Actually none of the recommended sites worked for me. They each required entering prior registration at local library from a drop down list that precluded entering my own. It appears they may be adding more guardrails to the sign up process. Any suggestions?
So this is only eligible to Americans with US phone numbers. As an international person, from South Africa, this would be such a benefit as finances aren't that great outside America...
I would recommend for people who can afford it, please pay for a nonresidential card. Most public libraries are funded through local tax payers, fundraisers, charities, and donations. Many libraries are staffed by volunteers. In other words, people are not being PAID so that everyone can have access to information and resources. Americans can see how much the community they live in value libraries by what they have access to. I hope everyone remembers to at least vote for the ballot measures that help fund libraries in their community.
I recommend when signing up for a card from a city/county you are not in, if they ask for a "home" library branch do a little extra legwork and try to search up which branch is in the most under-served neighborhood or which is the most rural. Libraries use information about who signed up with which library branch to assess funding to branches and also when considering if a branch should close. It's an extra step and may only make a tiny difference, but it's a nice thing to do to help out and boost the registration stats of a smaller branch who might be struggling with resources.
Just a heads up - as of 1/13/24, Las Vegas-Clark and Prince WIlliam no longer allow access to the digital library (Libby) unless you have a physical card. Broward County and the two from the linked part 2 video do still work.
It’s not just a matter of reducing wait times, but other library systems may actually have the books you want to read. I’m in a small city and they don’t usually have epic fantasy ebooks. So this is amazing! Thank you!
Agree! I live in a very small rural area that is very conservative. Some of my TBR books I can only get in German or another foreign language because it's content.
@jeniferalvarez2914 When I used to use Overdrive, on of my local library systems had a feature in Overdrive where one could suggest a title. I'm not sure if that feature is in Libby, but you may want to ask the technical support team of your local library system if that is available. Unfortunately they may have to pay extra for a feature like that. Good luck.
My small town library doesn't even have overdrive, so no Libby use. They use cloud reader, which works on tablets or phones but not readers unless it's an Android one, which I don't have yet.
Make sure to also look for any nearby libraries that you are eligible for! I was able to get 5 different library cards just from reciprocal agreements between various library systems in my area. I did have to go in person to a couple, but it was worth it!
I have a few cards from different cities in California because I travel. I’ve always been honest about the fact that I don’t live there and it’s never been a problem. I do donate to various libraries because this system is so valuable.
My local library system requires everyone to make a personal visit to get and renew our cards, without exception. Since I'm now mostly bedbound, my card lapsed several years ago - this info is music to my ears, thank you! :)
@@stormyweather2807 Because libraries are required to offer home delivery to patrons with disabilities and this would apply to getting or renewing a library card.
An alternative to picking a random library system is to search the counties/localities around your own (if you live in the U.S.). Many public library systems have reciprocity relationships with neighboring counties and cities. You can get library cards for many of them by visiting their websites.
If you are a California resident, you can physically show at most (if not all) California public libraries and get a card. So, if you happen to stop by libraries when you travel, you can greatly expand your library options. Although some libraries use something other than Libby which makes things a bit less seamless.
In my experience as a CA resident, you are required to show a CA ID or other ID plus proof of CA residence (utility bill etc). That said if you have those you can get cards at libraries all over the state.
@@internetfox true for my local library. also, not all libraries have access to digital content. for example, Ventura County DOES have some libraries that participate in Black Gold (libby access) but some do not (Ventura CITY libraries). if someone wants to borrow books, they should check to see if their library offers that service before signing up (if that is what they care about).
My experience with the links as a California resident: Broward County didn't work for me because " unable to verify the address". Las Vegas terms stated that ebooks are not available to nonresidents. Prince William County stated the ecard was only available for 30 days once signed up. HOWEVER, I was able to sign up for Harris County and San Jose libraries, so thank you very much indeed for this information.
Libby is amazing!! However, just letting y’all know that every ebook and audiobook costs us close to $100 or more each for a limited amount of checkouts. So make sure you’re reading or listening to what you check out otherwise that’s wasted money. I say this so hopefully these libraries won’t end up closing of their Libby access to those of us outside of the system.
Oh no, I had no idea they pay per listen. I’ve been checking some out and not getting through them, so just rechecking them out again. I’ll be more mindful, thanks for the info.
@@MoreCoffeePlease. I've talked to our head librarian/best friend's husband about this. Genuinely, esp with Libby, don't worry about it. Basically they pay the publishers for a key. That key for a book works for a pre-determined number of uses , then it is renewed or expires. So, whether a book is read once or 25 times, it's paid the same amount. The cost is already paid out. Flip side is something like Hoopla, which is pay per usage. Reminds me of microtransactions but for my library. I tend to avoid it for that reason. So, the number of checkouts is already paid for when a book key is purchased. If 3 ppl read it, they've still paid for 25 uses... BUT if 25 ppl read it circulation numbers go way up and the cost is level. These big counties probably have to renew more often, but the benefit gained by showing high circulation numbers when approached for budget cuts is huge.
@Lulumuse I believe the library does. All those ebooks are not free for them to rent out to everyone. Free for us, not free to libraries that relies on our taxes. I had no idea they cost so much. Now I understand why so many books are not on there.
If you’re in Tennessee you’re in luck! There’s something called the Tennessee Library Card (TLC, cute) that lets you get a library card number from any county in Tennessee barring the four major metro area (Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, & Memphis). Ask your librarian about it!
Thank you so much. I’m glad I found your video. I live in New Jersey, and my library is not very accommodating. When it was time to renew my library card, I told them I wasn’t in a wheelchair and that I couldn’t renew my library card physically. They said, "I’m sorry, we can’t renew your library card." They wouldn’t let my dad do it for me, so thank you so much. This video is so helpful.
I’m lucky to belong to the Phoenix Public Library. By simply browsing I have discovered fabulous books I never would have known about otherwise. Please support your public library. Keep them public and non-privatized. I heard they just closed one in the Dakotas.
THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH FOR THIS!!! ❤ You're heaven-sent!!! I've already been using a library card for Libby, but sometimes the books I want/ need are not available in my library or are on loan so I'd wait for weeks (or even months if there are too many people in line) to borrow something. Now, I have 2 new library cards at different libraries, expanding my options to borrow books, audiobooks, and other materials I need and want! Thank you very muuuuch!!! 😊
Whisper it, but I just tried to join Broward County Libraries and this tip even works *outside the USA*! As I live in a country where Amazon won't allow library books to be borrowed in Kindle format, this is fantastic news! EDIT Clarke County was a bust in the end, but I have successfully downloaded to my Kindle Voyage from the other two districts. Thank you so much
Thank you Dylan! I have tried and tried to get the Libby app to work with my local library. For some reason I couldn’t get my local library number to work with it. I don’t mind waiting for a good read. Also, my husband and I own a business that barely made it through the Covid epidemic. We no longer can afford a bookkeeper, so I have decided to do Quickbooks myself, but getting someone to teach us…Through the Broward County Library Card I can take an online course. Wow!
Just finished watching your video and immediately went to register for my library cards. It worked!! Thanks so much for this information. My bank account thanks you VERY much, lol. THIS is the type of positive information we should be sharing. So many times I tried borrowing from the local library, only to have up to a 6-month wait. Unfortunately, by the time my turn comes up, I wound up losing interest ... there are FAR too many books to be read ...
If you are a Texas resident: Houston Public Library waives the non-resident fee!!! I’m in Austin and i was able to get a digital card and add it to my Libby stack!!😂
The Las Vegas District Library doesn’t support Libby for eCards. Also appears that the Prince William’s one only allows for people with physical cards to access Libby as well. It’s stated when you sign up. 😢
I'm from California but I've been using the LA library card for years even though I don't live in LA. It's worth getting an account there because their selection is way bigger than the other library accounts I have. Perfectly legal for California residents and I make sure I prioritize borrowing from the smaller libraries on Libby but it's nice to have the LA one for backup.
@@caitlinbriggs3256 It's the LA Public Library not the LA County one that has the giant Libby selection. But that's weird that LA Country didn't give you a card.
I dont know how libraries work, but I wouldnt be surprised if there was a correlation to how much funding they get to how many library card sign ups they get. So more people signing up could potentially help the libraries out in the long run. I could be wrong though.
Thank you for the awesome info, I've listed some more libraries below 👇. Las Vegas doesn't seem to be working anymore It allowed me to sign up for an e-card but I can't sign in to Libby with it. Sunnyvale Public library Sunshine coast libraries San jose public library And if you're in Texas, Harris county Public Library in Houston Public Library. 😊
Awesome! The Broward County one took longer to email - maybe 10 minutes. The rest were all instant. I have two libraries right now in Libby and it already tells me which library is best to check out any particular book so I'm excited to add these three more. No more 63 waiting on 3 copies!
Your channel and followers make me happy to find other people who love to read. My "habit" can be expensive, even using a KW. Your library tips have helped me immensely. TY!
If you work in a different city than the one you live in, you can often get a library card for the city you work in. Most are free, some have a small yearly fee.
My state allows, at many libraries, residents who live anywhere within the state to get library cards so I’ve got many already, but thanks for these resources. Edited Jan 2024 to let you know, if you don’t already, that several of these libraries you recommend in your videos have cracked down on non-resident accts. Even tho you might be able to set up an acct they might change their policy after being overwhelmed with applications by non-residents, &/or they may simply find some way to cancel your acct in a periodic sweep to inhibit renewals/remove non-residents.
Unfortunately the Las Vegas and Prince William libraries no longer let you use Libby with just a digital library card. ): You have to have a physical one.
I just signed up for a Broward County ecard with no problem. Sadly it's only good for 30 days if non-resident. Clark County in Vegas doesn't allow access to their ebooks. Only research, learning tools etc.😢 Thanks for your time and perseverance in helping like myself in gaining access to ebooks!
Thanks for the recent video and recommendations!! I already had a card at Las Vegas Clark County but I got an email saying they were taking away access to all non-residents effective March 26 😭 it was such a good one too! They had such a large audiobook catalog and so many copies of each one too. Sad to be losing it. So here I am sleuthing out other options. Will try out the other two you mention here!
I signed up for a Queen County Library card. They make you pay 50 dollars for a year. It's close to the size of Broward County. Maybe slightly bigger. Mehh. I was so excited for the Las Vegas Library too.
@Michaela Patton I used to use my cousin's Jackson-Madison County card and it was great. I bet Nashville has a good stash. I was upset when it expired. 🤣 Edit: I just checked out the Nashville one. You have to be in person to set it up even though you're getting an e card.
Excellent suggestions, thanks! I've added these to my Libby app along with my other libraries. Just a heads up: according to the confirmation email, the Las Vegas Clark County card does NOT include access to e-books and audiobooks.
Thank you so much! I tried the first application link you shared with us and I immediately had access to the audiobook on Libby that I have been looking for!
Posting in case others need to know, but if you live in the states check the biggest library system in your state, usually that one will allow everyone within the state to join for free. Not everyone in the country, but everyone in that state. So for Texas: Houston public library, for instance.
This is rarely true...libraries rely upon local property and sales tax for their revenue, and while they will offer library cards with a nonresident fee, it's extremely rare for them to offer the card free to anyone outside their service area.
I can confirm this is true for Texas. Any Texas resident gets free access to the Houston Public Library. I live in South Texas, contacted them, and they were super nice and fast about getting my card ready for me.
Thanks for this video, but I found that the 3rd library, Prince William County Public Library, first only grants access for 30 days, then charges a non-resident fee of $113 for 2024. The claim for the 2nd library, Broward County, is that you must have a physical library card to use Libby, etc.
