SimplyE
SimplyE was a free e-reader that let library patrons browse, borrow, and read e-books, but the app retired in August 2025.
What SimplyE is
SimplyE was a free e-reader that let library patrons browse, borrow, and read e-books, but the app retired in August 2025. Patrons could use a library card to access materials from multiple vendors in one place, and the app also supported instant card sign-up. Reading options included adjustable fonts, font sizes, and background colors, plus OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility. Audiobooks were available for titles provided by Findaway and OverDrive. Listed providers included OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital. E-books could use Adobe DRM, while audiobooks used Findaway or OverDrive rights management. SimplyE connected to a library’s existing card web application. Its listed platforms were Android, iOS, and web. The FAQ says it did not render Kindle AZW files or Adobe-encrypted PDFs and did not work on e-ink devices. The SimplyE page says the app did not track patron data; the platform page describes collection of aggregated trend and usage data through Google Analytics. Eligible partners included qualifying public libraries, government entities, and tax-exempt organizations providing public library services.
Good
- Free for library patrons
- Accessed materials from multiple vendors in one place
- Included OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility
Watch out
- App retired in August 2025
- Did not support Kindle AZW files
- Did not work on e-ink devices
Who it suits
When it was available, SimplyE suited patrons borrowing digital books through participating libraries. Its retirement in August 2025 means it is no longer an active app option.
Verdict
SimplyE offered unified library borrowing with reading accessibility options and support for some audiobooks. Its retirement in August 2025 is the key limitation for anyone considering it now.
Plans and prices
From SimplyE's own pricing page, checked 10 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| SimplyE | Free | The app retired in August 2025 · Free for patrons |
The facts
Each one read from SimplyE's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Accessibility
- The Library Simplified platform describes its technology as using interoperable and accessible standards.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Audiobooks
- Audiobook functionality was available for Findaway- and OverDrive-provided audiobooks.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Digital rights
- The app supported Adobe DRM for e-books and Findaway and OverDrive rights management for audiobooks.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Listed providers include OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital.checked 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.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Library eligibility
- The FAQ says eligible partners include qualifying public libraries, government entities, and tax-exempt organizations providing public library services.checked 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.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Open source
- Library Simplified says it is built on open-source principles and provides application source code for organizational customization.checked 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.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Reading options
- Readers could adjust font, font size, and background color, and the app included OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Retirement
- The SimplyE app retired in August 2025.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- Library Simplified service providers offer setup and onboarding, plus low-cost front-line support for libraries.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Unified access
- Patrons could log in once with a library card to access library materials across vendors in one place.checked 10 Oct 2026
- What it does
- SimplyE was a free e-reader for library patrons to browse, borrow, and read library e-books.checked 10 Oct 2026
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