Where to Find Free eBooks Online (No Piracy Required)

For book lovers, few things are more satisfying than discovering a great read — except discovering one for free. The good news is that there are many legitimate, legal places online where you can find free eBooks without pirating or risking shady downloads. Whether you love classics, contemporary fiction, or discovering new voices, here are some trusted options every North American reader should know.
Best Places to Find Free eBooks Online Without Piracy
Classics & Public-Domain Reads
Many beloved books are free because their copyrights have expired. These works are part of the public domain and are completely legal to download.
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is the gold standard for public-domain eBooks. With over 75,000 titles, it offers classics by authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, and Mark Twain. Books are available in multiple formats, including EPUB and Kindle-friendly files.
ManyBooks
ManyBooks offers a polished browsing experience with thousands of public-domain titles, plus a selection of free books from indie authors. It’s especially appealing if you like discovering genre fiction alongside classics.
Internet Archive & Open Library
The Internet Archive’s Open Library lets readers borrow digital copies of books for a limited time, much like a traditional library. You’ll find older titles, out-of-print books, and some harder-to-find works that aren’t available elsewhere.
Your Local Library — Digitally
If you have a library card, you already have access to a vast free eBook collection.
Libby (by OverDrive)
Libby connects directly to your local public library’s digital catalogue. Readers in Canada and the U.S. can borrow bestsellers, new releases, and backlist titles for free. You can read on your phone, tablet, e-reader, or browser.
Hoopla
Many libraries also offer Hoopla, which allows instant borrowing of eBooks, audiobooks, and graphic novels — no waiting lists required.
Advance & Review Copies for Book Lovers
If you enjoy discovering books before they’re published, these platforms are excellent — and completely legal.
NetGalley
NetGalley provides free advance reader copies (ARCs) of upcoming books from major publishers and indie presses. Readers can request titles in exchange for honest reviews. It’s popular with librarians, educators, reviewers, and passionate readers.
Edelweiss (Edelweiss+)
Edelweiss is widely used in the publishing world to share digital review copies. While traditionally aimed at industry professionals, many avid readers, bloggers, and librarians also use it to access free advance eBooks.
Free Sections on Major eBook Platforms
Large eBook retailers also host rotating selections of free titles.
Kobo Free eBooks
Google Play Books – Top Free
These usually include public-domain works and promotional titles offered by authors and publishers.
If a website is offering a new bestseller for free with no explanation, it’s likely pirated. Stick with libraries, public-domain collections, and publisher-approved platforms like NetGalley and Edelweiss to ensure you’re reading ethically and legally.
Free eBooks are everywhere — you just need to know where to look. Happy reading!




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