This is amazing information. These cards are either 5 or 10 year memberships and they don't seem to give a crap where you live... If you or anybody knows of other library systems that don't care about where you live to give you a card, please share more!!
Haven't tried any of these at least yet, but my local library in MA is a part of a system of libraries, and there are several systems in the state. I can borrow from 8 total systems that I know of! The wait lists for Boston & Worcester systems can be long but I do often find other books or shorter wait times at the North Shore & Cape Cod region ones. Side note, I do miss Overdrive. The layout was better and I liked being at the top of the waitlist for books I recommended haha.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 😭💙💙💙💙 I’m so so soooo happy I ran into your video. I barely started reading after years of burnout from having to read 5 books every week and a half for university as an English major. I haven’t picked up a book for years since then. I ran into this video and was intrigued and am so grateful to find out about the Libby app and the free libraries 😭💙💙💙💙🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I read 3 books in a week and am so happy
Update: Las Vegas no longer allows access to e-books to non residents. And it appears Prince William no longer allows non-residents to use their e-cards for Libby access. You will get cards, but they will not work on the Libby app. The Broward one still worked!
Very legal btw these libraries offer free for all. If non residence was an issue they'd put it behind a paywall...(like Ohio digital) so everyone should not be worried.
@@dylancanread I actually have 5 or 6 libraries and a couple I pay for. I just wanted to make it aware because I saw some comments about the legality of it.
I am computer challenged, 65 yrs! Old ..I tried and tried to join other national libraries because my tiny rural library didn’t have a lot of audiobooks I would like listening to much older titles…I cannot be glad enough to learn how to join. I lusted to join California big systems, Boston, New York and any other you guys would recommend!! Thank you.
I forgot I even emailed and corresponded with some where in California, of course answer was no.. hopefully one day.. and what about national US congressional library?..
FYI - just tried all three. First two no problems. The Prince William county VA has changed their access. Now only 30 days access if you get a digital card. AND you can’t access Libby anymore.
Thank youuuuu! I hope this works because… Our library has been closed for a few months now. Sadly 😢 I believe more libraries will be closing in future. So I appreciate this so much. Thank you!! 🙏🏻
Every one of these libraries has residency requirements that you are agreeing to by filling out the application, due to licensing contracts, and public funding. It's in the fine print on each website. Florida offers 30 days online access for visitors, and ongoing access to anybody born in that county. VA only allows digital content access to physical card holders. Las Vegas also allows limited 30 day access, but residency in the county is still a requirement before submitting an application.
Thank you so much for this video! I will def use this because I live in a small town and my local library is small and they usually don’t have many books and the holds are crazy haha
My county is also very, and our library system is actually shared with multiple counties. If they even get new releases it is normal to have to wait 6-8 months to be able to read them because there may be only 1-2 copies.
In California, you can get a card for free at any California library. Whenever I go out of town, I stop in at the local library so I can borrow through Libby.
This was so helpful! I'm glad I stumbled onto your channel instant subscriber!!! Being from Missouri and only having a small library close by this is soooo much better! Thank you so much! 🥰📚
I have had the St. Louis county library before. Definitely worth it. Alas I now live 2 counties away from them and only have access to a tiny library so this is great information. Also the fact that I don’t drive anymore due to medical issues means I have to rely on someone else to get me to the library when the card needs to be renewed. I only ever check out ebooks for this reason.
Thank you so much for the information. My library didnt take the Libby App and I couldnt read it on my Kindle unless it was the fire tablet. Now I can read it on my Scribe.
thank you for this! all of them worked, but the Las Vegas one doesn't include ebooks, audiobooks etc. the email said that you don't get that with the instant eCard. the other two worked perfectly with a British address :D
It says right on their web site you have to live, work, attend school or be born in Broward County to get a card. However if you're lucky enough to have been born in Broward you can get the card regardless of where you now live.
Thank you so much! Now I can access to 2 libraries (Las Vegas Clarke County didn't work for me). I lived outside of US and couldn't able to access to Libby because I don't have library card. My country doesn't have libraries that support Libby. Thank you so much, you helped me so much.
Hello, I live outside of US too and I'm having trouble getting my libby book delivered to my kindle (probably because my kindle is linked to my home country). Do you know how I can fix this?
@@asukamai87 I just put in random addresses but I made sure to match the city or country I’m applying (I’m not sure if that’s necessary or not). For example, when I applied for Broward County, I made sure my address has Miami city and Florida and search for zipcode. I hope I don’t confuse you and that you understand what I mean.
I don't have a local library, I don't even live in the US and Broward County Library still let me get a digital card to use on libby! Very useful information, thank you! I'll check if I can make a donation to the library in thanks :)
I have several library cards. Some are payed, non-residential, but it comes out to less than five dlls per month, worth it for me. If you have a list of non-residential would love to see if there are some that I’m missing. Rather do library cards than pay for stream services. Thanks.
One other library authority which you can join from out of state or even another country is San Jose. I used a local zip code to be on the safe side but had no problems at all.
This is straightforward and very helpful! I had difficulty figuring out how to get an instant ecard and this worked like magic! Thank you very much for sharing!❤
LOL 😂 Hopefully the LV card comes through! I didn’t have any trouble with it when I signed up, but a few days later when I was signing my wife up for a card through them I had some trouble too. It did eventually come through though!
Thank you my guy. I usually dont comment but this had to be said. Thank you. The problem with my library is that its not listed on libby which is kinda sad and finally with your help I can read books which I wanted for a long time but couldnt get to.
Thanks for watching! The LV card is a bit finicky for some reason. It took me two tries when I was signing my wife up, so if you haven’t already, I would give it another shot!
