What PressReader is and who pays for it

PressReader is a digital library of newspapers, magazines, and journals from around the world. You read them on a phone, tablet, or computer instead of in print. The subscription is not something you buy directly — instead, your public library, school, or employer provides it to you at no extra cost as part of what they already pay for.

Your library or institution buys a PressReader subscription and makes it available to anyone with a library card or employee account. You sign in with those credentials, and then you can read thousands of publications. The cost to you is zero because the organization you're affiliated with has already paid the subscription fee.

If you don't have a library card or institutional affiliation, PressReader does offer a direct paid subscription, but that is uncommon. Most people in North America encounter PressReader through their public library first.

Key Takeaways

  • PressReader is a digital reading service that your public library or employer usually provides for free as part of their subscription.
  • You access it by signing in with your library card number or employee login on the PressReader website or mobile app.
  • The service includes newspapers and magazines from dozens of countries, updated daily, and you can read offline after downloading an issue.
  • If your library does not offer PressReader, you can ask them to consider adding it, or you can check whether a nearby library system in your region carries it.
  • Direct paid subscriptions to PressReader exist but are priced by region and publication type, and most individual readers use the library version instead.

How to sign in with your library card

Go to the PressReader website or read the PressReader app on your phone or tablet. On the sign-in screen, select your library or institution from a dropdown list. Type in your library card number and PIN (or password — different libraries use different systems). PressReader will verify your credentials with your library's system and log you in.

The first time you sign in, you may need to set up a PressReader account with an email address and password. After that, you can use either your library credentials or your PressReader password to log in. Keep your PressReader password separate from your library password if you want to change one without affecting the other.

If your library is not in the dropdown list, it means your library does not currently carry PressReader. Contact your library's reference desk and ask whether they plan to add it. Many libraries add new digital services based on patron requests.

What publications are included

PressReader carries over 7,000 newspapers and magazines in more than 100 languages. This includes major U.S. papers like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, as well as regional papers from your state or city. International titles include papers from Canada, the UK, Australia, India, and most other countries.

The magazine selection includes news weeklies, business publications, lifestyle magazines, and specialty titles. What your library offers may vary — some libraries pay for the full PressReader catalog, while others pay for a smaller subset. Check your library's website or the PressReader app to see which titles are available to you.

Issues update daily for newspapers and on their regular publication schedule for magazines. You can read the current issue or browse back issues, usually going back 30 to 90 days depending on the publication.

Reading offline and on multiple devices

PressReader lets you read a newspaper or magazine to read later without an internet connection. Open an issue, tap the read button, and it saves to your device. This is useful if you're traveling, commuting, or want to read without using data.

You can sign in on multiple devices — a phone, tablet, and computer — using the same library card. Your bookmarks and reading history sync across devices if you use the same PressReader account. Downloaded issues stay on each device until you delete them, so you can keep several weeks of your favorite paper on your phone.

Downloaded content expires after a set period (usually 30 days), so you cannot keep an old issue forever. If you want to save an article permanently, you can take a screenshot or use your device's built-in tools to save the page as a PDF.

Troubleshooting sign-in problems

If PressReader says your library card number or PIN is wrong, first check that you typed them correctly. Library card numbers and PINs are case-sensitive in some systems. If you have recently changed your library PIN, use the new one.

If you still cannot sign in, your library card may have expired or been blocked. Contact your library's circulation desk to confirm your card is active. They can also reset your PIN if you have forgotten it.

If your library is not in the PressReader dropdown list, PressReader may not have a contract with your library system yet. Call your library and ask whether they offer PressReader. If they do not, ask whether they plan to add it or whether a nearby library system in your region carries it — you may be able to get a card there.

Direct paid subscriptions (if your library does not offer it)

PressReader does sell direct subscriptions to individuals, but pricing varies by region and the publications you want. A subscription typically costs between $10 and $20 per month, though some regions and publication bundles are priced differently. You would set up an account on the PressReader website, choose your publications, and pay by credit card.

Before paying for a direct subscription, check whether any library system near you offers PressReader. Getting a library card — even from a neighboring county or city system — is usually free or very low cost and gives you access to the full PressReader catalog at no additional charge. This is almost always cheaper than a direct subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my library login with family members?

Your library card is for your use only, and sharing the login violates most libraries' terms of service. However, family members can get their own library cards (usually free) and sign in with their own credentials. They will then have full access to PressReader under their own accounts.

What happens if I return my library card or leave my job?

Your PressReader access ends when your library card is deactivated or your employment ends. You will not be able to sign in after that point. If you want to keep reading, you can get a new library card at another branch or system, or purchase a direct subscription from PressReader.

Can I print articles from PressReader?

Yes, most libraries allow printing from PressReader, though some restrict it to a certain number of pages per day. The print option is usually in the article menu. Check your library's PressReader help page to see whether there are limits on your account.

Does PressReader work on my Kindle or e-reader?

PressReader works on phones, tablets, and computers, but not on most e-readers like Kindle. The app requires a color screen and internet connection to display the full layout of newspapers and magazines. You can read on a tablet or phone instead, or read issues to read offline.

How do I find my library in the PressReader dropdown?

Type your library's name or city name into the search box. If it does not appear, your library may not carry PressReader yet. Contact your library's reference desk to confirm, or ask them to consider adding it to their digital services.