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Free Books by Mail: 38+ Options That Work

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While I’m a fan of reading eBooks on my Kindle, I don’t mind reading a physical book here and there as there are some perks in my opinion.  We can debate that later.

But what makes a physical book even better for me?

If it’s free and delivered to my door via the mail.

In today’s blog post, I wanted to show you the many ways you can get free books in your mailbox, either as a one-time deal or even as a recurring bargain, ranging from kid to Christian bible study books to free books by mail for adults.   I think there will be something for everyone here.

In some cases, you can even trade in the books you already have for ones you wanted, with no cash exchanging hands.

These strategies won’t work like the library where you will have to return them next week, but instead, they are yours to keep!

And do keep in mind that I know of the many ONLINE versions of free eBooks, but for this post, we are going to focus on companies that will send you physical books only.  I will teach you how ot request free books by mail as well as what’s expected of you.  I promise no shipping fees are incurred.

Without further ado, let’s explore the many websites that offer free book opportunities.

How to Get Free Books by Mail (No Shipping)


Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

By far, this is the most popular and easiest way to receive a child’s book via the mail.

This non-profit organization, created by Dolly Parton, was created to help promote early childhood literacy by giving children, ages birth to age five, a FREE book.

To date, the organization has sent more than 109 million kids books… for free!

When you sign up, you will receive a free specially aged book EVERY month straight to your mailbox, with NO strings attached.

To learn more, go to ImaginationLibrary.com to see how it works and check availability.  On that URL, you can order your free books by mail.

As of right now, the program is only available for select communities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

By far, this is the #1 way to get free books delivered to your doorstep and is considered to be an amazing program.  I cannot recommend it enough.



TONS of Free Magazines

I know, I’m writing about getting free books by mail, but a lot of magazines, at least to me, seem like a book.

If you’re a fan of magazines, ValueMags has a TON of free magazine subscriptions, with no strings attached and NO credit card number required.

Honestly, you name it and there’s a good chance a subscription exists.

Some subscriptions may only include one magazine, while others subscription offers may throw in a subscription for up to two years.  This will greatly depend on the type of subscription you want.

Read Comingo

When you become a member of Read Conmigo, the company will not only offer you access to 45 free eBooks, but the company will also deliver printed books, as long as your city qualifies, to your door for free.

What the heck is Read Comingo?

Read Comingo is a bilingual literacy program that provides books in both Spanish and English and was created by Infinity Insurance in 2010 to help parents and children alike gain a love of reading.

To date, the program has delivered to more than 160,000 families.

LibraryThing

This strategy will not guarantee you a free book by mail, but on LibraryThing, authors will send you a book in exchange for a review and it will require no payment on your end.

If you’re a fan of trying out new books, then you can add your name to the request list for the book that interests you, but remember, this isn’t guaranteed as most of the books will have more requesters than the copies available.

But from the looks of it, if you requested at least 20-30 books, your chances of getting one can greatly increase.

At any moment, you can expect at least 50-100+ books on the list, so choosing one won’t be that hard.

GoodReads

If you’re an avid reader, then there’s a good chance you have a GoodReads account.

If you don’t, I highly recommend you check out the website as it’s a great way to save the book you already read and find hundreds, if not thousands, of recommendations, based on your past reading history.  Signing up for an account is free.

Anyways, like LibraryThing, the GoodReads “giveaways” section has thousands of giveaway options, usually where an author is giving away a number of books and will kindly ask for a review once you’re done.  I do not think the review is necessary, however.

But again, there are usually more requesters than copies available, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enter since the more you enter, the greater your chances will be of snagging a free book.

If you want to test your luck, make it a habit to enter a few giveaways a day to see if you can get at least win one book a month.

NetGalley

If you want to discover new books, then I highly recommend NetGalley, a website which “help books succeed.”

Consider it a place where authors are looking to get feedback on their pre-released book.

Here, becoming a member is free and the website asks you to review the book you choose and provide feedback.

Unlike GoodReads and LibraryThing, however, leaving and sharing your reviews is mandatory if you want to participate.

While a lot of the books available are digital copies, you can find a hard copy book once in a while.

JIFFY Recipe Book

From the creators of the “JIFFY” mix, the “JIFFY” Mix Recipe Book is yours for free if you simply fill out the form on the official website.

If you’d rather have the online version, which is said to have even more recipes than the book, the company also offers hundreds of recipes for free as well via this electronic list.

Or of course, you can have both the hard copy and eBook if you choose as well!



Sun-Maid Recipe Booklet

Like the idea of free recipe books?

Just like the JIFFY freebie, Sun-Maid will send you a free recipe booklet via the mail and all you need to do on your part is simply fill out the form.  This is a totally free book by mail if interested.

FreeCycle.org

This is probably one of my favorite free book strategies, especially if you’re into just about anything.

However, I KNOW it’s not via the mail, but if you’re already out and about, it may be worth a shot since you will not have to invest a dime.

