Want free ebooks on your iPad — legally, easily, and without hassle? You’re in the right place. In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you where to find free ebooks, how to download or borrow them, which apps work best, how to convert formats, and smart tips to build a huge reading habit without spending a dime.
Whether you love timeless classics, new indie releases, or the latest bestsellers from your local library, this step-by-step guide has you covered.
Summary — Key Takeaways
-
You can get free ebooks for iPad from Apple Books, public-domain libraries like Project Gutenberg, library apps such as Libby, community archives like Open Library, and indie platforms.
-
The best apps for iPad reading include Apple Books, Kindle, Libby, and Open Library Reader.
-
For library loans, you’ll usually need a library card.
-
Public-domain sites like Project Gutenberg let you download EPUB or MOBI files that work perfectly with iPad apps.
-
Safe formats: EPUB for Apple Books, MOBI/AZW for Kindle. Use a converter like Calibre if needed.
Why Get eBooks on iPad?
Your iPad is a fantastic reading device: a bright, portable screen, adjustable fonts, and a whole library in your hands. Free ebooks make reading even better because you can:
-
Explore new genres without risk.
-
Build a large reading list without cost.
-
Sample indie authors and hidden gems.
-
Borrow bestsellers legally through your library.
At-a-Glance: Free eBook Sources for iPad
| Source Type | Examples | What You Get | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Freebies | Apple Books, Kindle | Free commercial or promotional ebooks | Instant download in app |
| Public Domain | Project Gutenberg | Thousands of classics in EPUB/MOBI | Perfect for older works and literature |
| Library Lending | Libby, OverDrive | Borrow ebooks and audiobooks | Requires library card |
| Archive Borrowing | Open Library | Borrowable scans and digital copies | Account required, loan limits apply |
| Indie & Promos | Smashwords, BookBub | Indie freebies and deals | Great for discovering new authors |
How to Get Free eBooks on iPad — Quick Checklist
-
Decide if you want to download permanently (public domain, retail freebies) or borrow temporarily (library loans, Open Library).
-
Choose an app: Apple Books for EPUB, Kindle for MOBI, Libby for library loans.
-
Find a source: Project Gutenberg, Apple Books Free, Libby, Open Library, or promo platforms.
-
Download or borrow and open the book in your chosen app.
-
Enjoy reading — adjust fonts, enable dark mode, and add bookmarks.
Step-by-Step: Download Free eBooks from Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg offers tens of thousands of free classics. Here’s how to read them on your iPad:
-
Open Safari on your iPad and go to Project Gutenberg.
-
Search for a title, such as Pride and Prejudice.
-
Select EPUB (no images) or EPUB (with images).
-
Tap the file, then use the Share button.
-
Choose Copy to Books. The book will appear in your Apple Books library.
Step-by-Step: Borrowing a Bestseller with Libby
Libby is the simplest way to borrow ebooks from your local library.
-
Install Libby from the App Store.
-
Open the app and find your library.
-
Sign in with your library card number.
-
Search for a title and tap Borrow.
-
Choose to read in Libby or send to Kindle.
Books will stay in your account for the loan period, just like a physical library book.
How Open Library Borrowing Works
Open Library, part of the Internet Archive, lets you borrow older and hard-to-find ebooks.
-
Create a free Open Library account.
-
Borrow up to 10 books at a time.
-
Loans usually last 14 days.
-
Read in your browser, the Open Library Reader app, or download supported formats.
Using Apple Books Free Section
Apple Books offers a free section in its store.
-
Open Apple Books.
-
Tap Book Store and select Top Free.
-
Browse, tap Get, and the book downloads directly to your library.
Free eBooks for Kindle on iPad
Prefer the Kindle app? You have options too:
-
Browse the Kindle Store’s free section for daily and classic freebies.
-
Download MOBI or EPUB files from public-domain sites and use Amazon’s “Send to Kindle” feature.
-
If your file isn’t supported, convert it with Calibre.
Where to Find Indie and Promotional Freebies
Indie authors often give away free books to attract readers.
-
BookBub: Free and discounted deals by genre.
-
Freebooksy: Daily featured free ebooks.
-
Smashwords: Many free or “pay what you want” indie titles.
-
Author newsletters: Many authors give away free first books in a series.
Handling Formats: EPUB, MOBI, PDF
-
EPUB: Best for Apple Books.
-
MOBI/AZW: Best for Kindle.
-
PDF: Fixed layout, good for manuals but harder to read on small screens.
-
Use Calibre to convert between formats if needed.
How to Transfer eBooks to iPad
-
Open in Safari → Share → Copy to Books or Kindle.
-
AirDrop from Mac to iPad.
-
Upload to iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive and open from the Files app.
Organizing Your eBooks
-
Create collections in Apple Books (e.g., “Classics,” “Library Loans”).
-
Use Goodreads to track your reading progress.
-
In Libby, use tags for borrowed or “to read” books.
Legal and Safe Sources Only
Stick to legal sources like Apple Books, libraries, Project Gutenberg, and trusted promo platforms. Avoid pirated sites — they can be unsafe and unfair to authors.
Best Apps for Reading Free eBooks on iPad
-
Apple Books: Best for EPUBs.
-
Libby: Best for library borrowing.
-
Kindle: Great if you already use Amazon.
-
Open Library Reader: For borrowing from the Internet Archive.
-
Other readers: Marvin, KyBook, or PocketBook for extra features.
Conclusion
Getting free ebooks on your iPad is simple once you know where to look. Between public-domain classics, Apple’s free section, indie promotions, and library apps like Libby, you can build an endless reading list without spending money.
Here’s your action plan:
-
Install Apple Books, Libby, and Kindle.
-
Download classics from Project Gutenberg.
-
Borrow new titles through Libby.
-
Sign up for BookBub or Freebooksy for indie finds.
-
Organize your collection and enjoy unlimited free reading.
FAQs
1. Can I read Project Gutenberg books offline?
Yes. Once added to Apple Books, they stay in your library for offline reading.
2. Do I need a library card to use Libby?
Yes, but many libraries let you sign up online for free.
3. Are Apple Books free titles legal?
Yes, Apple only lists legitimate free and public-domain titles.
4. What if the ebook is in the wrong format?
Use Calibre or Amazon’s Send to Kindle feature to convert it.
5. How many books can I borrow from Open Library?
Typically up to 10 at once, with a 14-day loan period.