Read Your Way Through Quarantine

Like many people around the world, you may have found yourself in a quarantine in your own home until the worst is over.

And, like many people around the world, you may be realizing just how boring and monotonous it can get being stuck in your home with your spouse (who may or may not work from home) and/or your children.

Seriously, #solidarity.

For me, reading has been the best way to pass the time, both reading to my kids and reading books for myself. The problem for many is finding these books. So here are a few ways you can access digital books that are new to you or re-read old favorites without leaving your house.

Use that library card

If you already have a library card, you're a step ahead of the game. Did you know that you can use your library card to receive digital books straight to your favored device? Whether you use your phone, an e-reader, a tablet, or stare at a computer screen, there's no need to give that library card a rest.

Here are a few free apps that can support you:

• Freegal: While mostly a music app, this option provides access to hundreds of audiobooks for free. You can find classics, biographies, memoirs, and more—even children's books. Log in with your town, state, and library, then key in your library card information to get started.

• Libby: This is one of the most well-known free apps for book access with OverDrive. You can find thousands that are downloaded directly to your favorite reading device. You can find many new releases here, but be prepared for wait times on the most popular titles. Just log in and go!

• Hoopla: This app has a collection of music, ebooks, comics, audiobooks, and digital TV shows and movies. So in case you are one of the few who hasn't yet subscribed to Disney+, you can use your library card instead. Hoopla has a bit more to offer than Freegal regarding new releases, and their children's book selection is huge. Create your log in and get searching.

• RBDigital: You name what you're looking for, and RBDigital most likely has it. Compared to the other options, this is the source for digital newspaper and magazine access. In addition, this app also has access to comics, ebooks, audiobooks, and other content you're probably looking for. There's no need for your library to have an account with RBDigital.

What if you don't have a library card? Some states are allowing individuals to get library cards without going in person. Search for libraries in your state's capital or major cities to find out more.

Consider non-app options

If you don't have a library card, you can still get digital content, and in some cases, for free.

You can access more than 60,000 ebooks for free using Project Gutenberg. You don't have to download any special apps to use it. Just download your chosen book to read in a web browser or on your favorite device (including e-readers and tablets). Note that most of the books on this website are those with expired copyrights, so many of the options are classics.

Amazon is also one of my favorite places to go to download books, both for free and for a fee, but you can choose your favorite bookseller to do the same. Amazon specifically has free books (usually the same ones offered by Project Gutenberg), but sometimes has free books for kids as well.

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