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Books/book club

Borrow box

(12 Posts)
62Granny Thu 20-Aug-26 14:43:44

Anybody use this? .you need to be a library member and they can help you set it up (down load an app from the app store and enter your library card number and a pin which they enter into their system as well,) .just wondering how others find it? Are there a good selection of books available? I have downloaded a magazine so far but am in the middle of a book so will finish that before I download a book.
Magazine and newspapers are also available.

NotSpaghetti Thu 20-Aug-26 14:59:32

Several of us on Gransnet use it a lot.
I like it mainly for audiobooks. I can listen to books (including those I might not choose to read) whilst washing up, cleaning, weeding, taking a shower...
I love it.

It doesn't have everything of course and sometimes you have to get in a "queue" for one (as you would if you reserve a book at the real library).

I use it every day I think.
Truly excellent when driving - especially longer distances.

NotSpaghetti Thu 20-Aug-26 15:03:17

Here are screenshot of (the top of)my booklist, my audio book list and my "reserved" audio books.

It's very easy to navigate.

TerriBull Thu 20-Aug-26 15:44:18

I've started to use it, having set up the app ages ago.

Yes I agree it is pretty easy to navigate. Although they don't carry every title you may want, surprisingly there's a lot on offer including very sought after new books and well known authors, Unlike Audible it's free! For most there's a wait period. I've found anything from imminent up to a few months. Your library will advise you when one of your selection becomes available. You can have up to 10 on reserve.

Lots of magazines, but I don't think they have newspapers.

NotAGran55 Thu 20-Aug-26 16:00:10

I use it all the time for audio books and love it. It’s a lovely surprise when a book on reserve becomes available to you.

I’m currently listening to one, have another ready, and one on reserve for another 7 days.

I also use Audible, but always check Borrow Box first for the freebie.
I also used to use Libby which had a different selection, but my library stopped it for some reason.

NotSpaghetti Thu 20-Aug-26 16:01:37

I used to use "Libby" too - but Borrowbox is an easier interface I think.

Oldbat1 Thu 20-Aug-26 16:42:56

Use borrowbox all the time. My dd local authority have more books and audiobooks available than my authority. Mine also has newspapers available but dd doesnt.

srn63 Thu 20-Aug-26 21:50:57

I use it all the time, mainly for audiobooks. You can also join libraries out of your area online and use those libraries to borrow from with your Borrowbox accounts.

travelsafar Thu 20-Aug-26 21:54:27

I have used this services for quite

travelsafar Thu 20-Aug-26 21:56:42

I have used this service for quite sometime now and find it easy to use.Yes the book you wanted ma y not be there but I can always find others to enjoy. 😊

Graphite Thu 20-Aug-26 23:19:24

I think my county library must have been one of the first to get Borrowbox, around 2012 when it was first launched in the UK. I can remember going to the launch party. It’s an Australian company and many of the early books available had Australian narrators.

The number of books on offer has grown but it still can’t compete with Audible for the sheer number of titles available.

I use it as a supplement to my Audible subscription. If there’s a particular book I want, I check first to see if it’s available free on Borrowbox rather than use an Audible credit to buy it.

The licence restrictions on Borrowbox are irritating meaning that there’s sometime a long wait for a book but I suppose that’s how Borrowbox make their money, by charging per download and libraries have to budget.

Luckygirl3 Thu 20-Aug-26 23:22:08

I use it. It's fine.