Another Library Card Sign-Up Month is drawing to a close—but there’s never a wrong time to get a library card. Or to dig out one you haven’t used in a while.
If it has been a while since your last library card, the new one may look pretty fancy compared to the paper rectangle you once tucked into your wallet. Modern cards are made to last, and they come with bar codes, microchips, and/or user photos. Either that, or they’ve been replaced by digital cards that download to digital wallets.
Libraries Onscreen
Whatever form the cards take, public libraries today are guaranteed to have digital-borrowing options. Remember our “Library in Your Pocket” article from last year? Libby, Hoopla, and other library apps are still going strong.
The advantages of digital borrowing are many:
- You save a trip to the physical library. No more challenges arranging your transportation or navigating traffic.
- You can take books on the road without weighing yourself down.
- E-books/audiobooks can “bookmark” your exact stopping place.
- Most library apps don’t need an internet connection (except for initial downloads).
- You never have to worry about “overdue” penalties: e-loans “return” themselves automatically.
How to Get Started
If you’re new to library apps, most public-library websites provide details on what app(s) they sync with, how to download, and how to use. Or you can call/live-chat with the library and ask for someone to walk you through. You might even check the library’s calendar of virtual or in-person events, to see if they have any app workshops scheduled.
If you prefer, you can download from an app store first, then check which library systems your new app serves and which of these you can get a card for. (Many public libraries issue cards outside their official municipalities, though these may come with fees or extra restrictions.)
Once you have your library card(s) and app(s), here are a few hints for getting the most from your e-reading experience.
- Review all the app’s features. Options we especially recommend looking for: accessibility/custom-reading settings; suspension of holds (to keep your place on a waiting list if an item might arrive when you don’t have time to read it); multiple-device syncing.
- If an “app updates” mailing list is available, sign up for that too.
- If you have multiple library cards, link them all to each app for better organization.
- Waiting lists can get long. Don’t expect to get everything the day after you order it. Do make sure “hold arrived” alerts are enabled, so you won’t miss your turn.
- After you finish an item, don’t wait for it to return itself. Send it back so the next person can have their turn right away.
- Check for social-media groups that focus on your favorite apps. You can pick up more great tips from fellow users.
See also: BridgingApps Reading Apps list
P.S. Fun Fact
Besides books and other media in various formats, many public-library systems have a “Library of Things” that stocks everything from cookie cutters to Yoto players. Your library card just might be a first step to finding your perfect assistive technology!