EZ-Homelab/docs/service-docs/calibre-web.md

Calibre-Web - Ebook Library Manager

Table of Contents

• Overview
• What is Calibre-Web?
• Why Use Calibre-Web?
• Configuration in AI-Homelab
• Official Resources
• Docker Configuration
• Initial Setup
• Troubleshooting

Overview

Category: Ebook Management
Docker Image: linuxserver/calibre-web
Default Stack: media-extended.yml
Web UI: https://calibre-web.${DOMAIN} or http://SERVER_IP:8083
Default Login: admin/admin123
Ports: 8083

What is Calibre-Web?

Calibre-Web is a web-based ebook reader and library manager. It provides a clean interface to browse, read, and download ebooks from your Calibre library. Works perfectly with Readarr for automated ebook management.

Key Features

• Web Reader: Read ebooks in browser
• Format Support: EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW3, CBR, CBZ
• User Management: Multiple users with permissions
• Send to Kindle: Email books to Kindle
• OPDS Feed: E-reader app integration
• Metadata Editing: Edit book information
• Custom Columns: Organize your way
• Shelves: Create reading lists
• Download: Multiple formats available

Why Use Calibre-Web?

1. Web Access: Read anywhere with browser
2. No Calibre Desktop: Standalone web interface
3. Multi-User: Family members can have accounts
4. Kindle Integration: Send books to Kindle
5. E-Reader Support: OPDS for apps
6. Readarr Compatible: Works with automated downloads
7. Free & Open Source: No cost

Configuration in AI-Homelab

Directory Structure

/opt/stacks/media-management/calibre-web/config/    # Config
/mnt/media/books/                                 # Calibre library

Environment Variables

PUID=1000
PGID=1000
TZ=America/New_York
DOCKER_MODS=linuxserver/mods:universal-calibre  # Optional: Convert books

Official Resources

• GitHub: https://github.com/janeczku/calibre-web
• Documentation: https://github.com/janeczku/calibre-web/wiki

Docker Configuration

calibre-web:
  image: linuxserver/calibre-web:latest
  container_name: calibre-web
  restart: unless-stopped
  networks:
    - traefik-network
  ports:
    - "8083:8083"
  environment:
    - PUID=1000
    - PGID=1000
    - TZ=America/New_York
    - DOCKER_MODS=linuxserver/mods:universal-calibre
  volumes:
    - /opt/stacks/media-management/calibre-web/config:/config
    - /mnt/media/books:/books
  labels:
    - "traefik.enable=true"
    - "traefik.http.routers.calibre-web.rule=Host(`calibre-web.${DOMAIN}`)"
    - "traefik.http.routers.calibre-web.entrypoints=websecure"
    - "traefik.http.routers.calibre-web.tls.certresolver=letsencrypt"
    - "traefik.http.services.calibre-web.loadbalancer.server.port=8083"

Initial Setup

1. Start Container:

   docker compose up -d calibre-web
   

2. Access UI: http://SERVER_IP:8083

3. First Login:

   • Username: admin
   • Password: admin123
   • Change immediately!

4. Database Location:

   • Set to: /books/metadata.db
   • This is your Calibre library database

5. Configure Settings:

   • Admin → Edit Basic Configuration
   • Set server name, enable features
   • Configure email for Kindle sending

Key Settings

Basic Configuration:

• Server Name: Your server name
• Enable uploads: ✓ (if wanted)
• Enable public registration: ✗ (keep private)

Feature Configuration:

• Enable uploading: Based on needs
• Enable book conversion: ✓
• Enable Goodreads integration: ✓ (optional)

UI Configuration:

• Theme: Dark/Light
• Books per page: 20
• Random books: 4

Troubleshooting

Can't Find Database

# Check Calibre library structure
ls -la /mnt/media/books/
# Should contain metadata.db

# If no Calibre library exists:
# Install Calibre desktop app
# Create library pointing to /mnt/media/books/
# Or let Readarr create it

# Check permissions
sudo chown -R 1000:1000 /mnt/media/books/

Books Not Showing

# Check database path
# Admin → Basic Configuration → Database location

# Rescan library
# Admin → Reconnect to Calibre DB

# Check logs
docker logs calibre-web | tail -20

Send to Kindle Not Working

# Configure email settings
# Admin → Edit Basic Configuration → E-mail Server Settings

# Gmail example:
# SMTP: smtp.gmail.com
# Port: 587
# Encryption: STARTTLS
# Username: your@gmail.com
# Password: App-specific password

# Add Kindle email
# User → Edit → Kindle E-mail

Summary

Calibre-Web is the ebook reader offering:

• Web-based reading
• Format conversion
• Multi-user support
• Kindle integration
• OPDS feeds
• Readarr compatible
• Free and open-source

Perfect for:

• Ebook collections
• Web-based reading
• Family sharing
• Kindle users
• Readarr integration

Key Points:

• Requires Calibre library (metadata.db)
• Works with Readarr
• Change default password!
• OPDS for e-reader apps
• Send to Kindle via email

Remember:

• Point to existing Calibre library
• Or create new library with Calibre desktop
• Readarr can populate library
• Multi-user support available
• Supports most ebook formats

Calibre-Web provides beautiful web access to your ebook library!