# ARC Bookshelf vs Reading Public Library App

The clearest difference is rating: Reading Public Library App at 4.2 against ARC Bookshelf's 3.6. Reading Public Library App also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 34%). ARC Bookshelf's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (38 vs 10). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Reading Public Library App holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of ARC Bookshelf's written reviews are positive against 67% of Reading Public Library App's.

ARC Bookshelf ships an update every 2 months, Reading Public Library App every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ARC Bookshelf | Reading Public Library App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arc-bookshelf/id537997638/reviews) | **[4.2 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-public-library-app/id6593658997/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 34.0% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 30 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [American Reading Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/537997641) | [Reading Public Library](https://appshunter.io/developer/1760214737) |

## What reviewers say

### ARC Bookshelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arc-bookshelf/id537997638)

This eReader app provides access to award-winning books designed for young learners. It supports children in Kindergarten and first grade as they develop reading confidence and independence through teacher-vetted content.

**Highlights:** Access to American Reading at Home books, Designed for Kindergarten and first-grade levels, Gradual removal of reading support, Builds reading confidence, Independent learning

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for early readers
- 👍 Helps with reading skills
- 👍 Engaging for children
- 👍 Realistic page turning effect
- 👍 Useful for sight words

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Login issues frequent
- 🐛 Server always down
- 🐛 Crashing after first use
- 🐛 App crashes on iPhone 5S
- 🐛 Crashing after first use

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot make an account
- Keeps asking to log in
- Page stuck in two-page model
- Books do not load
- App closes and goes home

**Requested features**

- Add more books
- Add more reading levels
- Add option to zoom
- Add themes
- Add bookmarks


### Reading Public Library App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-public-library-app/id6593658997)

Access your local library's digital collection, search the catalog, and manage your account. Store your digital library card, browse events, and find library locations and hours.

**Highlights:** Search library catalog, Access digital collection, Manage multiple accounts, Store digital library card, Browse events calendar, Find locations and hours

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ARC Bookshelf free?

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

### Is Reading Public Library App free?

Reading Public Library App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ARC Bookshelf or Reading Public Library App?

Reading Public Library App is rated higher. ARC Bookshelf averages 3.6 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while Reading Public Library App averages 4.2 from 10 ratings.

### Do ARC Bookshelf or Reading Public Library App have ads?

Neither ARC Bookshelf nor Reading Public Library App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ARC Bookshelf or Reading Public Library App?

ARC Bookshelf ships an update every 2 months, and Reading Public Library App every 5 months. Most recently, ARC Bookshelf was updated on October 23, 2026 and Reading Public Library App on October 3, 2026.

---

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