Host your own book library and open it in Lectern

Choose the server that fits your library

If you only need books on a home network, start with Calibre-Web. Storyteller earns the extra setup when synchronized ebook plus audiobook reading is the goal. See the full comparison for the tradeoffs.

Before you start

• A computer, NAS or home server that stays on while you want to browse.
• Docker with Docker Compose, plus folders that survive container updates.
• DRM-free EPUB files. Lectern deliberately ignores audio-only OPDS entries.
• Your server's local IP address, such as 192.168.1.50.

Start on your home Wi-Fi. It is easier to prove the catalog works locally before adding a domain or reverse proxy. For access away from home, use a VPN such as Tailscale or a correctly configured HTTPS reverse proxy. Do not publish an unencrypted login over the open internet.

Route A: Calibre-Web

The compose file below follows the maintained LinuxServer image. Replace both /path/to/... values, and set PUID, PGID and the time zone for your server. The book folder must contain a valid Calibre library, including metadata.db.

services:
        calibre-web:
          image: lscr.io/linuxserver/calibre-web:latest
          container_name: calibre-web
          environment:
            - PUID=1000
            - PGID=1000
            - TZ=Etc/UTC
          volumes:
            - /path/to/calibre-web/config:/config
            - /path/to/calibre/library:/books
          ports:
            - 8083:8083
          restart: unless-stopped

1. Save the file as compose.yaml and run docker compose up -d.
2. Open http://SERVER-IP:8083. Set the library location to /books.
3. Sign in with admin and admin123, then change that default password immediately.
4. Add books through Calibre. If you want a watched ingest folder and automatic conversion, use Calibre-Web Automated instead.
5. Test http://SERVER-IP:8083/opds in a browser. A login prompt or feed response means the endpoint is alive.

The current image, mount points and update instructions live in the official LinuxServer repository. Treat that page as the source of truth when its compose template changes.

Route B: Storyteller

Storyteller can align a DRM-free ebook with its matching audiobook and export a standards-based EPUB 3 read-aloud. Create a random secret with openssl rand -base64 32, save only the value in STORYTELLER_SECRET_KEY.txt, then use this compose file.

services:
        web:
          image: registry.gitlab.com/storyteller-platform/storyteller:latest
          volumes:
            - /path/to/storyteller/data:/data:rw
          environment:
            - STORYTELLER_SECRET_KEY_FILE=/run/secrets/secret_key
          ports:
            - "8001:8001"
          secrets:
            - secret_key
          restart: unless-stopped
      secrets:
        secret_key:
          file: ./STORYTELLER_SECRET_KEY.txt

1. Run docker compose up -d and open http://SERVER-IP:8001.
2. Create the administrator account and add an ebook, an audiobook, or both as one book.
3. When you have both files, start alignment and let the server finish. This can take time.
4. The OPDS feed is on by default, so your normal login is usually all you need. If it was ever switched off, turn it back on under Settings → OPDS: a disabled feed answers with a 404. The endpoint is https://YOUR-SERVER/opds.
5. Use your normal Storyteller username and password in Lectern.

Check the current Storyteller self-hosting guide and OPDS documentation before upgrading. Storyteller serves audio and EPUB entries together, while Lectern shows the EPUB and read-aloud editions it can import.

Connect the server to Lectern

1. Open your library. Tap the plus button, then choose Free & self-hosted books.
2. Choose Storyteller or Calibre-Web. Lectern knows the usual OPDS path for both.
3. Enter the server address. Use a local address such as http://192.168.1.50:8083, or your HTTPS domain. Lectern adds the right OPDS path for the selected server.
4. Add the server username and password. They stay encrypted on this Android device.
5. Tap Connect. Browse, search and download an EPUB. Downloads join your normal Lectern library and remain available offline.

If your reverse proxy uses a subpath, enter the complete feed URL, for example https://books.example.com/calibre/opds. For any other server, use Lectern's Other OPDS feed option and paste the full feed URL.

Fix the common problems

Lectern cannot reach the server

Do not enter localhost: on your phone that means the phone itself. Use the server's LAN address. Confirm the phone and server are on the same network and that the host firewall allows port 8083 or 8001.

The catalog asks for a login again

Open the web interface with the same credentials first. Calibre-Web and Storyteller normally use basic authentication for OPDS. OAuth-only setups may need a separate local user for OPDS clients.

The catalog opens but shows no books

Verify that the feed actually offers an EPUB acquisition. Lectern does not turn an audio-only entry into a broken book row. In Storyteller, upload an EPUB or finish a read-aloud; in Calibre-Web, make sure the title has an EPUB edition.

HTTPS fails on Android

Use a certificate trusted by Android and include the full certificate chain. A self-signed certificate is useful for experiments, but Android will reject it unless you explicitly install and trust it.

Self-hosted OPDS questions