Reading the Newspaper and Magazines on a Tablet
Last verified: August 2026
Your favorite paper and magazines all fit in one lightweight tablet — with text you can enlarge and no recycling pile. Best of all, a lot of it is free through your library.
About reading news on a tablet
There are two paths: free (through your library) and paid (a subscription). On the free side, the Libby app offers many magazines to borrow at no cost with a library card, and many libraries also provide PressReader, which carries thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world — again, free with your card.
On the paid side, Apple News+ bundles a large collection of magazines and some newspapers for a monthly Apple subscription, and most individual papers (national and local) have their own app or website subscription. Your hometown paper very likely has its own app.
The joy of reading on a tablet is control: pinch to enlarge the text, tap to have articles read aloud, and carry your whole newsstand in one hand. It's gentler on the eyes than squinting at newsprint.
When to skip the DIY and just call: Getting Libby and PressReader connected to your library card · Subscribing to the right paper or magazine service · Setting text size and read-aloud for comfort.
Common Questions
1 How do I read magazines for free?
- Install the Libby app and sign in with your library card.
- Tap the magazines section and borrow any title — there are usually no waitlists for magazines.
- Read right in the app; borrows return themselves, so there are never late fees.
- Ask your library if they also offer PressReader for even more titles.
2 How do I read newspapers for free?
- Check if your library offers PressReader (through the library's website or app menu).
- Sign in with your library card and browse thousands of newspapers by country and city.
- Many big national papers are included, plus lots of regional ones.
- Download an issue for offline reading before a trip.
3 What if I want my specific local paper?
- Search the App Store or Play Store for your paper's name and install its official app.
- Subscribe through the app or the paper's website; digital subscriptions are often cheaper than print.
- Sign in and set your text size for comfortable reading.
- Some local papers are also included in library services — check before paying.
4 Is a paid service like Apple News+ worth it?
- Apple News+ bundles many magazines and some papers for one monthly Apple fee — good value if you read several.
- Compare it to what your library already gives you free before subscribing.
- You can try it and cancel if it's not worth it to you.
- For just one favorite title, a single subscription may cost less than a bundle.
5 How do I make the text easier to read?
- In reading apps, tap the ‘AA' or text-size button to enlarge the print.
- Turn on your tablet's system Bold Text and larger text (see our iPad-for-seniors guide).
- Many apps can read articles aloud — look for a ‘Listen' or speaker button.
- Adjust brightness and try a night or sepia background if white pages feel harsh.
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