Do y’all ever use the library or download library books, and audiobooks with your library card and the corresponding app?

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xampl9@reddit

The libraries near me are geared towards children and older ladies who like romance novels, so no.

But - I did get an adult library card when I was in middle school (about age 14). One of the best things mom ever did for me.

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Rvtrance@reddit (OP)

Well you might have better luck with their digital library. It’s a statewide offering.

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FredsIQ@reddit

Yes, I have Hoopla. It’s linked to my library card and I can borrow ebooks, audiobooks, tv shows and movies.

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revengeappendage@reddit

Yes. I use Libby. Unfortunately, I live in the middle of nowhere, so not a super great audio book selection.

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CountChoculasGhost@reddit

To be fair, I use Libby in Chicago, and while we have a good selection. Everything has like a 15+ week waitlist. So it’s a balance I guess

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You might inquire at your state level. I live in Texas and we have automatic approval of a library card valid at any library in the state. If I lived in a small town with limited digital assets, I could simply apply for a Houston Public Library card and check out their digital assets.

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revengeappendage@reddit

check out their digital assets

This made me giggle! Lol

And thank you for the advice as well.

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Delores_Herbig@reddit

I have Libby linked to three library accounts. One, my home library in a major metro area. Two, where my parents live in a suburban area of another state. Three, where my sister lives in a major metro in another state. It’s crazy the difference in what’s available where, and sometimes my parents’ little library system has things the others don’t, or they have a significantly shorter wait time for things.

I just asked my dad for his library card number and added it to my Libby account. And I got a library card with my sister last time I visited, because she won’t ever use it. So if you know people who live elsewhere that might let you link to their account, that could help?

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Baweberdo@reddit

Is libby stable ? My wife says hers keeps crashing and locking up

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OK_Ingenue@reddit

Works very well

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ImLittleNana@reddit

It may be her device. I use Libby daily for audiobooks.

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Delores_Herbig@reddit

I’ve been using it for a few years, and I’ve never had an issue? So maybe she needs an update or something?

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opalandolive@reddit

I think the Philadelphia library offers cards for all PA residents. Check some of the big city libraries in your state and see if they do the same!

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_CPR__@reddit

For anyone who lives in New York State, both NYPL and Brooklyn Public Library offer in-state accounts with online signup.

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dualsplit@reddit

Queens, too. I have property in the ADK. I signed up for Queens with my info. I also signed up for NYC, but they require you to stop by a branch within a limited time to confirm. I’m never in the city so let it go.

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_CPR__@reddit

NYPL must have changed their requirements then; I've had a card since about 2016 and didn't have to go in person. I just need to renew every few years by sending updated proof I still live in state.

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PhasmaUrbomach@reddit

Queens also

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xiaomayzeee@reddit

This is the reminder I needed to renew my card whenever I find it. Haven’t used it in like 15 years. 🤦🏻‍♀️

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LoyalKopite@reddit

You can use NYC id as library card as well.

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PhasmaUrbomach@reddit

If you like audio and ebooks, Libby is the way to go.

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LoyalKopite@reddit

I think Philadelphia had both first ever library and public zoo in USA.

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revengeappendage@reddit

Awesome! Thank you so much. I actually live in Pennsylvania, so I will give this a shot! You’re the best, internet friend!

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JasperStrat@reddit

I actually live in Pennsylvania

Since you are willing to share, you can add a flair with your home state, which is helpful in this sub, by going to the home page for this sub or any other. You don't have to subscribe to the sub to do this.

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canigetauuhhh@reddit

Thank you!!!!!!

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2PlasticLobsters@reddit

I'm pretty sure Baltimore City will sign up all Maryland residents, too.

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idkidc28@reddit

Thank you so much for this. Just got a card setup, I wish my local PA library was that easy.

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Rm50@reddit

In many states, you can use other libraries by piggybacking from your original library card. You can “join” a larger city/county library system, that may have a larger selection. In fact, I believe that there is a state that you can link to despite not living in that state. Let me see if I can find the correct info.

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dualsplit@reddit

Look around! There are free or cheap opportunities available. Teens and young adults can get a free card at the Seattle Public Library. Their selection is amazing. You can pay for large libraries, too. Some are only like $20/yr. There are lists online.

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ruat_caelum@reddit

There are legal ways to get library cards from major cities. Mostly it's paying the tax that the library would get from the residents. Another way is some libraries are giving away digital cards to anyone who is a high school age and in a state where schools ban books. etc.

https://everyday-reading.com/where-you-can-get-a-non-resident-library-card/

https://www.reddit.com/r/LibbyApp/comments/1ahn0li/the_books_unbanned_initiative_allows_us/

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Budget-Attorney@reddit

That’s great that they are getting around book bans

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ommnian@reddit

If you're in Ohio, you're eligible for a card from any library in the state. That's why I have cards to Cleveland, Columbus, Cuyahoga county, Cincinnati, and my local library.

