Libby

Libby is one of the best apps on iPhone that you’ll regret not downloading sooner. If your local library supports it, Libby turns a library card into a free pipeline of ebooks and audiobooks. That means your boring moments can turn into actual reading time without buying anything.

What makes Libby a great doomscroll replacement is how easy it is to jump in and out. You can read a few pages while waiting somewhere, then pick up later without losing your place. The app handles bookmarks, so it will remember where you left off. Additionally, it holds and borrows in a way that feels surprisingly modern for something tied to a library system.

Audiobooks are also a major reason Libby works so well. If you’re tired, stressed, or just not in the mood to stare at text, you can switch to listening and still feel like you’re doing something restorative instead of just consuming whatever the algorithm serves you.

Granted, it’s not perfect. Since it’s really just a digital version of your local library, if a book you want to read isn’t available, you’ll need to wait until someone returns it. Speaking of which, you’ll need to “return” the book you’re reading after a while, so you’ll have to be quick if you want to read everything before your time ends.

Still, that’s a small price to pay to get the chance to read both classic and new books for free.