Culture and heritage

10 superpowers of your library card

29 May 2018

Did you know you can record a podcast, borrow e-books and watch movies for free with your library card?

Our libraries are vibrant community spaces where you can access so much more than books in person and online. Better yet, membership is free for all Victorians.

We have branches in the central city, East Melbourne, Carlton, Docklands, North Melbourne and Southbank – and lots of resources online – so it’s easy to explore what our libraries offer.

Here are the top 10 surprising things you can do with a library card:

1. Record your next hit
Record a song or podcast in one of our recording studios, equipped with cutting-edge software and equipment.

2. Borrow e-books and audiobooks
Immerse yourself in stories through our huge collection of e-books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers.

3. Binge on movies and music
Stream music, documentaries and art-house films online, or borrow some CDs, DVDs or Blu-rays.

4. Chill out with a game
Play the latest games on our dedicated gaming computers, or borrow some to take home.

5. Find your family
Be a history detective through our online heritage database.

6. Upskill at home
Study or refine a skill through free and unlimited access to courses on Lynda.com

7. Join a book club
Discover literary gems in a friendly environment, or tune in to our podcasts for book tips on the go.

8. Learn to code
Come along to one of our technology workshops.

9. Get creative with technology
Try 3D printing, robotics and electronics activities for all ages in our Makerspace.

10. Find space to create
Pursue your passion in a music practice room, arts and craft room, or performance space.

YOUR SAY
‘I enjoy that the book club is curated and directed, as opposed to casual and meandering. The venue itself is ‘more than a library’ – it’s on my block and I pass it about 20 times a day. I duck in for the gallery openings, piano recitals, talks, and sometimes even to borrow books. The staff members are also superb.’ Eugénie

‘The Makerspace engages people from every discipline. It provides you with state-of-the-art facilities and services, from the very friendly staff to the latest in software and gadgetries.’ Chima

‘I love the e-book options for members, along with access to five Kanopy titles online per month. I also enjoy interacting with others in my community. I have always been interested in what others are reading, as I like to be introduced to new, unknown authors.’ Maha

‘We have our Hotham History Project meetings at the North Melbourne library, and the collection is very good for discovering local history. The librarians are also a font of knowledge and very helpful.’ Rae

For more information, visit Libraries.

A group of children using iPads

Children get creative with technology in the Makerspace

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