Paying for things is out, using the library is in. Also, have you heard about tool libraries? Depending on where you live, you might be able to borrow tools instead of buying them.
There’s also a similar service for renting books through your e-reader called Libby. On kobo their Overdrive service uses Libby for the same end result - renting books from your local library on your digital reader. And it’s free!
I love Libby! I listen to audiobooks with it all the time.
As convenient and amazing borrowing e-books is, it’s important to remember that it costs your library more because they have to renew a license on it regularly. As opposed to physical books that they buy once
Other fun library facts:
- If you don’t like leaving the house, lots of libraries let you sign up for a card online
- In addition to books, they usually have ebooks and audiobooks online, as well as DVDs and CDs at your local branch
- You should visit your local library and see if they have other things…some have video games, or kitchen/cooking equipment, there are often classes or presentations, all free
A note about the DVD and CD collections at your local library:
Rip them. While it is perfectly legal to rip media, you have taken from the library or that you have purchased, there is one technical snag: bypassing the DVD encryption is technically a civil offense. But there’s also no way for anyone to ever prove that you did that unless you create a video of you doing it and send it into the FBI.
So make sure to use that library card to its fullest potential!
Got a lot of mileage out of this in high school when mp3 players had just kicked off.
If you don’t like leaving the house…you should visit your local library
Good advice!
(Sorry, your tips and suggestions ARE all good, just had to appease my joke Tourette’s 😁)
There’s another one free with many Public Libraries that has streaming movies and TV called Hoopla. That same service also has ebooks and audiobooks for streaming or download.
Hoopla also has a wide variety of music that can be downloaded to mobile devices for a week at a time
Hoopla also has a respectable collection of graphic novels and comics
And a “binge pass” that allows access to free guitar lessons from a service called Fret Zealot
My library (Denver) also offers Mango, an online / apps language learning program.
And if you don’t, I recommend checking out
I don’t know if this is common, but worth looking into:
My library system offers limited free passes to local museums, zoos, childrens/science museums, etc. You borrow them like you would borrow a book.
My library also offers a membership with Flipster (magazines).
Streaming of what? Music tracks? Radio stations? TV?
Generally independent films, classic movies, documentaries, are the most its used for. Lots of kids stuff though, like inspector gadget, Bob the builder, etc as well as live storybooks, storytime, etc.
Kanopy looks like they use Widevine DRM. I will continue using other DRM-free sources.
Had it a few years ago, and they do have some good content, but it didn’t seem like it got refreshed very often. Definitely, some Oscar nominees in there though.
I don’t have that service in Germany. Why do you think I should have that in Germany?