I have 21 e-cards in my Libby There is almost no book I can't read. Love how it shows you where the book is available, you just press Borrow and that's it! For me the x-Ray feature is a most so... Libby is a life saver for free original eBooks. Thanks for sharing
Hmm… so I signed up for the Las Vegas card and at the bottom of the email it says “This Instant eCard does not provide access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, or OverDrive magazines.” So how did you get this to work so you could login to Libby? When I lived in Vegas you had to renew your card every year by showing your drivers license or ID to a librarian. So I was wondering how this would work. When you sign up it even says that you need to show your ID for full access. And then Prince William County library says “With a digital library card, you will have access to our Digital Library for 30 days. Due to licensing restrictions, Freading, hoopla Digital, Kanopy, Libby, and OverDrive are only available with a physical library card.” Maybe they caught onto people signing up from out of state?
Hi, I know this video is 10 months old, I wanted to update that Prince William's digital card is now only for 30 days and will expire if one doesn't show up in person within those 30 days to upgrade to a physical card. However... I am a California resident and I have gotten cards at all surrounding counties in person when I travel, and then just use the digital library. The benefits are amazing. Definitely recommend to anyone in California.
Former library employee here - All NY state residents are eligible to get an e-card through the New York Public Library in NYC. You must send proof of residency to show that you live in the state, though.
This was a great video, I now have access to so many more books that my library didn't have! So this will now be saving me from having to buy books that I want to read.
Don't forget the Brooklyn Public Library, at least for teens. They've done a lot of outreach about getting ebooks to school age kids. And they're an amazing library system.
🌟 PART TWO🌟 with MORE CARDS: th-cam.com/video/v_NGdkdilUc/w-d-xo.html
Appreciate the info & will try it. What experience can you share about adding libraries to Hoopla or Kanopy ?
Curious if you actually read the terms and conditions that you agreed to...
Actually none of the recommended sites worked for me. They each required entering prior registration at local library from a drop down list that precluded entering my own. It appears they may be adding more guardrails to the sign up process. Any suggestions?
@@TH-hy8bi Harris and Broward worked for me today. The others did not.
So this is only eligible to Americans with US phone numbers. As an international person, from South Africa, this would be such a benefit as finances aren't that great outside America...
I would recommend for people who can afford it, please pay for a nonresidential card. Most public libraries are funded through local tax payers, fundraisers, charities, and donations. Many libraries are staffed by volunteers. In other words, people are not being PAID so that everyone can have access to information and resources. Americans can see how much the community they live in value libraries by what they have access to. I hope everyone remembers to at least vote for the ballot measures that help fund libraries in their community.
Do you know of any libraries that do this?
Wow. My library gets additional funding for nonresident cardholders and all cards are free. Idk how that works
But I live in India... I am thinking of buying membership of American library in Delhi but I fear it will not work in Libby. Then my money wasted.
@@angsavegas6671 It works, please contact the library first.
@@angsavegas6671Did it work?
I recommend when signing up for a card from a city/county you are not in, if they ask for a "home" library branch do a little extra legwork and try to search up which branch is in the most under-served neighborhood or which is the most rural. Libraries use information about who signed up with which library branch to assess funding to branches and also when considering if a branch should close. It's an extra step and may only make a tiny difference, but it's a nice thing to do to help out and boost the registration stats of a smaller branch who might be struggling with resources.
Just a heads up - as of 1/13/24, Las Vegas-Clark and Prince WIlliam no longer allow access to the digital library (Libby) unless you have a physical card. Broward County and the two from the linked part 2 video do still work.
I couldn't even get Broward County to work unfortunately.
Broward worked for me
Wish I had seen this before I signed up 😂 Broward was the only one to work for me. Thanks for sharing!
i was just about the mention las vegas clark not allowing access to libby. thank you.
Same here@@teriese8759
It’s not just a matter of reducing wait times, but other library systems may actually have the books you want to read. I’m in a small city and they don’t usually have epic fantasy ebooks. So this is amazing! Thank you!
Aren't it dangerous to put your cellnr and address there?
Huh? To sign up for a library card? How is that dangerous?
Agree! I live in a very small rural area that is very conservative. Some of my TBR books I can only get in German or another foreign language because it's content.
@jeniferalvarez2914 When I used to use Overdrive, on of my local library systems had a feature in Overdrive where one could suggest a title.
I'm not sure if that feature is in Libby, but you may want to ask the technical support team of your local library system if that is available. Unfortunately they may have to pay extra for a feature like that. Good luck.
My small town library doesn't even have overdrive, so no Libby use. They use cloud reader, which works on tablets or phones but not readers unless it's an Android one, which I don't have yet.
Make sure to also look for any nearby libraries that you are eligible for! I was able to get 5 different library cards just from reciprocal agreements between various library systems in my area. I did have to go in person to a couple, but it was worth it!
How do you look that up?
@@La_chica47 if Googling doesn’t help, your local library might be able to tell you what other libraries they have reciprocal agreements with!
Yeah my library card works at 5 libraries. I haven't tried it yet though.
I have ten cards on Libby right now with just one physical card at one library. Yeah, Libby is great.
Reciprocity agreement or interlibrary loan service + your city/county library system. Unfortunately ebooks are excluded where I'm from.
My name is Libby. The first minute of your video is how I wish everyone talked about me 😆
I have a few cards from different cities in California because I travel. I’ve always been honest about the fact that I don’t live there and it’s never been a problem. I do donate to various libraries because this system is so valuable.
My local library system requires everyone to make a personal visit to get and renew our cards, without exception. Since I'm now mostly bedbound, my card lapsed several years ago - this info is music to my ears, thank you! :)
How do they get that rule past the ADA?
@@stormyweather2807 Because libraries are required to offer home delivery to patrons with disabilities and this would apply to getting or renewing a library card.
@@melissawalker3888 If that's the case, I also wonder why mine insists that they can't...
Check with your system, some in-person rules were changed due to Covid
That's got to be an ADA violation.
An alternative to picking a random library system is to search the counties/localities around your own (if you live in the U.S.). Many public library systems have reciprocity relationships with neighboring counties and cities. You can get library cards for many of them by visiting their websites.
