The short version: OpenStax, the Open Textbook Library, LibreTexts, OER Commons, Project Gutenberg and Open Library are where to get free textbooks legally in 2026. The first four publish openly licensed textbooks you can download and keep, Gutenberg only carries books that are public domain in the United States, and Open Library lends books for a limited time rather than giving them to you.
If you're a student, a parent or a lifelong learner, the textbook bill is one of the most frustrating parts of studying. The good news is that free, legal textbooks are no longer a niche. Some are written to the same standard as traditional publishers, and some are used by entire university courses. The trick is knowing which library fits which kind of book.
Six legal textbook libraries
In no particular order:
- OpenStax: best for peer-reviewed college textbooks in core subjects.
- Open Textbook Library: best for a large catalogue of openly licensed university textbooks.
- LibreTexts: best for subject libraries you can remix chapter by chapter.
- OER Commons: best for teachers looking for open educational resources beyond textbooks.
- Project Gutenberg: best for classic literature and older non-fiction.
- Open Library: best for borrowing digitised books for a set period.
Textbook libraries side by side
| Source | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| OpenStax | College core subjects | Free, peer-reviewed textbooks |
| Open Textbook Library | University textbooks | Open licences to download, edit and share |
| LibreTexts | Remixable chapters | Textbooks across subject libraries |
| OER Commons | Teaching materials | Open educational resources |
| Project Gutenberg | Classics | Free eBooks that are public domain in the US |
| Open Library | Borrowing | Borrowing, not downloads to keep |
Catalogues and lending rules change, so check the library's own page before you plan a term around it.
OpenStax, Open Textbook Library, LibreTexts and Gutenberg
OpenStax describes itself as a nonprofit education initiative of Rice University that publishes free, peer-reviewed textbooks built to the same standard as any traditional publisher. That's the one to check first for subjects like maths, science and social sciences, because many lecturers already assign it.
The Open Textbook Library, run from the University of Minnesota, says it's now offering 1903 open textbooks, and that open textbooks are licensed by authors and publishers to be freely used and adapted. You can download, edit and distribute them free. LibreTexts says it has over 2000 textbooks across 17 subject field libraries, and you can remix chapters from different textbooks into one.
Project Gutenberg is different. Its FAQ says it publishes only books that are in the public domain in the United States, which is why you won't find current bestsellers or authors like Stephen King there. If you're studying literature, it's brilliant. If you need this year's economics textbook, it isn't the place.
Open Library lends, it doesn't give
Open Library lends rather than gives. Its borrowing FAQ says you can borrow ten books at a time, each book is yours for one hour for browsing or 14 days if the book is fully borrowable, and when that time ends the book is disabled on your device. If a book is checked out, you can join a waiting list, and when it comes back you get an email and 24 hours to borrow it before it moves to the next person. Plan around that before exam week, not during it.
The other catch is your course. Free textbooks are only useful if they cover what you'll be assessed on. Check the contents against your syllabus, and if your lecturer hasn't mentioned an open textbook, ask. Many are happy to point you to one.
What an open licence means for students
Open textbooks aren't just free to read. Because authors and publishers license them to be used and adapted, you can usually download a copy to keep, print the chapters you need, and share the file with classmates. Teachers can go further and adapt them: LibreTexts lets educators remix chapters from different textbooks into one, which is why some courses run on a custom book nobody else has. The licence is printed in the front of each book, so it takes a few seconds to check what's allowed.
OER Commons describes open educational resources as being about participation and co-creation, not only free access. In practice, that means if you spot an error or a gap, many of these projects welcome corrections and contributions. Students rarely realise they can help improve the book they're studying from.
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Finding a textbook that matches your syllabus
- Write down the subject, level and any topics your syllabus lists.
- Search OpenStax first, then the Open Textbook Library and LibreTexts.
- Compare the contents page with your syllabus before you commit.
- Download a copy so you can study offline.
- For classics, use Project Gutenberg. For anything still in copyright, try borrowing from Open Library.
- Ask your lecturer or school library about open options for your course.
Ebooks, audiobooks and revision help
For reading beyond textbooks, see my list of free ebook sites and free audiobooks. And when it's revision time, my ChatGPT prompts for exam revision help turn a free textbook into a study plan.
My advice: check the open libraries before you order anything. Nine times out of ten, a free, legal option exists for the core subjects, and the time you save hunting can go into the studying itself.
Run a free textbook library that belongs on this list? See how to get it featured.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get free textbooks legally?
OpenStax, the Open Textbook Library, LibreTexts and OER Commons publish openly licensed textbooks. Project Gutenberg has public domain books, and Open Library lends digitised books.
Is OpenStax really free?
Yes. OpenStax, a nonprofit education initiative of Rice University, publishes free, peer-reviewed textbooks.
How long can I borrow a book from Open Library?
Open Library says you can keep a book for one hour for browsing or 14 days if the book is fully borrowable, and you can borrow ten books at a time.
Why isn't my textbook on Project Gutenberg?
Project Gutenberg only publishes books that are in the public domain in the United States, so recent textbooks and current bestsellers aren't there.
Can I print a free textbook?
Usually yes. Openly licensed textbooks are licensed to be freely used and adapted, so you can download a copy and print the chapters you need. Check the licence in the front of the book.
Can I edit an open textbook?
The Open Textbook Library says open textbooks are licensed to be freely used and adapted, and you can download, edit and distribute them.
