Most public libraries offer a free e-book borrowing service. It's available to everyone of course, but this service can be especially valuable to seniors who are home bound and those with visual handicaps.
There are two services available for libraries to offer -- Bibliotheca and Overdrive. Usually libraries pick one or the other. Bibliotheca's service is called cloudLibrary; the Overdrive service goes by the name Libby. CloudLibrary and Overdrive offer different plans to libraries. Under some plans the libraries purchase the e-books while other plans are based on a pay-as-you-use model.
Libraries set their own policies for borrowing e-books through cloudLibrary and OverDrive. My library lets you check out 6 at a time, place holds on 6 at a time, and keep e-books for 21 days. Your library could have different policies.
To use these services, you download the free apps from your library's website (or an app store) to your computer, tablet, smartphone, or other device. During setup you enter your library's information and your library card number. It's pretty easy although some seniors might need help if they haven't used computers much.
Once you're signed up, you can find out what e-books are available from your library by searching the app. If you're looking for a particular book, you can search by author and title. Or you can browse the library's holdings in your favorite genre.
I've found that reading books on an electronic device is an acquired taste. I can do it, but still prefer to read traditional books printed on paper. But that's just me.
Another Reading Opportunity: Learn about LibriVox audiobooks for senior listening.
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