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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
Download the app
© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
3 min read
Written by
Purpl
Published on
May 20, 2025
Let’s be real… books are expensive. Audiobooks? Same. But if you’re disabled or chronically ill, reading or listening to books can be a lifeline. Something to break up long days in bed. A way to escape during hospital appointments. Or just a way to rest your eyes and let someone else do the storytelling.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to spend a penny to get access to thousands of free Kindle books and audiobooks in the UK. If you’re neurodivergent, blind, low vision, energy-limited, or just trying to save money, there are tons of accessible, free options out there. Here’s where to start.
🔗 https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby
Libby is a free app that connects to your local library and gives you instant access to thousands of audiobooks and eBooks. All you need is a library card (more on that below).
Why it’s great for disabled people:
How to use it:
Bonus tip: In the UK, Libby doesn’t sync with Kindle e-readers, but you can still read books via the Kindle app or straight in Libby itself.
Some UK libraries use BorrowBox instead of (or as well as) Libby. It works the same way: free eBooks and audiobooks, delivered through your local library account.
What makes it brilliant:
Check if your local library supports BorrowBox – you might even be able to use both apps.
Love the classics? Loyal Books has thousands of free audiobooks and eBooks from the public domain. Think Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes, fairy tales, and philosophy, all completely free.
Best for:
Every book comes in multiple formats, including MP3s and text files. No logins required.
LibriVox offers free audiobooks read by real people, all taken from the public domain. The narration varies depending on the volunteer, but it’s a brilliant free resource, especially if you’re looking for classics or obscure old gems.
Why it’s fab:
Great if you love falling asleep to audiobooks or listening while you rest.
If you already use Spotify for music or podcasts, you might not know there’s a whole section of free audiobooks on there. Search for:
You can use the free version of Spotify if you don’t mind the occasional ad.
🔗 https://www.openculture.com/freeaudiobooks
Open Culture is like a book lovers treasure chest. It pulls together hundreds of free audiobooks, mostly educational or classic, and links you directly to them. Great for anyone studying or wanting to learn something new without spending cash.
It’s not just cat videos and chaos – YouTube is full of full-length audiobooks, often with relaxing visuals or subtitles. Search for:
Great for those who want visuals or subtitles alongside narration.
If you’ve got children, siblings, or little ones you care for, Storynory is a lovely site full of free audio stories for kids – from myths and legends to fairy tales and original fiction. Ideal for bedtime, car journeys, or winding down.
If you’re disabled, neurodivergent, or chronically ill, reading should be easy, not expensive. These tools are all free, legal, and simple to use, whether you need audiobooks to pace your energy or want adjustable text for easier reading.
Save your energy and your wallet – your next read is already waiting for you…
Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.