Note: I believe that most of these are unfortunately limited to United States residents (though I'm not certain on this). If anyone has any resources specific to other countries/regions (or ones...
Note: I believe that most of these are unfortunately limited to United States residents (though I'm not certain on this). If anyone has any resources specific to other countries/regions (or ones available globally) please add them!
Here is a list of libraries that, for a cheap annual fee, offer library cards to people who do not live in their local area. The main benefit of doing this is that you get access to their online resources and can check out items digitally -- especially relevant now with quarantines and self-isolations in place.
I haven't used all the ones on this list, but I can personally vouch for the Houston Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library. I was able to sign up for their services online, as a non-resident, and receive my library card number which I now use for checkouts.
The main benefit to having multiple cards is that you can "shop around" libraries to find books you want, as each library has different items in their catalog. Also, with so many people checking out digital items right now, many popular books have long wait times. Having multiple cards means you can put the item on hold at the library with the shortest wait time. I have four different library cards in my Libby app (the main platform for ebook and audiobook lending), and I regularly check out books from each of them. I might actually pay for a few more cards on this list, as the annual fee is easily recouped after only a few checkouts (especially audiobooks).
Update: I can personally confirm that, in addition to Houston and Brooklyn, Fairfax County works for Overdrive access, and is currently giving out digital cards even though their libraries are...
Update: I can personally confirm that, in addition to Houston and Brooklyn, Fairfax County works for Overdrive access, and is currently giving out digital cards even though their libraries are closed.
When you fill out the online form they don't send a confirmation e-mail or send you to a confirmation page, so I wasn't sure if it worked. I got the message today that my card had been confirmed, paid the fee, and added the library to Libby.
Note: I believe that most of these are unfortunately limited to United States residents (though I'm not certain on this). If anyone has any resources specific to other countries/regions (or ones available globally) please add them!
Here is a list of libraries that, for a cheap annual fee, offer library cards to people who do not live in their local area. The main benefit of doing this is that you get access to their online resources and can check out items digitally -- especially relevant now with quarantines and self-isolations in place.
I haven't used all the ones on this list, but I can personally vouch for the Houston Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library. I was able to sign up for their services online, as a non-resident, and receive my library card number which I now use for checkouts.
The main benefit to having multiple cards is that you can "shop around" libraries to find books you want, as each library has different items in their catalog. Also, with so many people checking out digital items right now, many popular books have long wait times. Having multiple cards means you can put the item on hold at the library with the shortest wait time. I have four different library cards in my Libby app (the main platform for ebook and audiobook lending), and I regularly check out books from each of them. I might actually pay for a few more cards on this list, as the annual fee is easily recouped after only a few checkouts (especially audiobooks).
Update: I can personally confirm that, in addition to Houston and Brooklyn, Fairfax County works for Overdrive access, and is currently giving out digital cards even though their libraries are closed.
When you fill out the online form they don't send a confirmation e-mail or send you to a confirmation page, so I wasn't sure if it worked. I got the message today that my card had been confirmed, paid the fee, and added the library to Libby.