are available.
💡Hoopla
Hoopla is another digital service provided by libraries that allows users to borrow books, eBooks, and audiobooks. Unlike Libby, Hoopla does not have a waitlist system; instead, it operates on a model where users can borrow a limited number of items per month. The speaker mentions Hoopla as an alternative to Libby for immediate access to books that may not be available through Libby.
💡Kindle
Kindle is a popular e-reader device and platform developed by Amazon, which allows users to purchase and download eBooks and audiobooks. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses how to send borrowed eBooks from Libby and Hoopla to a Kindle device for reading or listening.
💡Reciprocal Agreements
Reciprocal agreements between libraries are arrangements that allow library patrons to access the collections of other participating libraries. This can significantly expand the range of available books and resources for users. The speaker mentions using reciprocal agreements to gain access to multiple library systems and increase the number of books they can borrow.
💡Digital Libraries
Digital libraries are online repositories of books, eBooks, audiobooks, and other resources that can be accessed and borrowed remotely. The video focuses on using digital libraries through apps like Libby and Hoopla to access free reading materials from local and extended library systems.
💡Audiobooks
Audiobooks are recordings of books and other written materials being read aloud, which users can listen to instead of reading the text. In the video, the speaker discusses how to obtain audiobooks for free through library services like Libby and Hoopla, which can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing them from platforms like Audible.
💡Ebooks
Ebooks are digital versions of books that can be read on electronic devices such as e-readers, tablets, or computers. The video provides a guide on how to borrow and read ebooks from libraries using apps like Libby and Hoopla, which offer a wide selection of ebooks for free.
💡Library Extension
The Library Extension is a Google Chrome browser extension that simplifies the process of borrowing books from multiple library systems by aggregating the catalogs and availability of books across these systems. It streamlines the search process and allows users to quickly find and borrow books from their library of choice.
💡OverDrive
OverDrive is a digital distribution service that supplies libraries with eBooks and audiobooks for patrons to borrow and read or listen to on their personal devices. It is the company behind the Libby app, and it is used by many libraries worldwide to provide digital reading materials to their patrons.
💡Patrons
Patrons, in the context of the video, refer to the supporters or contributors who financially back the speaker's content creation, often receiving exclusive benefits or acknowledgments in return. The speaker expresses gratitude to their patrons for their continued support, which enables them to create and share informative content.
Highlights

The speaker has read 250 books through a combination of Kindle and audiobooks, having paid for only about 10 of them, saving thousands of dollars.

The primary method of obtaining books legally and for free is using the apps Libby and hoopla.

Ebooks and audiobooks can be borrowed from the library directly to a Kindle for free.

The least known benefit of using a Kindle is the ability to get library ebooks.

Audiobooks from audible.com can be obtained for free through the same libraries.

The process of utilizing the local library to get books and audiobooks is shared, including how to place a hold on a book.

If a book is not available at the local library, neighboring library systems can be accessed through reciprocal agreements.

State laws in America allow for reciprocity between all library systems within the state, expanding access to books.

Libraries outside of one's local area can be accessed by purchasing a card, such as from the Orange County library system in Florida for $125 per year.

The Orange County library system in Florida allows international residents to purchase a card for access to their extensive catalog.

The library extension for Google Chrome streamlines the borrowing process by showing availability across multiple library systems.

Goodreads integration with the library extension simplifies the process of finding and borrowing a book from the library system.

The speaker shares tips on maximizing the use of library systems, including placing holds on numerous books and adjusting hold positions.

Audiobooks can be listened to within the Libby app or through the hoopla app, offering the same user experience as Audible.

The process of borrowing and returning ebooks and audiobooks is straightforward and can be done through the Libby and hoopla apps.

The video provides a comprehensive guide on how to access and utilize library systems for free books and audiobooks.

The speaker encourages viewers to ask questions and engage in discussions on Discord for further clarification.

Transcripts
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