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Postingatthismoment@reddit

See what your state rules are. Some states let you get a library card anywhere in the state if you live there. I live a six-hour drive from Los Angeles and have an LA County library card.

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shellevanczik@reddit

Did you know that you can get a library card for whatever library you can get to? Next time you’re in a major city or their suburbs, go and get a card for a better, bigger library system.

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Artistic-Weakness603@reddit

Around here you can get library card for larger cities but they only allow physical checkouts of items. Online stuff is limited to residents of the county the library is in. The online stuff is expensive for library so they prioritize the people directly paying taxes to support them. Makes sense but stinks if your local library isn’t as extensive as others.

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LineRex@reddit

Our libraries require multiple forms of identification showing that you live within city limits.

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UnfairHoneydew6690@reddit

You usually have to pay a yearly fee for that but I agree it’s worth it.

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SAGNUTZ@reddit

That sucks, every one ive lived near has been free. I wouldnt mind paying a fee if there was one, how much is yours if you remember?

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anneofgraygardens@reddit

for anyone in California, you can get a library card (for free) for any CA county library system. I think you have to get the card in person so this may or may not be feasible, but if you live in like, Mendocino County and you want a San Diego Library card, if you happen to be in San Diego, you can get one.

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atomfullerene@reddit

Til

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shellevanczik@reddit

So much so.

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mikuzgrl@reddit

Some major cities will give library cards to anyone in the state (eg Denver Public Library). A lot of library systems have partnerships with neighboring systems. I have four cards from neighboring systems that I was able to sign up for online.

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Moist_Asparagus6420@reddit

Most of the major libraries in my state offer eCards for state residents, I got like 12 cards on my Libby account

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5432198@reddit

I signed up online for one for free for the Los Angeles library. Just had to use a fake address.

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smurfe@reddit

Years ago I wanted to use the BBC iPlayer in the U.S. I used the BBC's corporate street address to be able to use the app with a VPN in the U.S.

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SocksJockey@reddit

Same.

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MontEcola@reddit

You can join a library that is not your home address.

If you live in the town (where my parents live) your taxes pay about $60 per person for a library card. So, if you want to use their Libby resources, you can pay $60 to get a card from them. Then you can barrow from their system. I did not browse there, since I have a free card at home.

When I lived in a very rural state, there was my local library with about 40,000 books. And you could make a free request to search the whole state for a title. It took longer. And it was still free. Books were delivered by the PO from library to library, and for free in that state. The state picked up the tab.

I would contact your local branch and ask if they have a free or for pay option to increase what is available.

In my current town, Live in the city. That also gives me access to about 7 more libraries that are in the same county, but not in the city.

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JessicaGriffin@reddit

People already mentioned going to major cities and seeing if they will let you get a card there, but also try colleges/universities and community colleges. Depending on where you live, even if you’re in a rural area, your closest higher ed institution might consider your area part of their territory. They often offer services to public patrons for free or for a small fee. Your state’s Land Grant university (i.e. Oregon State University, Ohio State University, Clemson, etc.) may also have an extension program that covers rural counties and might have something.

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jwg020@reddit

Yes. i listen ti a ton of audiobooks on Hoopla. I also check out quite a few physical books as well.

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ZaphodG@reddit

I’m physically in my library to vote and when I need something notarized. I used to use their ebook network and Libby but I sail the seven seas these days.

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Exciting-Hedgehog944@reddit

All the time-we have both Libby and hoopla

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Aviyes7@reddit

Tried it. Selection sucks. Usually only 1 copy, so stuck on waitlist for anything remotely popular.

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SciAlexander@reddit

I don't have a printer so I use theirs. While I don't use libraries much it is one of the two things I will always support.

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JThereseD@reddit

I live in New Orleans and we have an amazing collection of e-resources, which are actually available to any library in the Louisiana Library Connection. I especially like to use Libby for books on tape memoirs that are read by the authors, like Sinead O’Connor, Malcolm Jenkins and Tina Fey. I also enjoy Kanopy, a movie and television app you can watch with Firestick or Roku. I am into genealogy and we have free at-home access to a few historic newspaper sites, Fold3 (military records), old maps and other history databases. We have a few language apps, crafts databases, other online learning databases, financial references, homework help and more. If you go into the library, you can use Ancestry. They also provide notary services, free seeds, passes to local museums, and loans of baking pans, gardening supplies and tablets. I think it is our community’s greatest asset. When the mayor tried to cut the budget in half, we voted to increase taxes to support it because it is so important.

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nmacInCT@reddit

I do both. I also really like working at the library - i rate the ones around me for best working space and coffee offerings. I can take out books and other physical items from other towns which has been helpful at times.

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somePig_buckeye@reddit

I use Libby and Hoopla. I have a small library, but it is part of the Ohio Digital Library.

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RollEmbarrassed6819@reddit

I use Libby. I also go to the library with my kids at least once a week.

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Studsmanly@reddit

yes

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eldritch-charms@reddit

I just go to the library and read books and chill, but I've always been a big reader.

