Want to join the National Reading Movement but don’t have the time to pick up physical books? Here’s where to get your fill of ebooks and read whenever, wherever. By Lin Peishan
Goodreads
Sometimes referred to as Facebook for book lovers, Goodreads allows you to keep track of the books you have read, are reading and want to read. At the same time, you can peek at your friends’ virtual bookshelves, share book reviews and network with bookworms with similar interests. The website is well-loved by a community of 80 million readers as it offers free ebooks and excerpts of selected books. Download full versions of public-domain books from authors ranging from Jane Austen to heavy hitters of the Tolstoy variety. Where there are no free ebooks available, the website links you to selected online bookstores and libraries. Goodreads is also downloadable as a mobile app.
OverDrive and Libby
OverDrive partners with more than 30,000 libraries worldwide to bring you over two million ebooks and audiobooks. All you need is a library card to start borrowing books. To browse the collections, access the OverDrive website or download the mobile apps Libby (for public library members and Android, iOS and Windows 10 users) or OverDrive (for public and school library members and Android, iOS, Chromebook, Amazon Fire tablet and Windows 8 or 10 users). Loaned ebooks and audiobooks are automatically downloaded within the apps for offline reading and listening, and they can be renewed and returned with ease.
Scribd
Unlimited access to content with a monthly subscription is what Netflix, Spotify and now, Scribd, offer. For US$8.99 a month, you can access and download for your offline enjoyment all ebooks, audiobooks, documents, and news and magazines from publishers that partner with Scribd. These include bestsellers and award-winners from HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and more. Get Scribd’s personalised recommendations based on your interests and reading lists curated by experts and Scribd editors. You can also read the latest news from press like The New York Times and Financial Times to stay updated on the go.
NLB Mobile
The National Library Board (NLB) goes mobile with its NLB Mobile app, which allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from NLB’s collections. Your ebooks are automatically returned when due, while physical books can be borrowed instantly. Additionally, you can reserve, renew and pay your outstanding fees, bookmark your favourite books or share them on social media, and even register for upcoming NLB events. And parents can manage their whole family’s library accounts, borrow books on their children’s behalf and monitor library due dates through this app at their own convenience.
Join the NUSS Reading Interest Group!
NUSS has recently set up a Reading Interest Group for those who cherish the experience of reading physical books. Simply access the online catalogue and request the book of your choice. Once you have received an email notification, you may pick up the book from the reception counter at Kent Ridge Guild House. It’s open to all NUSS members for free.
Sign up here
