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SimplyE

SimplyE

The Library E-Reader

8.5K ratings
127 reviews
🎬 Entertainment
📚 Books

Archived App (Last seen on 17 Aug 2025)

This is an archived listing of the app previously available on the App Store.

Although the app is no longer distributed by Apple, you can still view its description, screenshots, version history, ratings, and metadata for reference.

Details

Released
June 13, 2016
Updated
July 2, 2025

Developer

The New York Public Library
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About

Access your library's e-book collection directly on your mobile device. Borrow and read titles without needing separate apps. Public domain classics are available immediately, even without a library card.

✓Browse and borrow library e-books
✓Read on mobile devices
✓No need for multiple apps
✓Access public domain classics
✓Easy account setup
Show original description

What users say about SimplyE

Reviews of SimplyE are mixed: the Books app is rated 4.6/5 from 8.5K App Store ratings. What users like most: great selection of books, convenient access to library books. Top complaints: glitchy downloads and playback, issues with returning/removing books. Summarized from real user reviews.

Positive things

  • 🚀Great selection of books
  • 🚀Convenient access to library books
  • 👍Ability to reserve books
  • 👍Customizable reading experience
  • 👍Supports multiple libraries

Negative things

  • 🐛Glitchy downloads and playback
  • 🐛Issues with returning/removing books
  • 🐛Inconsistent bookmarking and navigation
  • 🐛Unreliable notifications
  • 🐛Crashes and stability problems
See all reviews

What's New in SimplyE

3.9.7

July 2, 2025

The SimplyE app will be discontinued in August 2025. For more information & alternatives for accessing e-books from The New York Public Library, visit: nypl.org/ebookhelp

More

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

Reading

Im going to miss this app so much. You usually have most books I want to read. Easy to manage. Don’t go please.
CMcoupon for meds

My Favorite Reading App

I am sad that NYPL will no longer be using SimplyE. I love this app and much prefer it to the Libby app which I will have to use now. Thanks for all the great reads, SimplyE.
KKatydid3210

So sad they’re retiring this app!

I have so enjoyed using this app for many years!
GGlimmerthirsty

Unable to borrow or reserve books

Unsatisfied
U1Unfortunately 123

Love the app

I love listening to audiobooks on the app from my New York Public Library account. The quality of the audio is amazing and the selection is fantastic.
NNicoleKB3
See 122 more reviews

Developer apps

Open eBooks
Open eBooks

by The New York Public Library

📚 Books

(30)

Free
New York Public Library (NYPL)
New York Public Library (NYPL)

by The New York Public Library

📚 Books

(83)

Free
See developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

4 issues

Books disappearing from reserved list

Bug

Inability to download or return books

Bug

Incorrect book page counts

Bug

Inconsistent behavior when switching apps

Bug
✨

Requested Features

5 requests

Wishlist or saved books feature

Feature

Reading history and progress tracking

Feature

Better search and filtering options

Feature

Annotations, highlights, and note-taking

Feature

Kindle/ereader integration

Feature

FAQ

What does the SimplyE app do?

SimplyE allows you to browse, borrow, and read e-books from your library's collection directly on your mobile device. It consolidates access to various e-books, eliminating the need to download multiple applications for different titles.

How do I set up my account?

Setting up your account is a simple three-step process. First, open the SimplyE app. Then, locate your local library. Finally, enter your library card ID to begin searching, borrowing, and reading.

Can I read books without a library card?

Yes, you can. Thousands of public domain classics are available to read as soon as you download the app, even if you do not have a library card. This provides immediate access to a wide range of timeless literature.

Is SimplyE compatible with my device?

The description does not specify exact compatibility details. However, it is designed for mobile devices, suggesting compatibility with common smartphone and tablet operating systems. It's recommended to check your device's app store for specific requirements.

What is the cost of using SimplyE?

The SimplyE app is free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned. Access to library e-books is dependent on your library's subscription to the SimplyE service.