Download a book in a few steps
- Find a book in the library and open its cover.
- On the details page, open Download. Some editions show a direct Download PDF button instead.
- Select an available format and let the download finish. Large illustrated files can take longer than text-only books.
- Open your browser's downloads list or your device's download folder to find the file.
You do not need a Public Pages account to use the public download links. The available formats vary by edition; a book with only a PDF link does not have an EPUB download on that page.
Which format should you choose?
| Format | Useful when | Before opening |
|---|---|---|
| EPUB | You want a book format that usually lets a reading app adjust text size and layout. | Use an app or device that supports EPUB. An illustrated EPUB can still contain images and diagrams. |
| You want a page-based layout, especially for an illustrated book, manual, or scan. | A PDF viewer may already be available on your device. On a small screen, you may need to zoom or pan. | |
| Other listed formats | Your reading app or device specifically supports a format offered by an older library entry. | Check your app's supported formats before downloading. Choose only from the links shown for that edition. |
If you mainly want to adjust the text on a phone, try EPUB when it is available. If seeing the original page design matters most, start with PDF or the website's original-page view.
Find and open the saved file
Use the filename shown in your browser's downloads list to locate the book. On a phone or tablet, the file may appear in your device's file manager; on a computer, it will usually be in the folder your browser uses for downloads.
Open the file with a compatible app. If tapping an EPUB does not open it, use the reading app's import or open-file option. If a browser displays a PDF instead of saving it immediately, use that viewer's download control to keep a copy.
Public Pages reading progress and notes belong to the website. A separate reading app manages its own place and annotations, so keep using the same app when you want to continue the downloaded copy.
Prepare for reading away from an internet connection
Download the file before you leave, then open it in your chosen app to check that it is complete. Make sure the file itself is stored on the device you will take with you.
A downloaded book file is separate from the Public Pages website. Saving a website link or adding a book to My library does not, by itself, download the book for offline reading.
If a download does not work
Check whether your browser is still downloading the file, whether the connection is working, and whether there is room on your device. If the file is incomplete, retry from the book's details page.
If the file downloaded but will not open, confirm that the selected app supports its format. You can also try Read this book to use the online reader while you choose an app for the downloaded copy.