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OK_Ingenue@reddit

Use my library card to check out electronic and audio books all the time. I don’t think I’ve been into a bricks and mortar library for at least a few years. We are so lucky that we can obtain books so easily. Everyone should do it. In my state, if you live in a small town you can get a library card affiliated with a large library.

I am someone who loves hanging out in bookstores or libraries but I rarely do that anymore.

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CharlesAvlnchGreen@reddit

Most libraries where I live have free wi-fi and computer access. I just found out my hometown library (in an affluent suburb) actually has sewing machines you can reserve in 2-hour slots!

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RoyalClient6610@reddit

Oh my gosh, I had no idea libraries had apps. seriously, I need to keep up

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Expensive_Ad2510@reddit

Yes, chances are your library has multiple digital resources. Also, you could be eligible for membership in more than one district. For example, the county library and city library for me. The county library has hoopla, the city doesn't, but the city library is physically closer.

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JulesChenier@reddit

I haven't used a library since my kids were young.

Any books I read, I tend to buy.

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kingjaffejaffar@reddit

I go to the library and occasionally check out books, cds, or movies. I don’t download audio books, but I do occasionally download mp3’s from their site.

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jessugar@reddit

I check out close to 30 physical children's books every week. I also check out grown up books and just recently downloaded my first Kindle library book.

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shaunamom@reddit

Use the library every couple of weeks, download from it periodically as well.

Our library here is actually an amazing resource for the community. I live in a desert, and all libraries here are official 'cooling down stations' where you can come in from the heat and they have free water and a place to sit down and cool down. It's hot enough people frequently suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke here, so it's a really good community support.

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oligarchyreps@reddit

I went to the library frequently when my kids were growing up. Now I use the app called "Libby". My local libraries are very nice and pretty active for families, reading groups and home schoolers.

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honorspren000@reddit

We live in a rich county with nice libraries, so we go to the library every two weeks. There’s a playground outside our favorite library, and I usually have the kids pick out books first and then play outside for a bit.

It’s something to do that’s not screen time.

Personally? I read a bunch ebooks through our library. It’s cheaper than buying them.

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ImLittleNana@reddit

A lot of people don’t realize some libraries have magazines and newspapers available. My home library doesn’t, but my kin-resident library has a tremendous selection.

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warneagle@reddit

I live a few train stops from the library of congress so I don’t even have a regular library card lol

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AardvarkIll6079@reddit

Use the library weekly. Have 2 kids and it’s a wonderful resource.

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cikanman@reddit

Absolutely i love te libby app.

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Icy_Huckleberry_8049@reddit

Yes, I use my library at the building and at home/online, as well.

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macoafi@reddit

I’ve used Libby.

I also go to the library regularly…for tango classes.

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jastay3@reddit

It's been ages since I have been to an actual library. I can just buy them from Amazon and I do not have much else to spend excess money on.

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brookish@reddit

Yep. The main way I read these days is

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ubiquitous-joe@reddit

Yeah. But sadly my library is no longer paying for Hoopla, which was the better comics resource. The audiobooks on Libby can be frustrating because you don’t have super long with them. And I happen to already pay for Spotify, which I discovered has a lot of audiobooks on premium.

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IsawitinCroc@reddit

Yes, I recently started using mine more often along with utilizing mangolanguges through my library card and a streaming service called kanopy. They even have films on DVD that aren't on most streaming services. Also going to join their chess club soon at one of their branches.

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FunDivertissement@reddit

I mostly use my library card by using the Libby app. In fact I don't really remember the last time I actually checked out a physical book.

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ArmOfBo@reddit

I use Libby all the time, almost daily. I'm dyslexic, but I like to read. I listen to audiobooks to and from work everyday and a good chunk on the weekend while doing chores. Buying books I'll only read once doesn't makes sense. We've been big fans if the library system since we first had kids. It's the best way to enjoy a book without cluttering the shelves at home.

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librarianhuddz@reddit

I'm a library director and 25 to 30% of our entire collection's use is ebooks and audiobooks.

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Baweberdo@reddit

I have cards to 3 separate library systems!

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TheExquisiteCorpse@reddit

Use the library, yes, all the time. Also love Kanopy, which is a free through the library. It limits how much you can watch but a ridiculously good selection of new releases and difficult to find movies. I find the audiobook and e-book stuff too annoying to deal with and don’t bother.

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21schmoe@reddit

My library has Hoopla. I've used it, yes.

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stangAce20@reddit

Haven't actually used a library in at least a decade!

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Peter_Murphey@reddit

I use Hoopla all the time.

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Fast-Penta@reddit

We take the kiddo to the library about once a week. I use Libby for audiobooks and Overdrive for eBooks, but they don't have everything, so I still have to go to the physical library for a book for myself a few times a year.

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azuth89@reddit

Yes

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Fast-Penta@reddit

Every wedding certificate should come with a pair of eBooks. They're great for people who share a bed.