I did the same thing a couple of days ago before seeing this video
If you are a California resident, you can physically show at most (if not all) California public libraries and get a card. So, if you happen to stop by libraries when you travel, you can greatly expand your library options. Although some libraries use something other than Libby which makes things a bit less seamless.
In my experience as a CA resident, you are required to show a CA ID or other ID plus proof of CA residence (utility bill etc). That said if you have those you can get cards at libraries all over the state.
@@internetfox true for my local library. also, not all libraries have access to digital content. for example, Ventura County DOES have some libraries that participate in Black Gold (libby access) but some do not (Ventura CITY libraries). if someone wants to borrow books, they should check to see if their library offers that service before signing up (if that is what they care about).
This is also true for most counties in Washington State.
My experience with the links as a California resident: Broward County didn't work for me because " unable to verify the address". Las Vegas terms stated that ebooks are not available to nonresidents. Prince William County stated the ecard was only available for 30 days once signed up. HOWEVER, I was able to sign up for Harris County and San Jose libraries, so thank you very much indeed for this information.
Libby is amazing!! However, just letting y’all know that every ebook and audiobook costs us close to $100 or more each for a limited amount of checkouts. So make sure you’re reading or listening to what you check out otherwise that’s wasted money. I say this so hopefully these libraries won’t end up closing of their Libby access to those of us outside of the system.
Oh no, I had no idea they pay per listen. I’ve been checking some out and not getting through them, so just rechecking them out again. I’ll be more mindful, thanks for the info.
@@MoreCoffeePlease. I've talked to our head librarian/best friend's husband about this.
Genuinely, esp with Libby, don't worry about it.
Basically they pay the publishers for a key. That key for a book works for a pre-determined number of uses , then it is renewed or expires. So, whether a book is read once or 25 times, it's paid the same amount. The cost is already paid out.
Flip side is something like Hoopla, which is pay per usage. Reminds me of microtransactions but for my library. I tend to avoid it for that reason.
So, the number of checkouts is already paid for when a book key is purchased. If 3 ppl read it, they've still paid for 25 uses...
BUT if 25 ppl read it circulation numbers go way up and the cost is level.
These big counties probably have to renew more often, but the benefit gained by showing high circulation numbers when approached for budget cuts is huge.
Wait it’s not free to read … $100 is ridiculous or does the library have to pay that price ?
@Lulumuse I believe the library does. All those ebooks are not free for them to rent out to everyone.
Free for us, not free to libraries that relies on our taxes.
I had no idea they cost so much. Now I understand why so many books are not on there.
True, but library funding is often given based on amounts of physical book checkouts. I wonder if this is also the case for digital editions.
If you’re in Tennessee you’re in luck! There’s something called the Tennessee Library Card (TLC, cute) that lets you get a library card number from any county in Tennessee barring the four major metro area (Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, & Memphis). Ask your librarian about it!
Thank you so much. I’m glad I found your video. I live in New Jersey, and my library is not very accommodating. When it was time to renew my library card, I told them I wasn’t in a wheelchair and that I couldn’t renew my library card physically. They said, "I’m sorry, we can’t renew your library card." They wouldn’t let my dad do it for me, so thank you so much. This video is so helpful.
I’m lucky to belong to the Phoenix Public Library. By simply browsing I have discovered fabulous books I never would have known about otherwise. Please support your public library. Keep them public and non-privatized. I heard they just closed one in the Dakotas.
Can you recommend me those awesome books?
THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH FOR THIS!!! ❤ You're heaven-sent!!! I've already been using a library card for Libby, but sometimes the books I want/ need are not available in my library or are on loan so I'd wait for weeks (or even months if there are too many people in line) to borrow something. Now, I have 2 new library cards at different libraries, expanding my options to borrow books, audiobooks, and other materials I need and want! Thank you very muuuuch!!! 😊
So glad it was helpful! 😁 Thanks so much for watching!
Whisper it, but I just tried to join Broward County Libraries and this tip even works *outside the USA*! As I live in a country where Amazon won't allow library books to be borrowed in Kindle format, this is fantastic news! EDIT Clarke County was a bust in the end, but I have successfully downloaded to my Kindle Voyage from the other two districts. Thank you so much
That’s fantastic! 😁
WHAT ADDRESS DID YOU USE ????
@@Harsimran2004Yh it’s saying they can’t verify the address
@@theblackberseker1978i have the same problem
Update: You now have to pay for the Broward card it is $38 for non resident.
Thank you Dylan! I have tried and tried to get the Libby app to work with my local library. For some reason I couldn’t get my local library number to work with it. I don’t mind waiting for a good read. Also, my husband and I own a business that barely made it through the Covid epidemic. We no longer can afford a bookkeeper, so I have decided to do Quickbooks myself, but getting someone to teach us…Through the Broward County Library Card I can take an online course. Wow!
Have you contacted your local library system's technical support team? It may be something on their end that needs to be resolved.
Just finished watching your video and immediately went to register for my library cards. It worked!! Thanks so much for this information. My bank account thanks you VERY much, lol. THIS is the type of positive information we should be sharing. So many times I tried borrowing from the local library, only to have up to a 6-month wait. Unfortunately, by the time my turn comes up, I wound up losing interest ... there are FAR too many books to be read ...
So glad it worked! 😁 Hopefully your wait times will be much shorter now!
If you are a Texas resident: Houston Public Library waives the non-resident fee!!! I’m in Austin and i was able to get a digital card and add it to my Libby stack!!😂
Sweet!
The Las Vegas District Library doesn’t support Libby for eCards. Also appears that the Prince William’s one only allows for people with physical cards to access Libby as well. It’s stated when you sign up. 😢
Thank you, I hadn't seen that stated and was confused why those weren't working.
Yeah, I got a card, no problem, but when I tried to add it to Libby, it kept saying it wasn’t a valid card number?
The video is from 10 months ago. My guess is that they realized their loophole and closed it.
Just tried all 3. Got a card for Broward. Vegas and Prince William indeed no longer work.
Thank you. I have been going crazy trying to figure out what was wrong.
