As the cost of living around Sydney continues to rise, we thought it would be a great time to remind you of the great value you can get out of your library membership. Aside from borrowing old and new books, did you know a library membership could get you access to thousands of magazines and newspapers? Or that you could attend enriching workshops, talks and events for free? You may think everything is readily available online but there are still a few things 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 if you live in NSW.
1. Read popular magazines and newspapers
Maybe books are not your thing but did you know you could also get your hands on thousands of magazines and newspapers at the library? We’re talking current and past editions of titles like Rolling Stones and GQ and more local and regional publications from more than 100 countries in over 60 languages.
2. Join a book club
What’s the only thing better than reading a fresh, new book? Chatting about it with other book lovers. You can access several book clubs to suit your taste and your schedule with a library card. And if you’re just getting started with books, this is a great way to stay accountable and foster connections with like-minded people.
3. Learn another language
Learning a new language is an excellent way to develop critical thinking while overcoming cultural barriers and connecting with people on a deeper level. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to be able to do this. Sydney libraries provide access to interactive online learning courses with over 70 languages on offer. You can also borrow language kits including books and CDs and learn at your own pace.
4. Get free wifi for work and study
Got a big exam coming up? Need a break from working from home? Head to the library for a change of pace. All libraries offer free wifi and most don’t even need a login or password.
5. Stream and download songs, movies and ebooks
If you’re 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 over 40,000 labels with a library membership. And you don’t even need a software. Plus, find ebooks and movies at your local libraries that you can download and watch or read at leisure.
6. Future-proof your career by learning a new skill
Next time you spend money online in the hopes that it will help advance your career, head down to the library and access over 16,000 micro and in-depth courses for free from LinkedIn Learning. Topics ranging from soft skill development to software and technology are covered in these courses.
7. Get access to free software
Knowing how to use 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 access to one of these software for no cost at all.
8. Check out a free event
Libraries regularly host talks, workshops, comedy events and more and they’re often completely free of cost. Sometimes authors, actors, or other public figures visit as well. Check out the upcoming events here.
9. Borrow toys for free
Instead of buying heaps of toys and cluttering your home, head down to the library and get your hands on more than 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 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.