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SPECIFICTION
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SimplyE

librarysimplified.org

Free plan WebiOSAndroid
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Spec score 7.4 #30 of 32 in Audiobook Apps

What it is

SimplyE was a free library e-reading app for browsing, borrowing, and reading e-books, with audiobook support from Findaway and OverDrive. Patrons could sign in once with a library card and reach materials from listed providers in one place, including OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital. The app connected to a library’s existing card web application and supported instant card sign-up through the app. Reading controls included font, font size, and background-color adjustments, plus OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility. E-books could use Adobe DRM, while audiobooks used Findaway or OverDrive rights management. SimplyE was listed for Android, iOS, and web, but the app retired in August 2025. It did not render Kindle AZW files or Adobe-encrypted PDFs and did not work on e-ink devices. Library Simplified describes the platform as open-source and provides source code for organizational customization.

Spec sheet

What it does
SimplyE was a free e-reader for library patrons to browse, borrow, and read library e-books.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Integrations
Listed providers include OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
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.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Support
Library Simplified service providers offer setup and onboarding, plus low-cost front-line support for libraries.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Accessibility
The Library Simplified platform describes its technology as using interoperable and accessible standards.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Audiobooks
Audiobook functionality was available for Findaway- and OverDrive-provided audiobooks.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Digital rights
The app supported Adobe DRM for e-books and Findaway and OverDrive rights management for audiobooks.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Library card
The app connected to a library’s existing card web application and supported instant card sign-up through the app.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Library eligibility
The FAQ says eligible partners include qualifying public libraries, government entities, and tax-exempt organizations providing public library services.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Limits
The FAQ says SimplyE did not render Kindle AZW files or Adobe-encrypted PDFs and did not work on e-ink devices.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Open source
Library Simplified says it is built on open-source principles and provides application source code for organizational customization.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Reading options
Readers could adjust font, font size, and background color, and the app included OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Retirement
The SimplyE app retired in August 2025.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org
Unified access
Patrons could log in once with a library card to access library materials across vendors in one place.Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org

Plans and prices

SimplyE Free Free for patrons The app retired in August 2025 Read 10 Oct 2026 · librarysimplified.org

Every SimplyE plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • One library-card login across listed providers
  • Supports e-books and Findaway or OverDrive audiobooks
  • Font, size, and background controls
  • OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility
  • Android, iOS, and web listings

Limits

  • App retired in August 2025
  • No Kindle AZW or Adobe-encrypted PDF rendering
  • Does not work on e-ink devices

Who it suits

It suited library patrons borrowing digital books and audiobooks through eligible public libraries, government entities, or tax-exempt library-service organizations. Accessibility controls also served readers needing OpenDyslexic or screen-reader compatibility.

Verdict

SimplyE combined multiple library collections behind one card login and included useful reading accessibility controls. Its retirement and format and device limits matter to anyone considering it now.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to SimplyEAll alternatives →