If you’re unfamiliar with FreeCycle, it’s basically a free classified ad service (think Craigslist) that allows people to post freebies and/or even wanted ads.

If you see an ad of interest, you simply click the “see details” link and follow the directions to snag the freebie.

While the book selection may not be the greatest, do not expect the latest best-sellers on this website, but you should be able to find some books of interest.

If you have some books in mind, you can also post a wanted ad, but again, do not expect the latest and great for free.

As you probably imagine, GOOD freebies go fast, so if you really want to test your luck on free books, you will probably want to check the website out frequently.

Craigslist

Like FreeCycle, Craigslist, as you already may know, has a pretty decent free section, which could include books occasionally.

However, like FreeCycle, if you’re going to consider this option, keep two things in mind:

First of all, the good books will go fast, sometimes in as little as a minute due to the people who often want to flip freebie items on Craigslist.

And secondly, if you’re able to find a freebie, you will more than likely have to visit the location to pick it up AND the selection won’t be the greatest.

Free Kids Activity Books via the EPA

Did you know the EPA, the Environmental Protection Agency, will send your children activity books free of charge?

While I was writing this, the agency offered five options, with each book catering to a specific grade.

So if your child wants to learn more about the environment and have fun while doing so, be sure to submit your request.  It’s free and no credit card is required.

Summer Reading Programs

Every summer, check out your local Barnes and Noble bookstore as they often offer a free book to your child as long as they meet the guidelines of the program.

In general, the bookstore will ask that your child reads around eight books while keeping a reading journal in doing so.

Once your child completes their reading journal, simply bring it to a nearby store and you will be able to choose from a FREE book on the list.  Check out this PDF to see which books they offered in the past.

Again, this program is generally held during the summer months, usually from May to early September, but if you’re reading this right now during those months, then I highly encourage to check out a nearby store to see if you can take advantage as it is a pretty cool program.

If not, set a reminder on your calendar.

Lola’s Blog Tours

I found Lola’s Blog Tours while searching online and it appeared she would list a few book offerings here and there in which you could sign up for and receive a book copy for free.

In exchange for the free book, you would be asked to leave a review.

The offerings were slim, but it could be a consideration.

Enchanted Book Reviews

Like Lola’s Blog Tours, EnchantedBookPromotions.com worked in a similar way.

You could request a book, and if selected, you would be asked to leave a review in exchange for the free copy.

While the selection was slim, it’s a resource to keep on your radar if you want to check the website periodically.

Fresh Fiction

Fresh Fiction is yet another website which will send you books in exchange for a review.

With more than 250 options when I checked it out while writing this, the genres ranged anywhere from a children’s to non-fiction.

If interested, the company asks that you fill out a reviewer application to see if you qualify.  Not everyone will qualify, however.

Natural Inquirer Coloring Book

The Natural Inquirer offers children in Kindergarten to 2nd grade a FREE 16-page coloring book, which was produced by the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (CFAIA) in partnership with the Forest Service.

While the coloring book is often out of stock due to high demand, I recommend you keep checking or if you’re impatient, consider downloading the PDF version for free.

100% FREE Adult Coloring Book

From ThatDailyDeal, visitors can sign up for a random adult coloring book for free.

The website does note that you do need to provide your credit card, but it will not be charged and/or stored for any reason.  If hesitant, see if you can get a virtual credit card number for your card, which deletes after a month.

Limit one per household and allow up to eight weeks for delivery.



ReaderService.com

While I do not know much about this service, nor did I try it, the main website says they will send you 2 FREE books of your choice and no commitment or obligation is involved.  In fact, they even pay for shipping and handling.

If you’re a fan of inspirational, romance or suspense books, then this may be one to consider, but again, I didn’t try it and can’t talk about it too much.  If you did, let me know in the comments and I can add it here.

Just from the “how it works” section, it says you get to keep the free books no matter what, BUT if you do not cancel, you will receive another set of books, which, if you do not return them, you may be charged.

Again, if this is worth the hassle, then consider it, but make sure you cancel if you do not want to be charged.

Bibles of America

For those looking for a free religious Christian book by mail, Bibles of America will send you a free study bible recovery version when you click the “order for free” button on their website.

This option is 100% free and will require NO credit card number.

They simply ask that you order for yourself only and not on the behalf of others.

Aside from the mailed version, the website also offers a variety of free Christian e-books.

Free Braille Books

Operated by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, the program will mail multiple books throughout the year, which you can view the titles here.

To enroll, the organization simply asks that you fill out the application online or call (410) 659-9315, extension 2287, with any questions.

Christian Pocket Book

666Truth.org, another free religious book-like option, wants to reveal how “Satan is now preparing people all over the world to fall for his most powerful last-day delusion — and to accept the mark of the beast.”

This 32-page book is 100% free, including the shipping.

If interested, fill out the form on the official website.

FREE Book Offer From WAKE UP

While you can read the book online, the organization, Wake Up America Seminars, will send you a free book to your mailbox if you so choose.

This 180-page book, written by Larry Wilson, reveals the outcome of prophecies in the Bible.

