: Books are provided in simple formats (like plain text and HTML) that can be read, used, and searched by almost any computer or program.

The library is built and maintained primarily by volunteers who digitize, proofread, and format the texts.

: The initiative aims to break down barriers to education and personal betterment by enabling unlimited redistribution of classic works. Collection and Operations

: Although heavily English-centric (over 21,000 books as of 2008), it hosts significant collections in French, German, Finnish, Dutch, and dozens of other languages.

: While primarily known for classic literature, the collection includes audiobooks, maps, and specialized data sets.

The project operates under the philosophy that literature and information should be accessible to everyone at little to no cost.