Paying for things is out, using the library is in. Also, have you heard about tool libraries? Depending on where you live, you might be able to borrow tools instead of buying them.
There’s also a similar service for renting books through your e-reader called Libby. On kobo their Overdrive service uses Libby for the same end result - renting books from your local library on your digital reader. And it’s free!
I love Libby! I listen to audiobooks with it all the time.
As convenient and amazing borrowing e-books is, it’s important to remember that it costs your library more because they have to renew a license on it regularly. As opposed to physical books that they buy once
However it probably shows that people are using it and will continue to get funding
YSK americans always assume everybody else are americans.
Someone else ITT confirmed this works in Australia.
According to their map, it also works with a number of libraries in Canada, England, Wales, Ireland (though no Scottish or Northern Irish libraries), Luxembourg, Bogota, Malta, South Korea (though they have placed the flag for Asia Culture Center in Gwangju South Korea somewhere in the sea south of Ghana for some reason), Dubai, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand
Other fun library facts:
- If you don’t like leaving the house, lots of libraries let you sign up for a card online
- In addition to books, they usually have ebooks and audiobooks online, as well as DVDs and CDs at your local branch
- You should visit your local library and see if they have other things…some have video games, or kitchen/cooking equipment, there are often classes or presentations, all free
A note about the DVD and CD collections at your local library:
Rip them. While it is perfectly legal to rip media, you have taken from the library or that you have purchased, there is one technical snag: bypassing the DVD encryption is technically a civil offense. But there’s also no way for anyone to ever prove that you did that unless you create a video of you doing it and send it into the FBI.
So make sure to use that library card to its fullest potential!
Is there a list of Libraries I can register online with if I don’t necessarily live near them? Would like to expand my reach in libby.
I don’t know if this is common, but worth looking into:
My library system offers limited free passes to local museums, zoos, childrens/science museums, etc. You borrow them like you would borrow a book.
I think lots of libraries do that. It’s awesome! (Source: my last 3 libraries in New England did that.)
Be sure to return the pass on time, though. You might screw up someone else’s trip to the museum if you return it late :( (that’s also why they tend to have higher late fees)
