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?

  • Norah - She/TheyEnglish
    7·
    10 months ago

    Yes! I have 6 library cards myself and love them for the online access you can get these days. I have National Library of Australia and State Library of Victoria cards, as well as a few regional and metro library systems.

    You could give the NLA a go. It has a resident or visitor to Aus requirement, but you don’t need ID. If you figured out an Aussie address and postcode you should be good to go.

    https://www.nla.gov.au/getting-started/join-us

    • commie@lemmy.dbzer0.comOPEnglish
      2·
      10 months ago

      i mean… i see how the us treats julian assange and kimdotcom… i’d hate to get caught infiltrating the australian government’s computer systems under false pretenses. if i ever get over the equator tho, i’ll be sure to check it out in person.

      • Norah - She/TheyEnglish
        2·
        10 months ago

        Yeah, you really should worry about Five Eyes. There’s a huge CIA installation in the Aussie outback called Pine Gap.

        …But I don’t think they’ll abduct you to a black site over a fake library card.