How To: Read Classic Literature on Project Gutenberg

At the Library, we love that you are able to enjoy a wide variety of free, available materials. Project Gutenberg, opens a new window is yet another way for you to get your reading fix.

400 new items every month

Project Gutenberg is a free, volunteer-run website that provides access to more than 50,000 digitized books, plays, and anthologies in the public domain. They provide titles in a variety of languages, and average 400 new items every month.

The public domain of reading

Works in the public domain are ones that are no longer copyrighted, either because the author chose not to copyright the work or because the copyright ran out; in Canada, this is usually 50 years after the author’s death. Popular titles on Project Gutenberg include Pride and Prejudice, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, and Anne of Green Gables (one of our personal favourites).

No sign-up required

There is no cost to borrow a book from Project Gutenberg, and there is no sign up required—you don’t even need a Library card! You can read on your computer, tablet, or e-reader, and there is no waitlist or return date.

Perfect for fans of classic literature, students with a school assignment, or people looking to broaden their reading horizons; we are sure that you will find something to keep you reading late into the night on Project Gutenberg.