National Book Month: get free ebooks and audiobooks with Libby

October is National Book Month, and one of the easiest ways to take part costs nothing. If you have a public library card, you can borrow ebooks, digital audiobooks and magazines on your phone through the Libby app.

Libby is run by OverDrive and works with public libraries. According to Libby's help pages, the app is free, with no subscription, no in-app purchases and no overdue fines. Borrowed titles return automatically on their due dates, so there is nothing to forget. You can read or listen online, or download titles for offline use, which is handy for flights and commutes.

What you can borrow depends on your library. Each library chooses its digital collection and sets its own loan periods and borrowing limits. Popular new releases often have holds lists, so it helps to place a hold and keep a few already-available titles in your queue for the wait.

If you do not have a card yet, some libraries let you sign up online. Check your city or county library's website for the requirements.

Audiobooks are a good fit for chores, walks and drives, and many people find they finish more books that way.

Today's small step: download Libby, add your library card, and place a hold on one book you have been meaning to read.