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SimplyE
What it is
SimplyE was a free e-reader for library patrons to browse, borrow, and read e-books. It brought collections from providers such as OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital into one place, using a single library-card login. Patrons could also sign up for a card through the app where supported. The app offered audiobooks from Findaway and OverDrive, with Adobe DRM for e-books and provider rights management for audiobooks. Readers could change fonts, text size, and background color; accessibility features included OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility. SimplyE connected to a library’s existing card web application and was listed for Android, iOS, and web. The app retired in August 2025. It did not support Kindle AZW files, Adobe-encrypted PDFs, or e-ink devices. Its page says it did not track patron data, while the platform page describes aggregated trend and usage data through Google Analytics.
For and against
For
- Free e-reader for library patrons
- One library-card login for multiple providers
- Offers font, size, and background adjustments
- Supports OpenDyslexic and screen readers
Against
- App retired in August 2025
- Does not support Kindle AZW files
- Does not work on e-ink devices
The verdict
SimplyE combined borrowing from multiple library providers with adjustable reading and accessibility options. Its retirement in August 2025 is the key limitation for anyone considering it now.
Who it suits
SimplyE suited library patrons who wanted to borrow e-books and supported audiobooks across participating providers. It is retired, so it is not a current option for new use.
Plans and prices
SimplyE
The app retired in August 2025
Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
On the record
- Accessibility
- The Library Simplified platform describes its technology as using interoperable and accessible standards.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Audiobooks
- Audiobook functionality was available for Findaway- and OverDrive-provided audiobooks.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Digital rights
- The app supported Adobe DRM for e-books and Findaway and OverDrive rights management for audiobooks.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Listed providers include OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Library card
- The app connected to a library’s existing card web application and supported instant card sign-up through the app.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Library eligibility
- The FAQ says eligible partners include qualifying public libraries, government entities, and tax-exempt organizations providing public library services.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Limits
- The FAQ says SimplyE did not render Kindle AZW files or Adobe-encrypted PDFs and did not work on e-ink devices.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Library Simplified says it is built on open-source principles and provides application source code for organizational customization.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The SimplyE page says the app does not track patrons’ data; the platform page says it captures only aggregated trend and usage data through Google Analytics.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Reading options
- Readers could adjust font, font size, and background color, and the app included OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Retirement
- The SimplyE app retired in August 2025.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- Library Simplified service providers offer setup and onboarding, plus low-cost front-line support for libraries.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- Unified access
- Patrons could log in once with a library card to access library materials across vendors in one place.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
- What it does
- SimplyE was a free e-reader for library patrons to browse, borrow, and read library e-books.librarysimplified.org · read 10 Oct 2026
