File this one under–who knew? The Internet Archive is building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Like a paper library, they provide FREE access to the general public. Because they are a library, they pay special attention to books. Some books can be freely read and downloaded. Others can be borrowed and read in their online book reader.
Not everyone has access to a public or academic library with a good collection, so to provide universal access they provide digital versions of books. Books published prior to 1923 are available for download, and hundreds of thousands of modern books can be borrowed through their Open Library site.
You can sign up for a FREE account by going here. Once you have an account then you get a virtual library card to download all sorts of books from Stephen King to Dr. Seuss. With 4.4 million books you’ll find something of interest.
But wait, there’s more. The Internet Archive also has more than 6,000 vintage movies (even silent films) you can also view.
Debbie says
Gutenberg press also has loads of (old, often off-beat) free books. I’ve found some amazing books there.