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ommnian@reddit

My kindle went missing several weeks ago now during a big general cleaning. I suspect it was unintentionally thrown away. So, I'm reduced to reading on my phone. I hate it.b

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Darmok47@reddit

I do a lot of flying, and a Kindle is a godsend for traveling.

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shellevanczik@reddit

I love mine too! I have a whole library that I can carry around

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Willing-Book-4188@reddit

Yes I love my kindle for this exact reason

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yellowbubble7@reddit

I go to the library 5 or 6 days a week! I admittedly am a librarian...

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LoyalKopite@reddit

I would like to if I had regular 8 hr schedule but I have 16 hour schedule.

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murder-waffle@reddit

I read so much because of my library, mostly ebooks some analog. 10/10 would recommend your library

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k75ct@reddit

I only use free services from the library for my book and audio book needs. The library tells me it amounts to almost $5k worth of books.

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Aprils-Fool@reddit

I use Libby all the time.

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bananapanqueques@reddit

I have a card to the city library and the county library. 13/10 love libraries.

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Vesper2000@reddit

In California we can get library cards from any library system that takes state funds, so my husband and I have about 8 different library cards, which really opens up the Libby selection.

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Staszu13@reddit

I go but mostly to use Internet

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lisasimpsonfan@reddit

I use Libby for ebooks and audiobooks and hoopla and kanopy for movies. I have a local county card and a card from Cleveland too

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izlude7027@reddit

I use the app for some things, but I don't care for reading books on a screen or listening to audiobooks. I like to have an actual, tangible book in my hands.

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Shot-Artichoke-4106@reddit

I use the library all the time.

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Indotex@reddit

I go to my library.

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Ineffable7980x@reddit

I love my library. I get physical books there. I use Hoopla and Libby to borrow audio books. I go to their tri- annual booksales. I'm lucky to have an amazing local library.

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Jayu-Rider@reddit

I use the library almost daily. I am working on my Professional Doctorate. I need access to a lot of material, it would be cost prohibitive to buy it all.

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ommnian@reddit

I don't actually go to any library much anymore. (Though , we used to when our kids were little!!) But, I checkout books and magazines more or less constantly. Audiobooks occasionally, for long car trips.

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toootired2care@reddit

Yes! I go weekly for new books and movies and I use Libby for audio books.

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Postingatthismoment@reddit

Pretty much daily. Libby and Hoopla are my constant companions both to read books and listen to them.

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DachshundNursery@reddit

Yup, all the time! Books, streaming movies, music, cookbooks. I very rarely buy books. I just don't have the space. It helps that I am a librarian, so I've already drunk the koolaid.

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MaryOutside@reddit

One of us! One of us!

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wawa2022@reddit

I use Libby almost exclusively for books. I also frequent the libraries in my city (multiple branches) because they have wonderful free programs and exhibitions. The main library even has 3D printers for people and all the services to get a passport. Libraries are amazing. Make sure to vote for people who support public funding for libraries (we don’t want some billionaire to decide what books to keep or what services to provide).

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TinySparklyThings@reddit

All the time! I read 60+ books a year, and the majority are loans from the library. Recently it's mostly audiobooks from Libby.

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xiaomayzeee@reddit

I don’t go to the library as often as I used to; if there’s a book that I want that is available I’ll go. But for books that aren’t available and may not be available through Interlibrary Loans, I’ll use the Libby app instead.

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isaac32767@reddit

Libby/Overdrive accounts for about 3/4 of my reading these days. But there are still a lot of books I want to read that are only available in physical form. Science Fiction from smaller publishers is probably the biggest example. A lot of history books too, especially those published more than 10 years ago.

And some older books have ebook editions, but the conversion from print is often botched. Bad OCR is no longer common, but you still see things like missing section breaks. Can be very confusing. Sometimes (not too often) the Libby version is so bad, I have to resort to the print version.

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WatermelonMachete43@reddit

Yes!

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FormCheck655321@reddit

Library still has a lot of hard copy books not available as ebooks or audiobooks.

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Total-Buffalo-4334@reddit

Yes! I use my library frequently. I'm there maybe once a week? I go thru periods where I read a lot of ebooks and use Libby a lot, then other times I'm on paper books. It has to do w the intersection of My Mood & What's Available. For instance, I'm on a poetry kick rn & my Libby doesn't have a lot of poetry ebooks. But when I was in a 80s/90s horror mood, I got a lot of traction w the Libby app.

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Mission-Coyote4457@reddit

yes, libraries are awesome

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LineRex@reddit

We tried but the app used by my library suck. I stopped trying, which is probably good since it takes me a few months to read a 200 page book or listen to an audio book, not fair for me to have them checked out for that long when others are much, much faster.

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wcage@reddit

Yep. Libby rocks.

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Individualchaotin@reddit

I go to the library to read and write in books I own and brought with me.

