Being able to access digital library resources like eBooks and audiobooks can be incredibly useful. However, many people don’t have a traditional library card, which can make it difficult to take advantage of these offerings. Fortunately, several libraries offer digital library cards, or “ecards,” that allow you to use the Libby app to borrow eBooks and audiobooks for free.
Free Books? But How?
Libby is an app that acts as a portal to a variety of digital resources from public libraries. Each library provides a unique catalog that may include e-books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and even television shows and movies. Possessing multiple library cards can grant you access to a broader selection of titles. The borrowing process mirrors that of a traditional library: you check out a book for a predetermined period, typically around two weeks, and return it upon completion. Availability is not unlimited; therefore, you might need to place a hold on a popular title and wait for your turn to borrow it. Show learn more suggestions
No Library Card? No Problem.
Getting a digital library card is the key to accessing Libby without a physical library card is to obtain a digital library card, or “ecard,” from one of the many libraries that offer this service. Many libraries require the location or address you provide during signup to be local to their library, so take careful note of which library you are attempting to join and the address you are providing.
In some cases, you may need to provide a validated mailing address. The USPS zip code search page can validate an address. Just enter the address, and search, and it will return the valid version.
Libraries That Offer Digital Cards
- Southern California Digital Library: This library system serves residents of Southern California and offers a simple online registration process for their digital card.
- LA County Library: LA County Library: Residents of Los Angeles County can sign up for a digital card through the LA County Library’s website.
- Los Angeles Public Library: The city of Los Angeles has its own public library system, and they offer a digital card option for those who don’t have a physical card.
- Harris County Public Library: Located in Texas, Harris County Public Library provides digital cards to residents of the county.
- Okanagan Regional Library: This library system in British Columbia, Canada, offers digital cards to users in the region.
- Chicago Public Library: The iconic Chicago Public Library system allows non-residents to sign up for a digital card.
- San Jose Public Library: Residents of San Jose, California, can obtain a digital card from the San Jose Public Library.
- Broward County Library: Serving the communities of Broward County, Florida, this library system offers digital cards.
- Oakland Public Library: In Oakland, California, residents can access the library’s digital resources with an e-card.
- New York Public Library: The renowned NYPL provides digital cards to those who don’t have a physical library card.
- Santa Clara County Library District: Residents of Santa Clara County, California, can sign up for a digital card through this library system.
This is not a complete list, many libraries will offer a digital or e-card. The libraries listed above are known to be easy to work with when trying to get a new card. I highly suggest doing your own research to find libraries that may work for your situation.
Books Unbanned
In addition to the libraries listed above, the Brooklyn Public Library has a unique initiative called “Books Unbanned” that provides digital cards to teenagers nationwide, regardless of their location. This initiative aims to defend and expand the freedom to read, offering young people access to a wide range of digital resources.
Additional Libraries Participating in Books Unbanned
- Seattle Public Library:
- Requirements: Ages 13-26 living anywhere in the U.S.
- Access: SPL’s entire collection of e-books and audiobooks
- San Diego Public Library
- Requirements: Ages 12-26 living anywhere in the U.S.
- Access: SDPL’s collection of banned or restricted e-books and audiobooks.
- Los Angeles County Library
- Requirements: Ages 13–18 living in California.
Access: Allows teens to borrow up to 5 digital titles at a time and is good for one year.
- Requirements: Ages 13–18 living in California.
- Boston Public Library
- Requirements: Ages 13-26 living anywhere in the U.S.
- Access: BPL’s collection of frequently challenged and banned eBooks and eAudiobooks.