16 tricks to access 1,000s of free e-books & audiobooks

Of course, one of the easiest and cheapest ways to read books for free is a trip to the local library (find your nearest). It's likely you'll be able to access an online service using your library membership info, where you can borrow a vast catalogue of adults' and kids' e-books and audiobooks digitally for free.

It's worth seeing if your library offers this – every one we checked did. Your library subscribes to a service which hosts an online or app-based version of a library where you can borrow/check out titles digitally.

How it works in a few steps

1. You'll need to first be a member of your local library. If you haven't already registered, you can usually do it just by giving them a call.
2. Check to see if your library is signed up to an online service and which it uses – see Gov.uk to find your library's website and it should tell you on there. Each library's online service differs by local authority – with some of the popular services being Borrow Box and Overdrive/Libby.
3. The next step is to download the free app of the service your library uses. Once you've opened the app, search for your library and register – you'll need your library membership info for this.
4. You can then search for titles or browse, and start borrowing (more on that below).

It's worth noting you can't usually read library e-books on a Kindle (except for the Kindle Fire tablet, as you can download apps on to it). You'll need a compatible device such as an iPhone, iPad or Android phone/tablet.

MoneySavers rate these services as a great alternative if you can't physically get to your local library...

1. Sign up to NetGalley as a reviewer for free. It will ask you to write a short profile. This is how publishers decide whether to accept your request, so include details such as where you usually review books or if you're in a book club. See NetGalley's tips on writing a profile. In the 'Reading Preferences' section, tick your favourite genres, eg, fiction, romance or crime.
   
   
2. Request books. As above, there are two sections. With the first, Read Now, you can download instantly, without needing publisher approval, but it's a smaller list. The other, Find Titles, is a bigger list but you have to request books, and you're not guaranteed to get them. You should find out by email in a few days if the publisher approves your request.
   
   You can read your e-book on the free NetGalley Shelf app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play). You can also send copies of most books to your Kindle, Kobo or Nook – see a full how to here. 
   
   
3. Write your review. Go to your 'Shelf' and click 'Give Feedback'. There's no strict deadline for reviews, but if it's an advance copy, most users try to submit by the publication date. NetGalley advises reviewing at least 80% of your freebies as your feedback ratio is a key stat publishers consider when approving requests. The higher it is, the more likely you are to have future requests approved.
   
   NetGalley has tips on reviewing, which include briefly describing the plot first and avoiding spoilers. You can be honest, but you may wish to write diplomatically. For example, "this wasn't for me" rather than "this book was a complete pile of pants".