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Library resources megathread
Since we had a number of threads on Library resources, I figured we should have a place to consolidate them. If you find something of note, add it to the thread!
This will probably be rather US centric, but if something works in your neck of the woods, let us know.
https://libgen.im/ is one :)
This is very library specific, but the major library near me has free passes you can check out for various local museums, theatres, and botanical gardens.
My local libraries offer the same.
Also library-specific, but in my neck of the woods, many libraries have stepped into the maker-space and offer free access to machines like 3D printers, button presses, and lazer engravers. Some also offer certain take-home tools, like energy meters and even kitchenware!
No digital library is going to beat a local one for ease of access to physical assets. Ask what you can do there or borrow, if they have agreements or partnerships with other libraries, and if they have a library of things. If it's been a minute since you've been, it might be a good time to check it out.
Books Unbanned
A program designed for young readers to get them access to banned and other digital materials. Libraries use Libby unless stated otherwise.
U.S. residents ages 13–21
https://bklynlibrary.org/card/teens.php
U.S. residents ages 13–26
https://bpl.org/books-unbanned
CA residents ages 13–18
https://lacountylibrary.org/books-unbanned
U.S. residents ages 13–26
https://sandiego.gov/public-library/booksunbanned
U.S. residents ages 13–26
https://spl.org/programs-and-services/teens/books-unbanned
U.S. residents ages 13–19
https://longbeach.gov/library/borrow/books-unbanned
Free Non Residential Library Cards (Cloud Library)
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach
https://www.wpb.org/Departments/Mandel-Public-Library-of-West-Palm-Beach/Browse-Borrow/Get-a-Library-Card
Altadena Library District
https://www.altadenalibrary.org/borrowing
Both of these libraries don't seem to gate based on residence as I was able to apply to with my home address outside of both of those states and they gave me digital cards. Their services are through Cloud Library, but the cards are good for Hoopla (8 borrows EACH), and 30 Kanopy credits for WPB as well.
Special Interest:
These libraries are set up across the US intended to service a particular function and point of interest but are open to all residents unless stated. All listed libraries use Libby.
Read Freely
US Residents 13 and Up
https://www.lapl.org/library-card/read-freely
Queer Liberation Library
https://www.queerliberationlibrary.org/members
Japan Foundation
https://www.jflalc.org/libby
Department of Defense Library
Active duty, reserves, guard, retired military, and eligible family members
https://www.dodmwrlibraries.org/
I recently discovered that Mango Languages gives free subscriptions with most library memberships. In my opinion it's closer to actual classroom lessons than something like DuoLingo, and I think that works better for my learning style.