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?
Sorry to hear that. I live in the road and have had smaller libraries offer cards to me after getting several temporary passes. I think they like inflating their usage stats to help with funding so maybe they sometimes bend the rules. I might try and push the limits. It sounds like a fun quest.
i have to say, as i look around for libraries/library systems that offer what i want and i think about, for instance, the netflix or disney+ or whatever fees… libraries are dirt cheap even if i end up shelling out a couple bucks. netflix is what, 25 bucks a month now? that’s $300/year. i could get access to some pretty awesome libraries for that.
There is always the pirate life for those too. I have seen some small libraries with 3d printers and vr setups that seem to go somewhat unused. Those interest me.
I really love the idea of collecting library cards. I was collecting casino cards for a while but this sounds much more fun.
You are not logged in. However you can subscribe from another Fediverse account, for example Lemmy or Mastodon. To do this, paste the following into the search field of your instance: !piracy@lemmy.dbzer0.com
⚓ Dedicated to the discussion of digital piracy, including ethical problems and legal advancements.
I got one online from the Houston Library some time ago.
thanks! looks like they charge $40/y for nonresidents now
Sorry to hear that. I live in the road and have had smaller libraries offer cards to me after getting several temporary passes. I think they like inflating their usage stats to help with funding so maybe they sometimes bend the rules. I might try and push the limits. It sounds like a fun quest.
i have to say, as i look around for libraries/library systems that offer what i want and i think about, for instance, the netflix or disney+ or whatever fees… libraries are dirt cheap even if i end up shelling out a couple bucks. netflix is what, 25 bucks a month now? that’s $300/year. i could get access to some pretty awesome libraries for that.
There is always the pirate life for those too. I have seen some small libraries with 3d printers and vr setups that seem to go somewhat unused. Those interest me.
I really love the idea of collecting library cards. I was collecting casino cards for a while but this sounds much more fun.