As the cost of living around Sydney continues to rise, it’s a great time to remind you of the incredible value you can get out of your library membership. Beyond borrowing old and new books, did you know your library card also gives you access to thousands of magazines and newspapers? Or that you can attend enriching workshops, talks, and events for free? While much is readily available online, there are still some resources that are only accessible to librarygoers. Here’s a curated list of things that are completely free with a Sydney library membership card and how to get one. P.S. Membership is free for NSW residents.
1. Read popular magazines and newspapers
Not much of a reader? No worries! With a library membership in Sydney, you can also get your hands on thousands of magazines and newspapers. This includes current and past editions of titles like Rolling Stones and GQ along with local and regional publications from over 100 countries in more than 60 languages.
2. Join a book club
What’s the only thing better than reading a fresh, new book? Talking about it with other book lovers! With a library membership, you can access several book clubs that suit your taste and schedule. And if you’re just starting out with reading, this is a great way to stay motivated and build connections with like-minded people.
3. Learn another language
Learning a new language is a great way to boost critical thinking, break down cultural barriers, and connect more deeply with people. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to be able to do this. Sydney libraries provide access to interactive online learning courses in over 70 languages. You can also borrow language kits including books and CDs, to learn at your own pace.
4. Get free wifi for work and study
Got a big exam coming up or need a break from working from home? Head to your local library for a change of pace. All libraries offer free wifi and most don’t even require a login or password.
5. Stream and download songs, movies and ebooks
Tired of paying for Spotify and Apple Music? You’ll be glad to know that you can download and stream over 15 million songs from more than 40,000 labels with a library membership, no software needed. Plus, you can find ebooks and movies at your local libraries, ready to download, watch, and enjoy at your leisure.
6. Future-proof your career by learning a new skill
Before spending money online on career-advancement courses, head to the library and access over 16,000 micro and in-depth courses for free through LinkedIn Learning. Topics ranging from soft skill development to software and technology are covered in these courses to help boost your career.
7. Get access to free software
Mastering software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premier Pro is an important skill that can give you an edge at work and beyond, but they often come at a hefty price. Save your money and head to the library next time you need to access these tools, for no cost at all.
8. Check out a free event
Libraries frequently host talks, workshops, comedy events, and more, often completely free of cost. You might even catch authors, actors, or other public figures visiting. Check out the upcoming events here.
9. Borrow toys for free
Instead of buying heaps of toys and cluttering your home, visit the library and borrow from over 200 toys and puzzles that are available for loan. Get more information about toy collection here.
10. Avail printing and scanning services
Most libraries offer printing and scanning services so if you don’t have one at home, you can access the service for free at your local library. Non-member fees usually apply so bring your library card along.
You can also get creative with robotics and learn how to control a robotic ball, play games, and more with a library membership.
How to join a City of Sydney library
With all these benefits, it would only be wise to sort out your library membership asap. Luckily, the process is fairly straightforward. You’ll need to create a City of Sydney account, go to the library’s online catalogue and click join. Once the account is created, select Join the Library and fill out the library membership form to complete. Learn more about the City of Sydney libraries here.
Get more information here.