The Palace Project

The Palace Project

by LYRASIS, Inc.

4K ratings
257 reviews
#61 in free Book
🔍 Reference
📚 Books
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • August 7, 2021
  • July 15, 2026

Features

The Palace Project screenshot #1 for iPhone
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The Palace Project screenshot #5 for iPhone
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About

Access and enjoy e-books and audiobooks from your local library for free. Discover new titles, borrow them instantly with your library card, and read or listen anywhere. Even without a participating library, enjoy a collection of free books.

Borrow e-books and audiobooks
Access local library collections
Read or listen to books
Free Palace Bookshelf collection
Requires library card for full access
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What users say

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+1

What's New in The Palace Project

3.2.0

July 15, 2026

• Redesigned audiobook playback speed controls with a new slider and presets • Book details now show series information — tap to find other titles in the series • Redesigned account switching for patrons using multiple libraries • Faster library list loading • Accessibility improvements to search and sign-in

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Charts

Top Free

📉 61-2

Book

This app dropped -2 positions in Book chart.

Last updated on July 19, 2026.

User reviews

Really frustrating

The app has a good selection, but is incredibly glitchy and frustrating!

Problems include:
*New iPhone draining at roughly 2% every few minutes
*Causes my phone to overheat. It’s so hot you can hardly handle it
*app crashes and just stops while NOT saving current place.
*reverts to last chapter after current chapter ends.
*randomly skips to another part.

Really frustrating issues and use only as last resort for books. Super sad this has so many problems.
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Covenant of water

Very good I’ll be sorry when it’s done

So glitchy

It gets 2 stars for book selection but I have so much trouble actually getting books to play (audiobooks). At least half (no hyperbole, literally half) of the time it just freezes up. When I check out a new book it has what can only be described as a panic attack and just doesn’t work. I thought it was because I had an old phone, but she was put out to pasture and I’m coming at you from a iPhone 17, brand new, and it still is just baaaaaaarely functional. It’s currently having a mental breakdown about playing a new book and I’m so annoyed I came to write a review. I’m going to keep using it despite my rage because the selection is good and way less wait time than Libby, and it’s free so how much can I really expect but just know there is hate in my heart when I press that icon.
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Cool but Frustrating

I like having access to more books from my library but some things frustrate me. When reading ebooks, moving to the next page frequently jumps me to middle of the book not the next page. I’ve updated the app and restarted my phone to no avail. Also, I would like to add books to lists like Libby. I see books I want to read later but can’t tag them so I remember.
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Audiobooks skip around

No luck with audiobooks. Restarts chapters, skips around, keeps playing when paused, app doesn’t update and stays in the same spot even when the audio continues so you can’t pause in the right spot. Thought it was just me, but friend is having the same problem.

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

4 issues

Books not downloading properly

Bug

Losing place in audiobooks

Bug

Crashing and freezing issues

Bug

Incompatibility with certain devices

Bug

Requested Features

4 requests

Ability to track read/listened books

Feature

Improved audiobook playback controls

Feature

Dark mode option

Feature

Integration with Kindle

Feature

FAQ

What is The Palace Project app?

The Palace Project is a free e-reader and audiobook app that allows users to discover, borrow, and read or listen to books from their local library's digital collection. It provides convenient access to a wide range of titles, including children's books, classics, and foreign language books.

How do I use The Palace Project app?

To use the app, you typically need a library card from a participating library to access its full collection. Once signed up, you can browse, check out, and read or listen to books directly within the app. Even without a participating library, you can access a selection of free books from the Palace Bookshelf.

Is The Palace Project app free to use?

Yes, The Palace Project app is completely free to download and use. It is a non-profit initiative built and maintained by Lyrasis in partnership with the Digital Public Library of America, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements.

What kind of books can I find on The Palace Project?

The app offers access to a diverse range of books from your local library, including e-books and audiobooks. You can find popular fiction and non-fiction, children's literature, classics, and foreign language books. Additionally, the free Palace Bookshelf provides over 10,000 titles for immediate access.

What devices is The Palace Project app compatible with?

The provided description does not specify exact device compatibility. However, as a mobile application, it is generally designed to run on smartphones and tablets that support its operating system, typically iOS and Android. Users can check their respective app stores for specific compatibility information.