How to get Romeo and Juliet free for school
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is one of the most assigned books in school. Here's how to get a copy free, which edition to look for, and what to know before you start.
Is it free online?
Free to read online, legally
Romeo and Juliet is in the public domain in the United States, so anyone can read it free:
- Folger Shakespeare: the full play free online, matching the Folger editions many schools use.
- Project Gutenberg: free ebook to read online or download.
- LibriVox: free audio recordings by volunteers (search for the title).
Even so, many teachers want everyone in the same printed edition so page numbers match, so it's worth getting a print copy too.
Ways to get it free
- Ask at your school library. Many schools have class sets of Romeo and Juliet, since it's assigned year after year.
- Check BookBaton
.com . At schools on BookBaton, students give away copies they've finished, and you can ask for one free. Book Drops happen at the school library. Find your school. - Place a hold at your public library, for the print book and in the Libby app (ebook and audiobook). Do it as soon as you get your reading list, because waiting lists build up before the school year.
- Ask someone a grade ahead. Older siblings, cousins and neighbors often have a copy on a shelf.
- Talk to your teacher or school counselor if getting the book is hard for your family. Many schools can help.
Which edition?
Many schools use the Folger Shakespeare Library paperback (ISBN 9780743477116). If your teacher refers to page numbers, ask which edition the class is using before you get a copy.
Why it's assigned
Two teenagers from feuding families fall in love, with tragic results. It's often a student's first full Shakespeare play, and teachers use it to explore love, conflict, fate and Shakespeare's language.
Heads-up for families: It includes sword fights and the suicides of the two main characters. Teachers usually prepare students for this in class.
Common questions
Is Romeo and Juliet free to read?
Yes. Shakespeare's plays are in the public domain. The Folger Shakespeare Library has the full text free online, matching its print edition.
Why do classes use a printed edition?
Classroom editions have notes and word definitions beside the text, which help a lot with Shakespeare's language. Act, scene and line numbers usually match across editions.
Done with it? Pass it on
When you finish Romeo and Juliet, give your copy to the next student who needs it. Someone at your school will almost certainly be assigned it next year.
Get Romeo and Juliet from a student at your school
On BookBaton
Last updated October 19, 2026. More help: How to get your required reading books for free.