September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Even if you already have a library card, you may not realize everything that you can do with your card. With a myriad of ways to use your card, we want to help you get started. Below we've listed seven of the countless ways your library card can help you use the library to its full potential:
1) Read a book while on-the-go
Libby, the app that house’s the library’s digital collection, has a wide variety of eBooks available to browse. Borrow one for up to three weeks, download it to your phone or tablet, and read it wherever you go. You’ll never have to worry about late fees either - once the three weeks are up, the book is automatically returned to the digital collection. Didn’t finish the book in time? Just check it out again!
2) Listen to an audiobook at the gym
Libby also has a huge collection of eAudiobooks! If you need a good story, listen to a suspenseful whodunit or a sci-fi adventure. If you enjoy podcasts about true crime or history, you’re certain to find to find several great books that fit that bill. Just like with eBooks, you can download your book on your phone or tablet and take it with you wherever you go.
3) Catch up on The New York Times with your morning coffee
Using the library means paywalls are a thing of the past. Your Des Moines Public Library card gets you free access to the digital edition of The New York Times. Read about the latest national stories in politics, technology, science, and more. It’s easier than ever to keep up with the news of the day.
4) Discover all sorts of new stories with your kid
The library is the best place to find new books with your child. Come browse our children’s section and check out a stack of books to take home. You can read a new one each night, and when you’re done with one stack, bring it back and take home another. It’s a great way to help your child discover what books interest them, keeping them excited to read.
5) Watch a great movie during date night
Butter up your popcorn and turn of the lights – it’s time to watch a movie on Kanopy, the library’s free streaming video service. Kanopy has thousands of films you can watch on your television, tablet, phone, or other streaming device. From recent award winners to arthouse classics, you’ll never run out of great flicks to watch. Best of all, it’s free!
6) Learn about history with The Great Courses
The Great Courses bring a host of knowledgeable scholars and lecturers to your living room. From the great empires of the Far East to the lawless era of the American West, The Great Courses is a great way to uncovering fascinating aspects of the past. Best of all, it’s available on both video on Kanopy and in an audio-only format on Libby.
7) Plan your next vacation by checking out our travel section
Forget the endless Google hole - the best travel guides are lurking on the bookshelves of your local libraries. Whether you want to take in the sites of Europe or find a hidden treasure off the beaten path, the dozens of travel guides at the library can provide guidance on the best things to see and do on your next vacation. It’s free, easy, and accurate information! You can also find new recipes in our food section, catch up on the latest news in our newspaper and magazine section, and more.
Last Modified November 22, 2024