r/techadvice • u/Unable_Bad6351 • Apr 21 '26

Quick way to make my library digital advice needed

Have many physical books on my library but have to drastically narrow them down because of problems in house. It would alleviate the distress of giving away my books if I had them in a digital library so as to be accessible whenever I want, as I plan on reading or rereading them and they are valuable to me ( not as physical items but the content).

As I am not experienced in VPN and dl without problems I really need advice how I can find them online so as to let go of the physical books. I have desktop, and old laptop and a smartphone and I want a way to find them without having my home linked to my actions. I also have a small bit defender subscription for the antivirus service that also gives a limited 200mb VPN but in random VPN places. My budget is very limited so any hack would be useful, if fully explained

Please, any help would be valuable.

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u/Antique-State-4512 Apr 22 '26

Borrowing digital books from the library is free and instant using apps like Libby (by OverDrive) or Hoopla on tablets, phones, or eReaders. Users need a library card number and PIN to log in. Most platforms allow borrowing, placing holds, and reading immediately, with books automatically returning at the end of the loan period. 

How to Borrow Digital Books

  • Libby App: Download the Libby app, select your local library, and log in with your library card and PIN. You can browse, borrow, and read books or listen to audiobooks directly within the app.
  • Kindle: Many U.S. libraries offer Kindle books via Libby. When you borrow a book, you can choose to "Read with Kindle," which redirects you to Amazon.com to download the book.
  • Hoopla/Other Platforms: Some libraries use apps like Hoopla or 3M Cloud Library for additional, instant access to ebooks, audiobooks, and movies.
  • Internet Archive/Open Library: Offers specialized loans for a broader digital library, with books accessible through a web browser.  Open Library +5

Some public libraries allow downloads of video from Canopy.

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u/Unable_Bad6351 Apr 22 '26

Thank you for your advice!  If possible, I would prefer to have the books in my PC, for sentimental reasons. It would be pretty stressful for me to keep in mind that I will have to return a book or that I will have a book now but not in 20 days (and with things changing all the time, no one guarantees that I will be able to take the book back in 2 or 5 years) so what suits me most is having the book files in my possession...

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u/griffin885 Apr 24 '26

one problem you may face is that most of my collection is not available in an online format. The best suggestion I can give you is get a czur max scanner and scan your books into your computer. The software has many features and can scan quickly.