Did you know there are libraries which allow you to borrow from them even if you're not a resident of their city, state or even country?
Yep, you can get a library card for ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, & even online classes from libraries nowhere near you! Some libraries offer these cards for free while others charge an annual fee on a per person or per household basis.
If you then couple your library cards with the free Library Browser Extension, you'll immediately see whether books you're viewing online (e.g., via Amazon, Goodreads, Audible, etc.) are available via the library cards you have.
Just make sure to read the important notes below before you get one of these cards.
Important Notes - List now current as of march 2020
Do your due diligence! Before signing up for any non-resident library card, double-check that:
The library card doesn't need to be picked up and/or renewed at the library.
ebooks & other downloadable materials can be borrowed with this specific card.
ebooks are available in the format you need for the device you use.
The online catalog has the books you like & enough to last a year.
The length of the wait lists & length of time to borrow books all work for you.
You're clear about the fee.
If You're in the US: Free Library Cards
“Sister” libraries in your area or your state may offer you free library cards so see if you can snag of one these first.
Many libraries offer cards for those living in the same state, but outside of the local library area. Try contacting your state library about this or the library systems in the biggest cities in your state. For example: The Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore offers anyone who lives or owns property anywhere in Maryland a free library card.
If you already belong to a library, ask them if they have reciprocal borrowing set-up with any other library systems.
If You're in the US: Library Cards for a Fee
The following libraries appear to offer non-resident library cards for a fee to anyone in the US without the need to pick up the card at the library:
Florida, Orange County Library System
$75/3 months, $100/6 months or $125/year. Note: To stop spammers, they ask a question on the form about what county OCLS is in. The answer is "Orange" since OCLS stands for Orange County Library System.
New York
Note: None of the following are part of the famous New York Public Library.
Brooklyn Public Library: $50/year
Monroe County Library System: $25/year
Queens Public Library: $50/year
North Carolina
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: $45/household/year or $35/year for adults 62 & older
Chapel Hill Public Library: $65/year
Texas, Houston Public Library
$20/6 months or $40/year
Virginia, Fairfax County Public Library
$27/year
If you're outside the US
I'm thrilled I was able to find 2 library systems that allow people from outside the US the chance to borrow books.
Florida, Orange County Library System
$75/3 months, $100/6 months or $125/year Note: When applying, select the check box next to "Out of Country" to enter in your address. They may ask a question on the form about what county OCLS is in to stop spammers. The answer is "Orange" since OCLS stands for Orange County Library System.
New York, Queens Public Library
$50/year Note: This is not a part of the famous New York Public Library.
If you have any libraries to add to this list, please let us know. You’re also welcome to join our online book club which reads books from around the world.
Happy reading!