# CloudLibrary vs Build A Reader

The clearest difference is update cadence: CloudLibrary at every 6 weeks against Build A Reader's every 14 months. CloudLibrary also leads on chart position (#41 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

CloudLibrary ships an update every 6 weeks, Build A Reader every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CloudLibrary | Build A Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (253K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloudlibrary/id466446054/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **253K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 56.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 14 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | **#41** | — |
| Size | 161 MB | 204 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OCLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/438286724) | [Tulsa City-County Library](https://appshunter.io/developer/456403254) |

## What reviewers say

### CloudLibrary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloudlibrary/id466446054)

**Currently charting:** #41 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

Manage your library account and discover new content. Borrow physical items, access eBooks and audiobooks, and receive helpful reminders. Personalize your reading experience and stay organized with this intuitive library companion.

**Highlights:** Borrow physical and digital items, Access eBooks and Audiobooks, Manage multiple library accounts, Receive due-date reminders, Discover library events, Personalize reading experience

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🚀 Convenient access to library books
- 🚀 Wide selection of books
- 👍 Great resource during the pandemic
- 👍 Ability to read/listen on multiple devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Unreliable page/progress tracking
- 🐛 Inconsistent user experience
- 🐛 Slow performance and loading times
- 🐛 Confusing navigation and interface

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to open/download books
- Losing place in books when reopening app
- Random page skipping and jumps
- Corrupted library data and lost reading history
- Frequent login issues and errors

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved search and browsing functionality
- Better integration with other reading apps (e.g. Kindle)
- Progress tracking and bookmarking improvements
- Option to extend loan periods


### Build A Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-reader/id1601749442)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CloudLibrary free?

CloudLibrary is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Build A Reader free?

Build A Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do CloudLibrary or Build A Reader have ads?

Neither CloudLibrary nor Build A Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CloudLibrary or Build A Reader?

CloudLibrary ships an update every 6 weeks, and Build A Reader every 14 months. Most recently, CloudLibrary was updated on September 27, 2026 and Build A Reader on September 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*