useCalibre

Your Calibre library on a Kobo (or Kindle) with KOReader, no NAS

Updated October 27, 2026 · 6 minute read

Browse your whole Calibre library on your e-reader and download books over Wi-Fi, without leaving a computer or a NAS running at home. It works with KOReader on Kobo, Kindle and PocketBook, and with any other reading app that supports OPDS catalogs.

In short: connect your Calibre library to useCalibre, add a reading-app password, and add https://app.usecalibre.com/api/opds as an OPDS catalog in KOReader.

Why KOReader

Kobo’s and Kindle’s own reading software can’t browse an online catalog. KOReader, a free and open-source reader that installs alongside them, can: it speaks OPDS, the standard way reading apps browse book catalogs. Calibre’s own content server speaks it too, but only while your computer is on. useCalibre serves your library’s catalog around the clock.

Before you start

1. Make a password for the e-reader

  1. Sign in to useCalibre and open Manage.
  2. Under Reading apps (OPDS), type a name such as “Kobo” and choose Add reading app.
  3. Copy the password it shows. It is shown only once; you can always add another.

Each device gets its own password, so if you lose your e-reader you remove just that one.

2. Add the catalog in KOReader

  1. In KOReader, tap the top of the screen to open the menu, then the magnifying glass (Search).
  2. Choose OPDS catalog, then the + to add one.
  3. Catalog name: useCalibre. Catalog URL: https://app.usecalibre.com/api/opds
  4. Username: anything you like. Password: the one you copied.

3. Browse and download

Open the catalog to see Recently added and All books, or search by title or author. Tap a book and choose a format; EPUB is usually best on e-readers. The book downloads straight from your own storage to the device, so it is fast and never passes through our servers.

Tips

  • Kindle without KOReader: download the book in your browser from useCalibre and send it with Amazon’s Send to Kindle.
  • Lost a device? Remove its password under Manage → Reading apps; the others keep working.
  • The list shows when each password was last used, and from where, so you can spot one that has been shared.

Ready to try it?

Free to use. Your books stay in your storage.

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