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_S1syphus@reddit

I've had 2 library cards in my life. Both times I check out a single book, forget to return it in time and never go back out of embarrassment. Im about to move cities so we'll see if I go for a 3rd

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SnowblindAlbino@reddit

We go to the public library in person maybe a few times a year, and that is always for events. But we use the e-library basically every single day.

That said, I'm a professor and have a full academic library nearby, which I also go to several times a week.

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2PlasticLobsters@reddit

I used to go to the library for DVDs. We have a limited data plan, and liked those to keep our useage down. The branch where we live now doesn't have much of a selection, though. I also went to library branches for their wifi, when I needed to do large downloads or uploads.

Mostly I use either Libby or Kanopy, though. Our current short-term rental includes unlimited data, so that's not an issue at the moment.

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baddspellar@reddit

I do both.

As a Massachusetts resident, I was also able to get a Boston Public Library card. Also, a neighboring town is in a different library system than my town, and they allow residents of other towns in MA to get cards. So, in total I have 3 library cards that I use regularly.

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BranchBarkLeaf@reddit

Yes, frequently

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PhasmaUrbomach@reddit

I use Libby and through it, I have access to multiple libraries in my state.

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soapdonkey@reddit

I read so much that I started buying used books in eBay, then I realized that even at 5 to ten bucks a book I was spending 35 bucks a month on books. So I got a library card, they have an app that I can request books be put aside for me and I just get them when they’re ready. I wish goodreads had a link to the local library system so I could just order them from that site.

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Personality_Ecstatic@reddit

I love my local library and go and use it as often as I can!

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CupBeEmpty@reddit

Libby and another app. My kiddo loves it and I get stuff for free. I have an audible account and drive a lot for work so it is great for audio because I run out of audible credits.

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hedwig0517@reddit

Yes I have four library cards for digital books and audio books. And I take my kids locally regularly to the different classes and events. Libraries are priceless.

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CubedMeatAtrocity@reddit

I use Libby and also go to the library. They offer so much more than books.

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Livvylove@reddit

I have Libby but they don't really have many books I want to read but their magazine selection is great

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rolyfuckingdiscopoly@reddit

I work at a library. They are such a good thing. Just honestly if we could just divert some of the funds from war into library, that would be so good.

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Cynicalsonya@reddit

I love my local library. I visit weekly, borrow books or games. I'm less tech savvy, so I don't use online stuff like libby, but I probably should figure it out. My library has tons of nice community events for various ages. My kiddo has made many friends at their after-hours teen hangout night. I've made friends in their board game evenings. There's crafting and sewing classes. They have programs to walk people through the FAFSA too.

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smurfe@reddit

I do all that as well as read magazines I no longer have to subscribe to.

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editorgrrl@reddit

I love r/LibbyApp, and when I’m older I’ll be able to make the text bigger on almost any ebook I want. (My grandmother was restricted to whatever large print books we could bring her.)

I still go to the library—to work on my laptop or use their makerspace. Last week, I learned to use the laser cutter.

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Chogihoe@reddit

Some will also get books shipped from other libraries so you can read them. Sometimes they have sections where you can work on projects in Photoshop & etc on their PCs. My local library even has a dedicated creators space with crafting essentials and a crochet group once a week 🥰

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stemandall@reddit

I use the library often, though mostly for print books. I prefer hard copies.

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MeanderFlanders@reddit

I go about 2x a month. A quit place to work and read the local newspaper. I still like the feel of a real book so I check one out to read every now and then.

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LindsE8@reddit

I’m at my library probably every 10 days, exchanging books for my kids or me

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Lahmmom@reddit

I have young kids so I go to the library at least once a week, frequently more often. We usually check out 20ish books at a time for them. I check out my own reading on Libby because I like listening to audiobooks while I do stuff. If I try to read a book (physical or audio) I tend to get sucked in and ignore parts of my life (aka my kids).

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FunkyRiffRaff@reddit

I have not been inside a library in years but I do use Libby.

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WhatIsMyPasswordFam@reddit

I've done a couple times, but I like physical books more.

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realmozzarella22@reddit

Check your local library website. Our library has Libby and Kanopy for media. Lots of other services like learning about software applications.

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SuLiaodai@reddit

I live outside the US, so my old library cards have been a godsend! Otherwise, I wouldn't have access to English-language books/audiobooks. I have both Overdrive (which I guess I'll have to change to Libby soon) and Hoopla.

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toodleroo@reddit

I primarily use my library card to access the library's online newspaper archives, car repair manuals, etc. I occasionally go to the library to search their historic archives.

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_Smedette_@reddit

I go to my local library (here in Melbourne, AUS) weekly. I still have an active library card in my hometown (Portland, OR) and will use it on Libby since most books are released in the US before Australia.

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Curious_Ad_3614@reddit

I'm in the library a couple times a week as a voracious reader. Both books and Kindle. Deaf, so not Audble ofc

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Footnotegirl1@reddit

*raises hand*

I mean, I'm a bit of a plant because I am an actual librarian. But nonetheless, I visit the library, I check out both print and ebooks, I use the online resources, etc.

