What it does
LibriVox volunteers record public-domain texts and release the recordings free of charge. The catalogue includes many older works.
Listen to a sample when choosing between recordings, since volunteer voices and editions differ. LibriVox also warns that older texts can contain outdated or offensive language. The project uses US public-domain status for its texts and recordings; its copyright guidance asks readers elsewhere to check their own country before downloading.
A translated edition needs its own rights check: the project treats the translation as a separate work rather than inheriting the original text’s publication date.
Strengths
- No-charge volunteer recordings
Watch out for
- US public-domain status does not establish the same rights elsewhere
Best for
- Listening to older public-domain literature
Sources
- About LibriVox | LibriVox (Oct 26, 2026)
- Public Domain | LibriVox (Oct 26, 2026)