I'm from California but I've been using the LA library card for years even though I don't live in LA. It's worth getting an account there because their selection is way bigger than the other library accounts I have. Perfectly legal for California residents and I make sure I prioritize borrowing from the smaller libraries on Libby but it's nice to have the LA one for backup.
I live in Pasadena and they wouldn’t let me get an LA County card 😢
I signed up but it says I have to pick up the card in person and provide my DL. LA Public Library, right?
@@caitlinbriggs3256 It's the LA Public Library not the LA County one that has the giant Libby selection. But that's weird that LA Country didn't give you a card.
@@barisharslan6115 Yeah it' the LA Public library.
I dont know how libraries work, but I wouldnt be surprised if there was a correlation to how much funding they get to how many library card sign ups they get. So more people signing up could potentially help the libraries out in the long run. I could be wrong though.
That’s a great point! I’m not sure either, but this makes a lot of sense!
San Jose library in California is now canceling all library cards unless you have a California address and a valid California ID to go in person
Thank you for the awesome info, I've listed some more libraries below 👇. Las Vegas doesn't seem to be working anymore It allowed me to sign up for an e-card but I can't sign in to Libby with it.
Sunnyvale Public library
Sunshine coast libraries
San jose public library
And if you're in Texas, Harris county Public Library in Houston Public Library. 😊
Thanks! I would like to add that Harris county works even if you are not from Texas.
@@0dds388Harris county works for three months without proof of residents with a visitor card.
Awesome! The Broward County one took longer to email - maybe 10 minutes. The rest were all instant. I have two libraries right now in Libby and it already tells me which library is best to check out any particular book so I'm excited to add these three more. No more 63 waiting on 3 copies!
Your channel and followers make me happy to find other people who love to read. My "habit" can be expensive, even using a KW. Your library tips have helped me immensely. TY!
All the library cards works!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! ❤ My waiting time has been cut down and sometimes no more waits! 🎉
I’m so glad! Thank you for watching! 😁
If you work in a different city than the one you live in, you can often get a library card for the city you work in. Most are free, some have a small yearly fee.
Oh wow, I’m a Broward county Ty resident- this may explain why I have to wait forever for Libby books! 😮
Yea, they're going to have to fix their systems because it's ridiculous when things like this go viral.
I do feel bad for the local tax payers and I won’t take advantage of the system now 😅
As of August 2023, Prince William County requires you to visit a local library within 30 days of getting an eLibrary Card.
My state allows, at many libraries, residents who live anywhere within the state to get library cards so I’ve got many already, but thanks for these resources.
Edited Jan 2024 to let you know, if you don’t already, that several of these libraries you recommend in your videos have cracked down on non-resident accts. Even tho you might be able to set up an acct they might change their policy after being overwhelmed with applications by non-residents, &/or they may simply find some way to cancel your acct in a periodic sweep to inhibit renewals/remove non-residents.
Oh wow, that’s really neat!
Unfortunately the Las Vegas and Prince William libraries no longer let you use Libby with just a digital library card. ): You have to have a physical one.
I just signed up for a Broward County ecard with no problem. Sadly it's only good for 30 days if non-resident.
Clark County in Vegas doesn't allow access to their ebooks. Only research, learning tools etc.😢
Thanks for your time and perseverance in helping like myself in gaining access to ebooks!
Thank you so much for this! My local library doesn't use Libby so I never bothered to get it. Now I have 3 cards and library access! I'm so excited!
I’m so glad! 😁
Thanks for the recent video and recommendations!! I already had a card at Las Vegas Clark County but I got an email saying they were taking away access to all non-residents effective March 26 😭 it was such a good one too! They had such a large audiobook catalog and so many copies of each one too. Sad to be losing it. So here I am sleuthing out other options. Will try out the other two you mention here!
Omg, this is literally why I'm also here because I got that stupid email last night about Las Vegas library 😫
I signed up for a Queen County Library card. They make you pay 50 dollars for a year. It's close to the size of Broward County. Maybe slightly bigger. Mehh. I was so excited for the Las Vegas Library too.
@Michaela Patton I used to use my cousin's Jackson-Madison County card and it was great. I bet Nashville has a good stash. I was upset when it expired. 🤣
Edit: I just checked out the Nashville one. You have to be in person to set it up even though you're getting an e card.
I know! Such a bummer. It was such a good one
Thanks for posting this. I was wondering what was going on. Gosh darn it! I was really looking forward to browsing through this library!
Excellent suggestions, thanks! I've added these to my Libby app along with my other libraries. Just a heads up:
according to the confirmation email, the Las Vegas Clark County card does NOT include access to e-books and audiobooks.
Vegas Clark county used to but they changed the rules around the end of march
Thank you so much!
I tried the first application link you shared with us and I immediately had access to the audiobook on Libby that I have been looking for!
I was very cautious about this but I bit the bullet and tried Broward and Prince William library. They both worked. Thank you so much.
So glad you were able to take advantage of the info in this video! 😁
Posting in case others need to know, but if you live in the states check the biggest library system in your state, usually that one will allow everyone within the state to join for free. Not everyone in the country, but everyone in that state. So for Texas: Houston public library, for instance.
This is rarely true...libraries rely upon local property and sales tax for their revenue, and while they will offer library cards with a nonresident fee, it's extremely rare for them to offer the card free to anyone outside their service area.
I can confirm this is true for Texas. Any Texas resident gets free access to the Houston Public Library. I live in South Texas, contacted them, and they were super nice and fast about getting my card ready for me.
Thanks for this video, but I found that the 3rd library, Prince William County Public Library, first only grants access for 30 days, then charges a non-resident fee of $113 for 2024. The claim for the 2nd library, Broward County, is that you must have a physical library card to use Libby, etc.
This is amazing information. These cards are either 5 or 10 year memberships and they don't seem to give a crap where you live... If you or anybody knows of other library systems that don't care about where you live to give you a card, please share more!!