People! Go to your library!

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wisemonkey101@reddit

I do. I love my library and they made it even easier with audio and ebooks. I also reserve books online and pickup in the library. Did not know about streaming options but I don’t watch much tv.

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NickCharlesYT@reddit

No because our library sucks and 90% of the digital titles have maxed out wait lists so you can't even borrow anything remotely good. Not to mention the selection is awful.

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ConcreteCrotch_Kiss@reddit

Yes!! And I love it so so much!! Frankly I went back to the library when I was down on luck financially but it’s been such a gift to me in different ways. Support your local library!!

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SAGNUTZ@reddit

I KEEP MEANING TO! But i work night shift and keep forgetting! I should be ashamed because at some point the fucking CHUDS are going to try taking that away from us too

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midnighteyesx@reddit

Yes I use Libby for audiobooks because it’s better than Audible for what I need. I am not interested in spending $16 to get one credit to literally buy one audiobook a month. I want to listen to it, return it, and get another one just like kindle unlimited. What if I don’t like it? What if I like it but just don’t have any interest in committing 15 hrs to listening to it again? Welp I have it forever now. Libby is borrow and return. Simple.

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baasheepgreat@reddit

Yes, always. Rule for myself is if it’s available at the library, I will get it there instead of purchasing. Some people in the US tragically don’t have access to libraries tho

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weirdoldhobo1978@reddit

My library participates in Hoopla, which I used fairly regularly to read or stream movies. The TV selection isn't that great.

I do have a small library in my town but the selection isn't that great, but technically we're part of a larger municipality so we have access to a lot more through the app.

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Plow_King@reddit

i use the library often. i only get books, and i prefer physical books to e-readers or whatever.

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JackFrostsKid@reddit

I physically go to the library every Wednesday to hang out, but I mostly check books out on Libby since I’m blind and they have more audio books.

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hurray4dolphins@reddit

I go to the library and I use Libby.

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Hotsauce4ever@reddit

ALL the time! Libraries are treasures and reflects socialism at its very best.

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myshellly@reddit

I use the library all the time. Our library is awesome. In addition to books, we can check out games, puzzles, all kinds of activity kits for kids, microscopes, instruments, sewing machines, carpet cleaners, all kinds of stuff.

And they have amazing free activities like candle making and painting. They have study rooms and meeting spaces.

I love the library!

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Nyxelestia@reddit

Yup! I use my app all the time, mostly e-books because I'm too impatient to wait for the physical books to get my local branch for me to pick-up. 😅

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Joel_feila@reddit

I do. Its my first stop for audio books

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Saltpork545@reddit

Yes. I moved to a rural county with rural fiber this past year and in doing so my county's library is not great but they do have access to good audiobook rentals and I use it quite a bit since now driving to the nearest town is 30 minutes and the nearest place where I can really grocery shop and pick up supplies is about an hour each way.

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messibessi22@reddit

I don’t think I’ve been to a library since covid hit… I moved to a different county but I’m still using my old library card to check out books on the app

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arbitraryupvoteforu@reddit

When you love to read but detest clutter, the library is everything. I haven't purchased a book in 45 years.

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infinitetbr@reddit

I use Libby daily. There's a few libraries in the US you can get library cards at as a non resident, so I add those as well. Between reading and listening, it's fantastic. And free!

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Brilliant-Mess-9870@reddit

Yes. I regularly checks books out of my local library as well as use Libby to check out audiobooks and ebooks.

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GF_baker_2024@reddit

Yeah, we're really fortunate. Our Detroit suburb has two nice library buildings and belongs to the Library Network, which links almost all of the community libraries in SE Michigan. I can use my card at those other libraries, or put books or DVDs on hold from any library in the network and have them sent to the branch a mile from my house. Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy are also nice perks.

The nonprofit that I volunteer with had also held meetings and candidate forums in the community rooms at our main library building, free of charge, and the librarians host all kinds of community events.

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Wartz@reddit

Constantly.

Might be my number one source of literature and entertainment

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flora_poste_@reddit

I used to check out stacks of books from the library, but then I worked behind the scenes and witnessed bedbugs in returned library materials. For me, that was the end of borrowing physical items from the library. Now it's ebooks, Kanopy, and Hoopla for me exclusively. I don't care for audiobooks; I prefer to read text.

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baalroo@reddit

If I want to consume media for free that I don't have access to from a subscription service, I just pirate it. Same difference as the library.

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TrulyKristan@reddit

Love the library. Our library just got a huge renovation so now it is totally up to date and beautiful!

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huhwhat90@reddit

Yes, I've used Libby, Hoopla and Kanopy quite a bit.

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Red_Beard_Rising@reddit

One apartment I had back when I was broke had a library down the block. Reading was my only entertainment for a couple of years because it cost nothing. Not much anymore.

