# OpenLibrary Browser

> Mobile client for OpenLibrary website to search and download public domain books. (iPhone/iPad app by Robert Wakefield.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openlibrary-browser/id1140641758 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Robert Wakefield](https://appshunter.io/developer/1140641757)
- Category: Books, Reference
- Price: Free
- Rating: 1.40/5 from 39 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 13 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-10-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-09
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openlibrary-browser/id1140641758/reviews.md

## What is OpenLibrary Browser?

A mobile client for the OpenLibrary website. Users can search and browse for books, and download available public domain works.

## Key features

- Search book catalog
- Browse book collections
- Download public domain works
- Mobile client for OpenLibrary

## Recent user reviews (10 of 12)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openlibrary-browser/id1140641758/reviews.md

### 1/5 — One Word Describes This App

*2022-08-27*

*** WORTHLESS ***

### 1/5 — Can’t open my book!

*2022-04-23*

I get a perpetual, “loading viewer,” that just stays there. Since the site is crud in my phone’s two browsers, I guess I’m stuck having to read my books exclusively on my laptop. What a disappointment!

### 1/5 — Worst Version Of The OpenLibary Browser I Ever Used

*2021-07-23*

The reason I’m giving this review is because this app is unusable. All you can do is look at a poor quality of the book covers. When you try reading a book it says there are no ebook available. The best version of the app is on the Google Play Store.

### 1/5 — Not worth the download

*2020-09-07*

It doesn’t tie into your open library account so why use something that is useless

### 2/5 — What is the point of this

*2020-04-18*

I downloaded this because I assumed it would be faster to use than going to a browser, but I can’t access actual books it only gives information. I don’t see why this would be necessary

### 1/5 — The most pointless app to ever exist

*2020-04-06*

Do not waste your time with this app. If you expect to be able to either, log in to your open library account, view or download books, or do anything other than use a search bar to see a low quality image of a books cover, then do not download this app. 

Absolutely no redeeming qualities about this app at all. It is a waste of time and space. If there is a God I ask that he strikes this app from existence and removes it from my memory. I will have nightmares about this application for the rest of my days.

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work

*2020-04-02*

There still doesn’t seem to be way to login.  I’m sure this would be great if it worked.

Trying this on iOS with no success.

### 1/5 — Don’t bother

*2020-03-28*

App doesn’t work. Can search, but can’t access, check out or read books, can’t create or log into existing account. Just use the website.

### 2/5 — I don’t really get the point...?

*2020-02-03*

I thought this was a browser to access my Open Library account. There are multiple-multiple ways to access the public domain so this is a really unnecessary app. Hope you can set one up for actual Open Library users because I would be all over that.

### 1/5 — Basically Doesn’t Work

*2019-09-12*

I downloaded this app so I could read a textbook that I can’t find anywhere else. Being a full time college student I really need to be able to access the book whenever and wherever. But since I can’t log in I have no access to it. I can’t even check if I’ve gotten the book. Furthermore I can’t add any other books to my account. These are all the things that the app should do and since it doesn’t this app is pointless. If I could give this zero stars I would.

**Developer response:** I’m sorry to hear that OpenLibrary Browser doesn’t meet your needs.

I have been able to download free access books. I have been able to sign in through a web form when downloading a book that requires checkout. Could you please explain what you want to do that’s different from that?

## Frequently asked questions about OpenLibrary Browser

### What is OpenLibrary Browser?

OpenLibrary Browser is a mobile application that serves as a client for the OpenLibrary website. It allows users to search for books, browse collections, and download public domain works directly from their mobile devices.

### Is OpenLibrary Browser free to use?

Yes, OpenLibrary Browser is completely free to download and use. It does not require any payment or subscription to access its features.

### What kind of books can I find on OpenLibrary Browser?

You can search for a wide variety of books, with a particular focus on public domain works that are available for free download through the OpenLibrary catalog.

### On which devices can I use OpenLibrary Browser?

OpenLibrary Browser is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible to a broad range of Apple users.

### How often is OpenLibrary Browser updated?

The latest version of OpenLibrary Browser is 1.21, which was last updated on September 28, 2020. Future updates will depend on the developer's release schedule.

### What is the age rating for OpenLibrary Browser?

OpenLibrary Browser has an age rating of 4+, indicating it is suitable for users of all ages.

### What do users think of OpenLibrary Browser?

User feedback for OpenLibrary Browser is mixed, with an average rating of 1.4 stars from 39 ratings. This suggests that while some users find it useful, there may be areas for improvement.

### Does OpenLibrary Browser have ads?

No, OpenLibrary Browser does not contain advertisements. As it is a free application without in-app purchases or ads, users can enjoy an uninterrupted experience.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.21 — 2020-09-28

Fixed a bug that made it crash on startup in iOS 14.
Improved support for Dark Mode.

### 1.12 — 2019-05-25

Corrected bug that made it impossible to close the acknowledgements view.
Other bug fixes.

### 1.11 — 2019-02-27

Improved animations.

### 1.10 — 2019-02-15

Screens adapted for iPhone X
Bug fixes.

### 1.03 — 2017-03-29

Now takes advantage of the master-detail interface possibilities on the iPad. 
Various bug fixes. 
Danke für den Fehlerbericht! Bitte verzeih mir! Vielleicht 1.03 wird besser sein.

## Apps similar to OpenLibrary Browser

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Open Library Reader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-library-reader/id1573989409) | 3.0 (49) | Free | Books |
| [Gutenberg \| eBook Reader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gutenberg-ebook-reader/id1289618861) | 4.5 (701) | Free | Books |
| [Gutenberg Reader + Many Books](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gutenberg-reader-plus-many-books/id1294103623) | 3.6 (115) | Free | Books |
| [BestSellers for Book Store](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bestsellers-for-book-store/id978933645) | 4.8 (4) | Free | Books |
| [eBook Search - download books](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ebook-search-download-books/id416454511) | 4.5 (3,450) | Free | Books |
| [Gutenberg Project](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gutenberg-project/id672017144) | 3.3 (43) | Free | Books |

## Related topics

[open library](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/open-library) · [beowulf](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/beowulf)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-09.*
