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?

  • BoscoBearEnglish
    4•9 months ago

    I got one online from the Houston Library some time ago.

      • BoscoBearEnglish
        4•9 months ago

        Sorry to hear that. I live in the road and have had smaller libraries offer cards to me after getting several temporary passes. I think they like inflating their usage stats to help with funding so maybe they sometimes bend the rules. I might try and push the limits. It sounds like a fun quest.

        • @commie@lemmy.dbzer0.comOPEnglish
          4•9 months ago

          i have to say, as i look around for libraries/library systems that offer what i want and i think about, for instance, the netflix or disney+ or whatever fees… libraries are dirt cheap even if i end up shelling out a couple bucks. netflix is what, 25 bucks a month now? that’s $300/year. i could get access to some pretty awesome libraries for that.

          • BoscoBearEnglish
            5•9 months ago

            There is always the pirate life for those too. I have seen some small libraries with 3d printers and vr setups that seem to go somewhat unused. Those interest me.

            I really love the idea of collecting library cards. I was collecting casino cards for a while but this sounds much more fun.