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Maybe OffTopic: Library Cards GOTTA CATCH EM ALL (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm aware that this community is not usually happy with the content that's available above-board for-free under-restriction. For instance, free with subscription, or free with ads.

But I have found myself obsessed with library cards recently.

Libraries grant access to pretty expansive collections even online: movies, tv, music, and ebooks are just the beginning. Genealogical resources, vehicle repair manuals, business contact databases, academic journals, and periodicals. One of my libraries granted me access to Udemy Business through Gale. I honestly can't detail every database/collection/resource i've found available through the 4 libraries who have granted me useful access.

But I seem to have hit a wall. The New York Public Library says "visitors" may get a "temporary" card, but the number they gave me expired after 2 weeks and didnt get me access to any of their online offerings anyway.

Paris says they'll happily issue me a card. All I need to do is fill out the form (in french?!) and show up in person with photo ID. /s

Surely, I'm not the only one who has decided to try to collect library cards like pokemon cards. I imagine there are philanthropic libraries or national libraries or something that I just don't know how to look up. I'm looking for any library that will issue me a card regardless of residency, but for reference I am in the US if that's the only residency requirement. Anyone got tips?

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[–] [email protected] 16 points 8 months ago (1 children)

You might have trouble getting free unrestricted library cards if you don’t live in the area that the library serves. They are usually paid for with taxes and aren’t there to serve people outside their community.

If you’re willing to pay for it, I know that the Ottawa Public Library in Canada offers membership for $90/year to people living outside Ottawa. You may find something similar at other libraries.

The Libraries and Archives of Canada will issue a card too, but you have to visit the archives in person and have a reason you are using the archives and not another library.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

You might have trouble getting free unrestricted library cards if you don’t live in the area that the library serves. They are usually paid for with taxes and aren’t there to serve people outside their community.

yea. i realize this. but as i said, my inclination is that there is some philanthropic and national libraries that i just don't know about that fit the bill.

edit:

i also got cards from my local library system, and the two major cities in my state. there's a minor city, too that gave me one. so i have a pretty good stack, but they are all from my state.