Library access?

[Bster13]

Of course a library is a nice public place to cool down, relax, check your email, surf the web, read, etc., but my local library requires a library card.  To obtain that, you need proof you live in town (utility bill, driver's license, etc.).....

As you guys travel around the country, how do you access what a library has to offer in each little town?  Do you have a million library cards?  Is my library that much more restrictive than others?

Thanks!

 

[Almost There]

Of course a library is a nice public place to cool down, relax, check your email, surf the web, read, etc., but my local library requires a library card.  To obtain that, you need proof you live in town (utility bill, driver's license, etc.).....

As you guys travel around the country, how do you access what a library has to offer in each little town?  Do you have a million library cards?  Is my library that much more restrictive than others?

Thanks!

I've never been turned down for using a library anywhere in North America as a visitor. Some libraries have a passcode on their internet service, some don't. Some I have to sit inside to access it, some work from the parking lot.

Of course I don't try to borrow books from them, just use their internet, get copying done, etc.

Ask your local library what they do about visitors. I'd lay odds that they welcome them with open arms, just won't loan them books...

For reading material, I have a local library card and use that number and internet to access my regional group of libraries on line supply of reading. I download it through my laptop on to my Sony E-Reader. My library system allows me up to 10 books at a time with a borrowing period of either 7 or 14 days. I can also put up to 10 books on hold that I want to read. When it's my turn I get an email and go and borrow the book. Audiobooks and movies are also available but I never bother with them.

 

[eDJ_]

Public Libraries have some strange policies.  Then if you ever attend a "Library Board" meeting you will experience some strange characters too.

I live where three states come together and hold Library Cards to each of the adjoining counties as well
as Ohio's Capital City Library system.  

I just recently discovered the Library across the Ohio River from me will give some of the other counties
in West Virginia cards to their system...while they won't reciprocate.   :huh: 

Many of the Libraries will accept your drivers license if you want to use the computers and check your email etc. (if you aren't from the state)    When I was in New Orleans they were kind enough to accept my Ohio Drivers License in their Libraries. 

With so many Libraries now going "Paperless" where the Library Website has links to data bases from those like  Zinio, Ancestery com,  Mango,  Ebsco,  Overdrive, Tutor, Newspapers online, eCourses, and many more services
you can use to via the internet. You wouldn't be borrowing books, but you could use the online services.

It's a shame that here isn't some kind of national Library Card for using the Library Websites only as a limited
patron.

At one time I believe a patron could log into the Columbus, Ohio Public Library and link out into Cleveland, Ohio's system to use website resources.  People were using it for Rosetta Stone that they had online.
I believe the economy of the early 2000's put an end to that however.

 

[Wanderer]

Of course a library is a nice public place to cool down, relax, check your email, surf the web, read, etc., but my local library requires a library card.  To obtain that, you need proof you live in town (utility bill, driver's license, etc.).....

As you guys travel around the country, how do you access what a library has to offer in each little town?  Do you have a million library cards?  Is my library that much more restrictive than others?

Thanks!

I attend the Vancouver, Public Library located at 136th Ave. There's no pass code, nor need of a card to access the internet.

I have never been asked for a card or any sort of ID to gain access to the net.

I even asked a library in Tualitin, OR if I needed any special ID to use their net and with my own computer. They said "Bring it and enjoy the surfing"...No card needed.

Now, thinking rather quickly I DO need one if I access THEIR computers, not mine or the "Wifi" it's just an issue if I have broken the most recent computer purchase.

 

[VegasVanGuy]

It's nice that most libraries offer ebooks. You can get them regardless of where you are as long as your account is active. There are plenty of places with free AC, seating, and wifi. I have also used kindle unlimited in the past. Plenty of reading options. Most US libraries use a mobile app called Overdrive. See if your library offers it.

 

[blars]

Policies vary. Some have short-term cards for seasonal workers -- but they may charge. $30/3 months one place which let you request anything from any library in the county to be delivered to your local library. (I used it for a lot of DVDs.) The closest town to where I am at now is free, and didn't even ask me for ID. Next town over, a bit bigger, is $5/month.

 

[TrainChaser]

You can't get a bunch of cards, because you have to show local ID to get most of them, just like for getting a P.O. Box. I had to produce multiple IDs in Las Vegas (NV) because someone with the same name had a lot of books waaaaay overdue.

You never know what the rules will be in any library system. Some are nuts, apparently run by a board of wealthy control freaks. Others will help you all they can.

 

[Vacilador]

http://www.worldcat.org/ is a national library search engine that finds titles all over. Want to see if any of the many libraries near you have a particular title before you burn gas going to the library? Hope it helps

 

[eDJ_]

I just Googled for "other sites like Worldcat org" and got this list of 13 similar resources.

http://www.moreofit.com/similar-to/www.worldcat.org/Top_10_Sites_Like_Worldcat/

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

In all my travels, I've never had a problem using libraries for hanging out and internet access. A few times to get logged in I had to see the librarian, but they are more than enthusiastic to help out a traveler and even give a lot of good advice and recommendations on what to do in the area. I now have unlimited data on my phone and a Verizon hotspot so I haven't been in one in a few years.

This thread is making me want to hit my local library and check out a few books though!

 

[ToyotaEscaper]

My local library gives 24 hour guest passes to those with out of area ID cards. Let's you log into the computer, use the printers and copiers. Anything else you can just walk in and read or use the wifi, no password. Getting a cheap laptop to use as a workstation, used Dell Latitudes are the best. Get a lot done every time you visit any library most of which has open wifi. Just use free VPN like ultrasurf, available via browser extension now or any VPN/Tor browser for security.