Thanks for watching, Nathan! Glad it was helpful! 😁
@@nathancarter4839 I've also discovered Harris County, Texas is able to be joined from out-of-state, and even out of USA
@@ianfryer8386 how? Which did you select, the iknow digital card?
@@ianfryer8386 awesome! It worked!
@@judyextross2262 I can't remember to be honest. I've joined so many libraries recently!
Haven't tried any of these at least yet, but my local library in MA is a part of a system of libraries, and there are several systems in the state. I can borrow from 8 total systems that I know of! The wait lists for Boston & Worcester systems can be long but I do often find other books or shorter wait times at the North Shore & Cape Cod region ones.
Side note, I do miss Overdrive. The layout was better and I liked being at the top of the waitlist for books I recommended haha.
Also in MA, also miss Overdrive
Also in MA, and same
Indiana here, I too miss Overdrive.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 😭💙💙💙💙 I’m so so soooo happy I ran into your video. I barely started reading after years of burnout from having to read 5 books every week and a half for university as an English major. I haven’t picked up a book for years since then. I ran into this video and was intrigued and am so grateful to find out about the Libby app and the free libraries 😭💙💙💙💙🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I read 3 books in a week and am so happy
Update: Las Vegas no longer allows access to e-books to non residents. And it appears Prince William no longer allows non-residents to use their e-cards for Libby access. You will get cards, but they will not work on the Libby app. The Broward one still worked!
Thank you! I have one book on hold through Libby at my local library that is estimated to get to me in 8 months! Will try these other libraries.
A hero is you. Thank you for this.
The only one that worked for me was the Prince William library, but thank you! This is another one I can use! I have two others
For any residents in New York State, you can apply for an NYC library card. That system is fantastic .
Very legal btw these libraries offer free for all. If non residence was an issue they'd put it behind a paywall...(like Ohio digital) so everyone should not be worried.
Great point! Thanks for sharing! 😁
@@dylancanread I actually have 5 or 6 libraries and a couple I pay for. I just wanted to make it aware because I saw some comments about the legality of it.
You have just changed my life.
Haha I’m so glad! 😁
Thank you so much. Google says you can’t do it but my card got shut off from books I owed over 20 years ago and this worked!!
I am computer challenged, 65 yrs! Old ..I tried and tried to join other national libraries because my tiny rural library didn’t have a lot of audiobooks I would like listening to much older titles…I cannot be glad enough to learn how to join. I lusted to join California big systems, Boston, New York and any other you guys would recommend!! Thank you.
I forgot I even emailed and corresponded with some where in California, of course answer was no.. hopefully one day.. and what about national US congressional library?..
FYI - just tried all three. First two no problems. The Prince William county VA has changed their access. Now only 30 days access if you get a digital card. AND you can’t access Libby anymore.
Thank youuuuu! I hope this works because…
Our library has been closed for a few months now.
Sadly 😢 I believe more libraries will be closing in future.
So I appreciate this so much. Thank you!! 🙏🏻
I’m a resident of Prince William Co. VA and I use our library system. Now, I see why it takes forever and a day to get e-books.
🤣
Well, they haven't offered the ebooks to non-residents for over a month, now, so you should see some relief.
FYI that Broward County and Las Vegas aren't working as of 7/19!
Every one of these libraries has residency requirements that you are agreeing to by filling out the application, due to licensing contracts, and public funding. It's in the fine print on each website. Florida offers 30 days online access for visitors, and ongoing access to anybody born in that county. VA only allows digital content access to physical card holders. Las Vegas also allows limited 30 day access, but residency in the county is still a requirement before submitting an application.
In Utah the SLC County Library does an ecard the same way :)
Thank you so much for this video! I will def use this because I live in a small town and my local library is small and they usually don’t have many books and the holds are crazy haha
I’m so glad it was helpful! I hope you’re able to get your hands on lots more books now!
My county is also very, and our library system is actually shared with multiple counties. If they even get new releases it is normal to have to wait 6-8 months to be able to read them because there may be only 1-2 copies.
Thanks Dylan. I got one card already following your links.
Fantastic! So glad it was helpful! 😁
In California, you can get a card for free at any California library. Whenever I go out of town, I stop in at the local library so I can borrow through Libby.
Omg, this is so simple its genius. Can't believe didn't think about this already!
Thank you so much for these suggestions. I got all three! It's a total game changer.
So glad you were able to take advantage of all three! 😁
This was so helpful! I'm glad I stumbled onto your channel instant subscriber!!! Being from Missouri and only having a small library close by this is soooo much better! Thank you so much! 🥰📚
Thank you so much! 😁 So glad the video was helpful!
Saint Louis county library has one of the best cards. 50 holds and 3 week checkouts. Worth getting if you're ever in STL.
@@timsmith2193That card now gets you access to St. Louis City library system and St. Charles County as well.
I have had the St. Louis county library before. Definitely worth it. Alas I now live 2 counties away from them and only have access to a tiny library so this is great information. Also the fact that I don’t drive anymore due to medical issues means I have to rely on someone else to get me to the library when the card needs to be renewed. I only ever check out ebooks for this reason.
Ah, but Missouri has an interlibrary thing so you can get pretty much every book you want from anywhere wiwithin the state.
Thank you so much for the information.
My library didnt take the Libby App and I couldnt read it on my Kindle unless it was the fire tablet. Now I can read it on my Scribe.
thank you for this! all of them worked, but the Las Vegas one doesn't include ebooks, audiobooks etc. the email said that you don't get that with the instant eCard. the other two worked perfectly with a British address :D
I’m glad you were able to take advantage of at least two of them! 😁
Grand Prairie library system in Texas is also free, you just have to be a US citizen to sign up!
Thank you!
Broward County Library did not approve a library card for me. Looks like they've changed their policy.
If you don't mind sharing, what did you put in as country?
It says right on their web site you have to live, work, attend school or be born in Broward County to get a card. However if you're lucky enough to have been born in Broward you can get the card regardless of where you now live.
