# Wikisource reader app

> mobile app to read texts from Wikisource

**Wikidata**: [Q133540085](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133540085)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wikisource-reader-app

## Summary
The Wikisource Reader is a free, open-source mobile app for Android that allows users to read texts from Wikisource, the free digital library of source texts. It supports features like Readium LCP for digital rights management and is distributed through Google Play and F-Droid. The app was developed by the Centre for Internet and Society and is part of the Wikimedia ecosystem.

## Key Facts
- **Platform**: Available exclusively for Android devices.
- **License**: Distributed under the Apache Software License 2.0.
- **Sponsors**: Supported by the Centre for Internet and Society (2024–2025) and the Wikimedia Foundation (2025–2026).
- **Latest Version**: 1.4.0 (released January 2026).
- **Distribution**: Published on Google Play (since July 2025) and F-Droid (since March 2026).
- **Dependencies**: Relies on Readium LCP for digital rights management and integrates with other Wikimedia tools.
- **Programmer**: Developed by Sai Phanindra.
- **Language Support**: Supports multiple languages.
- **Issue Tracking**: Uses GitHub and Phabricator for bug reports and feature requests.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Wikisource Reader app?
A: The Wikisource Reader is a free Android app that allows users to read and access texts from Wikisource, the free digital library of source materials. It is open-source and supports features like digital rights management through Readium LCP.

### Q: Where can I download the Wikisource Reader app?
A: The app is available on Google Play (since July 2025) and F-Droid (since March 2026). It is also distributed as a digital download.

### Q: Is the Wikisource Reader app free to use?
A: Yes, the app is free software, meaning users can freely run, study, modify, and distribute it under the Apache Software License 2.0.

### Q: Who developed the Wikisource Reader app?
A: The app was developed by Sai Phanindra and is sponsored by the Centre for Internet and Society and the Wikimedia Foundation.

### Q: Does the Wikisource Reader app support multiple languages?
A: Yes, the app supports multiple languages, allowing users to access texts in various languages.

## Why It Matters
The Wikisource Reader app plays a crucial role in making historical and cultural texts more accessible to a global audience. By providing a free, open-source platform for reading Wikisource materials, it supports the principles of open knowledge and digital preservation. The app’s integration with Readium LCP ensures secure access to copyrighted works while maintaining compatibility with other Wikimedia tools. Its development under the sponsorship of the Centre for Internet and Society and the Wikimedia Foundation underscores its commitment to fostering digital literacy and cultural heritage preservation. By being available on both Google Play and F-Droid, the app ensures accessibility across different Android ecosystems, further democratizing access to knowledge.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Development**: The app is developed as free software, allowing users to contribute to its improvement.
- **Digital Rights Management**: Supports Readium LCP, a standard for secure digital content distribution.
- **Wikimedia Integration**: Works alongside other Wikimedia tools like the Wikidata Query Service and Pageviews Analysis.
- **Multi-Platform Distribution**: Available on both Google Play and F-Droid, catering to different Android user preferences.
- **Community-Driven**: Features an issue tracker and translation contributions, enabling user feedback and localization.

## Body
### Overview
The Wikisource Reader is a mobile application designed to provide users with access to texts from Wikisource, the free digital library of source materials. Developed as part of the Wikimedia ecosystem, the app is built on the principles of open knowledge and free software, ensuring that users can freely access, study, and modify the content.

### Development and Sponsorship
The app was developed by Sai Phanindra and is sponsored by the Centre for Internet and Society (2024–2025) and the Wikimedia Foundation (2025–2026). The Wikimedia Foundation’s support, particularly for Outreachy contributions, highlights the app’s alignment with broader Wikimedia initiatives.

### Technical Specifications
The Wikisource Reader is available exclusively for Android devices, with versions released on a regular basis. The latest stable version is 1.4.0, released in January 2026. The app supports Readium LCP, a digital rights management system, ensuring secure access to copyrighted materials. It integrates with other Wikimedia tools, including the Wikidata Query Service and Pageviews Analysis, to enhance functionality.

### Distribution and Accessibility
The app is distributed through Google Play (since July 2025) and F-Droid (since March 2026), making it accessible to a wide range of Android users. It is also available as a digital download, ensuring flexibility in installation.

### Community and Contributions
The Wikisource Reader encourages community involvement through its issue tracker, which is hosted on GitHub and Phabricator. Users can report bugs, request features, and contribute to the app’s development. Additionally, the app supports translation contributions via Translatewiki, allowing for localization in multiple languages.

### Significance
The Wikisource Reader app is notable for its commitment to open access and digital preservation. By providing a free, open-source platform for reading Wikisource materials, it supports the principles of open knowledge and cultural heritage preservation. Its integration with Readium LCP and other Wikimedia tools ensures a secure and comprehensive user experience. The app’s development and sponsorship by organizations like the Centre for Internet and Society and the Wikimedia Foundation underscore its role in fostering digital literacy and cultural heritage preservation.

## References

1. [Release 1.0.0. 2025](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.0.0)
2. [Release 1.1.1. 2025](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.1.1)
3. [Release 1.1.2. 2025](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.1.2)
4. [Release 1.2.0. 2025](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.2.0)
5. [Release 1.3.0. 2025](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.3.0)
6. [Release 1.4.0. 2026](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.4.0)
7. [Release 1.4.1. 2026](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.4.1)
8. [Release 1.4.2. 2026](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.4.2)
9. [Release 1.4.3. 2026](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.4.3)
10. [Release 1.4.4. 2026](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.4.4)
11. [Release 1.4.5. 2026](https://github.com/cis-india/Wikisource-Reader/releases/tag/v1.4.5)