Due to high demand, it may take up to six weeks to deliver.

Book of Mormon at Mormon.org

Follow the instructions of the official website to receive a free Book of Mormon.

To learn more about the book, the website has a quick one-minute video explaining it.

Free Bible from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

You can also request a free bible from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by going to this submission form.

The Church does ask that you limit it to one per household.

LEGO Magazine

Not quite a book, but if you have kids in the household, LEGO will send your child a FREE LEGO magazine four times a year.

Best of all, it’s provided courtesy of LEGO and no credit card is required to start your subscription.

This is an awesome choice for anyone who loves LEGO in your household.

Check Your Local Library

Some libraries, such as the LA County Library, offers a “books by mail” program, which is a free service offered to residents, in which they will send you the library books you request straight to your door.  And yes, you can oftentimes get the same exact books you would get if you were visiting the library.

Depending on your library, some may ask you to meet certain restrictions, while others do not have any restrictions at all.

Granted, while this method may not be available at your local library, it doesn’t hurt to ask or even search online.

Usually, searching for “your library city/name + the keyword ‘books by mail'” can yield some results.  If your library has the option, they will have a page as to how to take advantage of the program and what you need to do in order to qualify.

Again, if your library offers this method, postage will be free both ways.

Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation

This program is available for Tennessee residents only, but if you reside there, the state will send you a book once a month, designed for children from birth to age five.

I didn’t dig deep into this program since I do not reside here, but it appears the state works in conjunction with the Dollywood Foundation, as mentioned above, so I’m unsure if the two are the same or different.

Everyone is eligible and is available at NO cost.  Again, you need to live in Tennesse, however, to qualify for this free program.

Almost Free

The following websites “kind of” give you books for free, but often require some sort of exchange, but I wanted to include them if interested.



BookCrossing

BookCrossing claims itself to be the “world’s library” and will let you swap any book with its community — more than 1.5 million people at the time I’m writing this.

To use, label your book, release it into the wild to share and follow it as it goes around the world.

In return, you can connect with close to 1 million members to find new books of interest.

If you have some books to spare and are willing to spend about a dollar in postage, then why not?

BookMooch

With BookMooch, you cannot just apply and get free books, but rather, you will type in the books you want to give away and you will receive requests from others for your books.

Whenever you mail in your books, you can receive points and then ask for other books when you redeem the points you earn.

PaperbackSwap

Like BookMooch, PaperBackSwap members can list books they’d like to swap with other members, and once a book is requested, you mail it to that member.

Yes, you do have to pay shipping to ship it to the recipient, however, the books you request (it can be any book) and receive will have its postage already paid for.

Again, ALMOST free, but it will cost about $1 in shipping.

Whenever you request a book, it’s your to keep or swap again in the future, the choice is yours!

Free Book Sample Websites

In some cases, a free book offer may come up, however, it will only be available for a limited time.

While I would love to update this list constantly, I just do not have the resources to do so, but I highly recommend checking out these freebie websites as they update book offers constantly.

Just remember, some offers go fast, sometimes in as little as 24 hours, so if you really want to get a good freebie, be sure to check out the following websites often:

Are you a book blogger?

If you own a blog and receive some traffic (it doesn’t need to be much), then you may want to check out the following resources as they will send you books in exchange for a review.  In some cases, you may be compensated as well!

Again, you need to own a blog and most of the time, it will require a minimum amount of traffic to be approved.

If interested, check out the following resources I found online:

Final Thoughts

In the future, I plan on writing a guide as to ways on how to get free eBooks online since there are a TON of options.  Much more than this list.

In today’s technological era, most would rather give away the book as a download since, as you can imagine, it’s MUCH cheaper.

For now, all of the resources I mentioned above are 100% free, but in some cases, it may take a few extra steps on your part in order to receive it, such as swapping a book.

While the options may not seem to be the greatest, I only recommend most of these options if you truly have an interest, are willing to enter giveaways daily or simply are open to reading anything.

Honestly, if you truly want free books, you’re going to want to check out your local library as you would be quite surprised at the selection.  In most cases, even if they do not have the book in question, they can often ship it in from another nearby library.  Just ask your librarian on ways to do this.  Again, it’s free, but you will have to drive to your library unless you qualify AND they offer the book mailing service.

Aside from your local library, consider looking for a Little Free Library near you, where you can check out free books as well.  This Little Free Library offers books exchanges, with more than 75,000 locations as of today!

As for my favorite on the list?

Hands down it’s the Dolly Parton method, the main reason I placed it number one on my list.  I think the concept is great and the books are of great quality.

If I’m missing one and/or you think a resource is worth adding here, do let me know about it in the comments as I would love to hear about it.

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Tom Nathaniel

Hi! My name is Tom Nathaniel, and I created LushDollar to help share my honest thoughts on everything money. You won't find gimmicks here. It's the Internet's most honest money site after all. I graduated from Arizona State University, and I have worked in the finance industry since 2006, consulting with multiple Fortune 5000 companies.

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