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Radiant_Radius@reddit

I try to, but the books I want are always waitlisted and I have no patience for that, so I just buy them instead.

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dumbandconcerned@reddit

Every day. I've always got books checked out on Libby. I also like going to the library to study, and checking out physical books as well.

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Whatever-ItsFine@reddit

Love the library

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Live_Barracuda1113@reddit

I use it all the time! My kids love the library, and I love reading and audiobooks! Such an amazing resource

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MontEcola@reddit

I used to get books and books on CD for the car. Now I use the Libby app to listen to books in the car, and while doing yard work. I still get paper copies of books I want to read on my own. I average about 5 novels per month combined.

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raexlouise13@reddit

I have five library cards that I use with either Libby or Hoopla.

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nomuggle@reddit

I don’t think I’ve stepped foot in my physical library since pre-Covid. I use Libby constantly. I did go to a different library in my library system to get a museum pass once, but that’s it for the last like 5 years.

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Down_To_My_Last_Fuck@reddit

Yeah, we still go to the library too, though. A lot of other stuff going on there usually. They have art and other furnishing type things you can check out. Sometimes musical instruments. Lots of fun to go.

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ArrivesWithaBeverage@reddit

I use Libby. It saves me $ on late fines from forgetting to return physical books.

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anneofgraygardens@reddit

yes, i use Libby all the time! it's fantastic.

I use Kanopy and Hoopla occasionally too, but not as often.

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AilanthusHydra@reddit

I heavily use Libby for audiobooks and ebooks, and visit the physical library once a week or so.

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Temporary_Linguist@reddit

My library card is only used for audiobooks on Libby or Hoopla.

And the library itself... I went there to vote and for remote work one day when my home internet was down. That's about it.

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Jade_Pothos@reddit

Definitely. I’ve listened to almost 100 audiobooks via Libby so far this year. And I just started using Kanopy which is also free with my library card.

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mrsrobotic@reddit

We have an amazing library system that I missed so much when I was overseas. My family uses it extensively. We like to borrow hard copy books mostly, but we also download books on Libby. They also sell used books for super cheap. They also host a TON of events across the lifespan. I've taken my kid regularly since infancy. There is everything from storytime to holiday crafts to foreign language clubs to chess to financial literacy to writing workshops for adults to summer camps. Today I was able to my kid to meet one of her favorite authors (and internationally renowned kids author) hosted at a different branch in our library system.

Fucking love my American public library!

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CalmRip@reddit

I use Libby frequently, and it's my exclusive library access. The nearest branch library is 35 miles away with a good bit of winding county roads in between. Besides, I can check out books at 10:30 PM when the urge for something new to read hits me.

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_ML_78@reddit

We go to the library a couple times a month. I sometimes run there more to print stuff if I have to print in mass for work (I wfh and sometimes have large printing needs spring up and it’s a quicker option). It’s just like 5 minutes from my house and it’s such a nice library. My 10 year old loves it there.

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Strange-Goat3787@reddit

I use the library for physical books.

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sorakirei@reddit

I regularly get physical items from my local library. I have never borrowed digital items. I don't enjoy using an ebook device, though I completely acknowledge that digital materials are great for many people.

My main reason to completely avoid e-materials is saving the library money. Publishers are essentially leasing digital material to libraries. When a time window or number of checkouts is met, the library must pay to keep the title available or lose access entirely. The cost of ebooks is way more than buying a physical book and the library can't own a digital title.

I do want authors to get paid for their work, but the current model is unsustainable.

An article about pricing... https://apnews.com/article/libraries-ebooks-publishers-expensive-laws-5d494dbaee0961eea7eaac384b9f75d2

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pwlife@reddit

I go almost weekly but I have 2 kids that read a lot. We're always picking up new books or going to the read to a dog day etc... I myself usually just download onto libby and my library grants you access to the Rosetta stone app. I brushed up on some French before a vacation.

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dararie@reddit

I use Libby and Kindle books. I’m also a librarian, I prefer to read physical books but I read so much that it’s not possible to what I want to read as a physical book

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Neumanium@reddit

I have a kindle and use Libby. Cool Kindle Hack with steps to make it happen. Does require extra steps and an Amazon account.

Put your kindle in airplane mode, kindle has to be activated on Amazon
Check out ebooks thru libby and select kindle format
Log onto the Amazon Webpage and go to Digital Content -> Kindle E-Reader & Books -> Manage Content & Devices. Then find the library ebook you just checked out in your books. From the more options menu select download and transfer by USB.
Copy the downloaded Book by USB to the documents folder on your kindle.
Read the book whenever you want it never expires. Note if turn off airplane mode and connect to wireless all your library books be deleted if the loan has expired.

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hydrated_purple@reddit

I use the heck out of Libby. I do go to the library sometimes. It's great for a meeting place to buy and sell stuff.

I love the library though. Last free indoor space that you can just be a human and not have to pay.

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brilliantpants@reddit

I get e-books with my library membership, it’s great!