Thank you so much! Now I can access to 2 libraries (Las Vegas Clarke County didn't work for me). I lived outside of US and couldn't able to access to Libby because I don't have library card. My country doesn't have libraries that support Libby. Thank you so much, you helped me so much.
So glad the video was useful! 😁
Las Vegas didn’t work for me either. Broward did though. Thank you
Hello, I live outside of US too and I'm having trouble getting my libby book delivered to my kindle (probably because my kindle is linked to my home country). Do you know how I can fix this?
I am foreigner also from Bali.. How should i write the address..because the email said that my address can not be verified..thank you🤗🤗
@@asukamai87 I just put in random addresses but I made sure to match the city or country I’m applying (I’m not sure if that’s necessary or not). For example, when I applied for Broward County, I made sure my address has Miami city and Florida and search for zipcode. I hope I don’t confuse you and that you understand what I mean.
I don't have a local library, I don't even live in the US and Broward County Library still let me get a digital card to use on libby! Very useful information, thank you! I'll check if I can make a donation to the library in thanks :)
Thank you so much! I was able to sign up to Prince William (already had a card from Broward).
So glad it was useful! 😁 thanks for watching!
For any Pennsylvania residents, you can get a free online card for the free library of Philadelphia just for being a PA resident.
I can’t get the Las Vegas one to work after multiple attempts but got the other two! Thanks for the helpful info!
I have several library cards. Some are payed, non-residential, but it comes out to less than five dlls per month, worth it for me. If you have a list of non-residential would love to see if there are some that I’m missing. Rather do library cards than pay for stream services. Thanks.
Lucky me I moved from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Both have great E book libraries 😊
One other library authority which you can join from out of state or even another country is San Jose. I used a local zip code to be on the safe side but had no problems at all.
I’ve heard about this one! I’ll need to check it out. Thanks for sharing! 😁
Where do you find the information on what other libraries might work?
San Jose works for me. Just got my library card for libby. Thanks.
This is straightforward and very helpful! I had difficulty figuring out how to get an instant ecard and this worked like magic! Thank you very much for sharing!❤
So, I clicked this video and the first thing you mention is my county library. But, yeah, the Broward library system is pretty good.
This is EXACTLY what I have been needing. Thank you!!!
Thank you. Didn’t get the Vegas card, but maybe it takes awhile. You should really gatekeeper this information now that I have it. 😂
LOL 😂
Hopefully the LV card comes through! I didn’t have any trouble with it when I signed up, but a few days later when I was signing my wife up for a card through them I had some trouble too. It did eventually come through though!
@@dylancanread The Vegas card didn't work for me, either, but I'm not even in the US, so was happy the other two libraries worked.
Mine didn’t the first time but when I tried again two weeks later it sent me a my info. Might be worth trying again!
Vegas just stopped their free cards as of 3/27/2023.
My mind is blown!!!! I wonder if other towns and states do this as easily!!!
I got the ecard for Clark county/las Vegas and it does not provide Libby access for non-residents.
Thank you my guy. I usually dont comment but this had to be said. Thank you. The problem with my library is that its not listed on libby which is kinda sad and finally with your help I can read books which I wanted for a long time but couldnt get to.
Thank you! I couldn't get the Vegas card but the others worked! So happy!
Thanks for watching! The LV card is a bit finicky for some reason. It took me two tries when I was signing my wife up, so if you haven’t already, I would give it another shot!
As of now, the Las Vegas library no longer allows non residents. The others worked great though!
I have 21 e-cards in my Libby There is almost no book I can't read. Love how it shows you where the book is available, you just press Borrow and that's it! For me the x-Ray feature is a most so... Libby is a life saver for free original eBooks. Thanks for sharing
Please name the libraries..... please
Please name the libraries
Hmm… so I signed up for the Las Vegas card and at the bottom of the email it says “This Instant eCard does not provide access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, or OverDrive magazines.” So how did you get this to work so you could login to Libby? When I lived in Vegas you had to renew your card every year by showing your drivers license or ID to a librarian. So I was wondering how this would work. When you sign up it even says that you need to show your ID for full access.
And then Prince William County library says “With a digital library card, you will have access to our Digital Library for 30 days. Due to licensing restrictions, Freading, hoopla Digital, Kanopy, Libby, and OverDrive are only available with a physical library card.” Maybe they caught onto people signing up from out of state?
Hi, I know this video is 10 months old, I wanted to update that Prince William's digital card is now only for 30 days and will expire if one doesn't show up in person within those 30 days to upgrade to a physical card. However... I am a California resident and I have gotten cards at all surrounding counties in person when I travel, and then just use the digital library. The benefits are amazing. Definitely recommend to anyone in California.
I never thought of this! Thank you so much. I know using Libby helps the local library but years ago I thought it was pretty slow. yay!
I LIVE in Broward County. Is that why I’m waiting so long for books? 🤔😅
Thanks so much! I love to read but my library does not have Libby! This is amazing!!!
Former library employee here - All NY state residents are eligible to get an e-card through the New York Public Library in NYC. You must send proof of residency to show that you live in the state, though.
Brooklyn & Queens too!
This was a great video, I now have access to so many more books that my library didn't have! So this will now be saving me from having to buy books that I want to read.
I'm so glad! 😁
This is the most powerful I have ever felt, I’m so excited 🎉 thank you 😊
Broward is the only one that still works. Just a heads up. LV Clark and Prince both used to but cut access to non-residents within the last year.
They don’t allow out of state at Vegas anymore
Don't forget the Brooklyn Public Library, at least for teens. They've done a lot of outreach about getting ebooks to school age kids. And they're an amazing library system.
That’s true! Thanks for pointing that out! 😁
Have to be a resident of New york
Didn’t work for me I guess they changed their requirements for broward I even used my in-laws Florida address and it refused me
the Las Vegas didn't work for me. but the other two did! thank you for this