Lean on your library

In a time when rising prices seem to touch every corner of our lives, one thing hasn’t changed – your library is still free.

This October is Library Month and we’re spreading the word about how you can lean on your library to learn, connect and save money. After all, accessing millions of books, movies and other items at our branches is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the perks of being a library user. Your library -and your free library card – opens the door to a treasure trove of resources like meeting spaces, engaging events, educational resources and free subscription services.

Whether you’re seeking a good book, professional development help, free streaming movies or simply a welcoming space to unwind, your library is here for you – no inflation involved.

Sign up for your library card here or visit your local library branch.

Ten benefits of using your library (and your free library card!)

1. You can get free WiFi

   You can grab your mobile device and enjoy free WiFi on us inside (or outside of) our branches. We also have public computers library cardholders are welcome to use.

2. Stream movies

   Access Kanopy, our free video streaming service. It already features 26,000 movies, documentaries, indie and foreign films – along with BBC for all those British TV fans. There’s also Kanopy Kids for families looking to watch kid-friendly movies, read-along story books and more.

   Did you know you can also stream Kanopy on Roku? Sign up for Kanopy through the library first and then follow these instructions.

3. Listen to Music

   Whether you are going on a road trip or having a dance party at home, we’ve got you covered! You can access 15-million free (and ad-free) tunes on your device with Freegal Music.

4. Read eBooks and eAudiobooks

   Download the Libby App and Blackstone Audiobooks to your device and start browsing your digital audiobook and eBook options and find great recommendations for your next read. There are also audiobook titles for kids! Did you know you can get library eBooks to your Kobo eReader too? Learn how…

5. Get video games

   Borrow Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch games from your local library.

6. Read a digital magazine or newspaper

   Avoid paywalls and subscription costs for newspapers and magazines by using Canadian Newsstream, PressReader or OverDrive Magazines. Get PressReader on your web broswer, iOS and Android apps and see publications like the Walrus, Canadian Living, Readers Digest, The Hockey News, Vancouver Sun and more. OverDrive Magazines is available on the Libby App and on our OverDrive page.

7. Find entertainment for kids

   We have great events for kids at our branches, like Storytime and scavenger hunts. Families can also find streaming movies on Kanopy, literacy kits and online animated picture books. Check out these other free resources for kids.

8. Get free seeds and gardening tips

   You and your family can pick up free seed packs to start your garden at some of our local branches. During seed harvesting, try your hand at seed saving and donate seeds back to the library to help keep it stocked. We also have a great Virtual Gardening Series for the public to learn from Master Gardeners. Find our latest gardening information.

9. Get insurance savings

   New to the library is a new partnership with the Insurance Cooperators that will give you savings on home insurance, commercial (small business) coverage, travel insurance and more with your library card. There’s also complementary legal assistance. Learn more about the savings you can get.

10. Use meeting spaces

    Many of our branches have meeting rooms available for use during library open hours for people, groups, organizations and businesses. Learn more…

Get Your Card Now!