So im usally am stuck at home but ive never felt like rading but i also want to learn somethign new. i was thinking i should read a how to book or, (blank) for dummies but i do online school, i cant drive because im afraid and i tend to freak out when going somewhere becasue i have autism.

is there a librairy app or something i should know of, also feel free to suggest a book if you would like… or ask for more detailes?

  • WhelmedInEurope@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    18
    ·
    1 year ago

    The Libby app connects with a lot of libraries. There are a few others that are library specific such as cloudreaders, hoopla, and kanopy. If you have a library card, try checking your library’s website for a digital collection or elibrary. Depending on where you live you may have access to more library cards as well. I have one for the county library that uses Libby and one for the public library that uses cloudreaders.

  • JaymesRS@midwest.social
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    15
    ·
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    The below are all legit sources of free books that are above board.

    For publishers offering free digital versions you have the following:

    Tor has a free book of the month club for sci-fi & Fantasy.

    Subterranean Press says they are doing something similar

    Baen’s Free Library

    Others specialize in cleaning up and offering improved copies of public domain books:

    Standard Ebooks Open Culture Faded Page Alice and Books

    • nxtequal@beehaw.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      5
      ·
      edit-2
      1 year ago

      I’ll add that if you can’t find it on libgen, or if you’re looking for comics and manga ie things that might not be on there, FMHY is a great thing to google ;) includes audiobooks if you’d prefer that to reading. Includes direct downloads as well as torrents.

      That said, depending on what you want to learn, there may be a youtube video on it. There’s tons on youtube for certain subjects like video editing or coding if that’s what you’re interested in.

      Edit to add: if you’d rather buy a physical copy, ebay and AbeBooks are great sources.

  • TimTheEnchanter@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    12
    ·
    1 year ago

    Since I’m seeing Libby mentioned a lot: for those in the US, check the libraries in the large cities in your state, too. Sometimes they have digital-only cards available for statewide residents. You can have several library cards on Libby so you have lots of options!

    Also check your area for Little Free Libraries, which are free “take a book, leave a book” boxes!

    • medlii@kbin.social
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      1 year ago

      Yes, and there are libraries with cards for non-residents, too! That’s what I use on Libby. These are typically not free, but some are low-cost. If you don’t have a library card already, this is a great way to get one without having to drive somewhere. For example, according to this list, Fairfax VA charges $27 per year for access to a catalogue of “over 50,000 ebooks and 21,000 audiobooks”.

      https://bookriot.com/out-of-state-library-cards/

    • Nyla Smokeyface@beehaw.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 year ago

      I really need to check out my library again. I have one near me and I really should take advantage of it again.

  • cstine@lemmy.uncomfortable.business
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    10
    ·
    1 year ago

    If you live somewhere that’s reasonably resembling a city, your local library almost certainly has access to overdrive/libby or something like it included in the library membership, which may or may not be free but is probably worth looking into.

  • Dr. Jenkem@lemmy.blugatch.tube
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    9
    ·
    1 year ago

    Most libraries have a way to virtually rent ebooks and audiobooks. Check on your local library’s website.

    Also HumbleBundle pretty regularly runs limited time sales for cheap ebooks.

    And then of course there’s always the less than legal options such as torrents.

        • breakfastburrito@beehaw.org
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          1 year ago

          Someone above mentioned libgen, which is pretty good. Another good source, but one that is too confusing to explain in a comment here, is the bookz channel on irc. There are likely guides if you search for it. I’d only go that route if you really can’t find it elsewhere.

  • Dr. Jenkem@lemmy.blugatch.tube
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    5
    ·
    1 year ago

    What kind of stuff are you interested in learning how to do? I can recommend books for tech stuff, but aside from that I only really read sci-fi and a little bit of history stuff.

      • Dr. Jenkem@lemmy.blugatch.tube
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        1 year ago

        I’m just about finished with Leviathan Wakes audiobook, the first book of The Expanse series. I’m quite enjoying it!

        Also almost done reading The Southern Reach Trilogy (only a few chapters to go on the last book). The movie Annihilation is based on the first book of the trilogy. Very weird, which is to be expected if you’ve seen the movie, but also really enjoying it.

        And I’ve heard nothing but good things about Project Hail Mary, probably going to be my next one.

  • quasar
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    1 year ago

    Kindle Unlimited, a Audible sub and public library mostly.