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beansandneedles@reddit

Yes! I love the library! I have a dog who likes to eat books so I borrow ebooks when possible, but sometimes I do borrow physical books.

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yahgmail@reddit

Yup but I'm also a librarian.

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Mountain-Tea3564@reddit

I have my library card in my wallet. Sometimes I check out books. Most of the time I just go there because I need a quiet area to study.

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SumFagola@reddit

I'm a loser that torrents books.

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taniamorse85@reddit

I haven't been to the library in about a year and a half. I used to got about once every 2 months. But last year, my medical issues escalated severely, and it's quite hard for me to concentrate on reading for very long. I love to read, so that really sucks.

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scaredofmyownshadow@reddit

I use both Hoopla and Libby to download books. I also volunteer at my local library for a few hours once a week, so I know that a lot of people visit, at least on Mondays when I’m there. I live in a smallish town but the library offers a lot of cool activities and groups for all ages throughout the week / month and those are popular. The library also offers all types of services including a 3D printer so people come to use those. It has really cool teen room where only teenagers can enter, so a lot of teenagers come in after school (the high school is within walking distance) to do homework and hang out. There are also older adults and families with young kids that come in every week to check out new books and return the previous week’s books.

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flying_wrenches@reddit

I downloaded all my books onto my Mac from the government website for them.. faa handbooks for maintenance on the faa website..

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Folksma@reddit

Honestly, no. I know that it all exists, but with working 2 jobs/going to school full time I don't really read for fun anymore :/ and uh...I find my movies and tv shows...the old fashioned way.

Growing up in homeless, I practically lived at the library since it was free and safe. And since we didn't have cable or internet, the only access to media I really had was what the library had. But idk, I just don't really go there anymore now

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Athrynne@reddit

Heck I watch movies thanks to my library card (Kanopy.)

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kategoad@reddit

Yep. Libby. My library also has a library of things. I checked out a ukulele. It was amazing.

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Gladyskravitz99@reddit

I used to love the library, but I've spent (approximately) the last five years rereading books I already have, so I haven't been at all. And I was going less and less even in the decade before that, because so much of the supplemental/informative/serendipitous reading that used to lure me there a couple times a week can now be found online.

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shelwood46@reddit

I love Hoopla, never a waiting list for books BUT I hate that I can't use it with my Paperwhite, only a tablet/phone (or laptop if I was desperate, I guess). I also like that my library has Kanopy, which has some cool movies/shows I can watch on my tv since it works with Roku easily. Libby is fine but the waiting list for most books is eons.

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Foreign_Wind9163@reddit

I have three library cards that I use for Libby, but I live within a 15 minutes bike ride from my library and I go once a week. It’s usually fairly crowded, especially now that school is back in session. But I use it for everything—streaming, cds, books, movies, equipment, pasta making machines…truly adore my library.

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Carrotcake1988@reddit

My local library has much more for check out than media.

I can get tickets to local attractions. Sea World, Six Flags, etc.

I can check out hobby stuff. Baking supplies, wood working supplies; etc

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DOMSdeluise@reddit

Yeah I love the local library

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Mouse-Direct@reddit

I use my metropolitan library and my university library (if faculty/staff request loans the library staff brings the book to our office! I feel rich) as well as the Libby app.

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Odd-Help-4293@reddit

I go the library at least once a month. I occasionally use the Libby app but prefer "real" books and browsing there. It's also a good place to print stuff if you don't have a printer at home.

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Nuttonbutton@reddit

My library has a 3D printing lab. It's cool af. I love my library and visit 1-2x a month

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EvaisAchu@reddit

I use libby often. Not so much the physical library. I buy books the majority of the time anyway, since I like to mark them up.

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AnnaBaptist79@reddit

I used to be a librarian, so yes, I use the library a lot. Lol I download library books and movies, but not audiobooks. Audiobooks are available, but I don't get them, because I prefer reading the books. Ironically, I have been an audiobook narrator

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irelace@reddit

I go to the library all of the time and check out physical books, or bring my baby to the social events. I do also use the app to listen to audiobooks.

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AtheneSchmidt@reddit

All the time. I'm in the Denver Metro area and have 6 library systems set up on Libby, Hoopla is on my TV, and I live close to a mile from my local branch, so I'm there often, too.

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Ristrettooo@reddit

Yes! I read a lot, so I basically always have an audiobook on Libby as well as a physical library book. I’m lucky to have access to good libraries that have the books I want to read. I have 3 library cards and two of them are 15 minutes away.

Tip for my fellow Virginians, the Virginia Beach library lets anyone in the state sign up for a virtual card totally online and they have a lot of stuff on Libby!

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cirena@reddit

I love the Libby app. And I recently found out that our library district does so much more than books! They offer Spanish classes, English class and chatting groups, kids' programs, lectures, and more.

Also free access to things like Ancestry.com, Rosetta Stone, research databases for almost everything, and a ton of other stuff that you don't even think about!

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