There are so many reasons to have a library card, it's easy to lose count!
Whether you want to stream movies, map your family history, read the latest eMagazines or do an online course, a free library card unlocks countless resources and opportunities.
Read on for some of our favourite reasons to have a library card or come up with your own reason!
#1 - Avoid inky fingers by reading an eNewspaper
We know the feeling of smudging things with newspaper ink. Avoid the hassle and read a digital newspaper for free on
PressReader!
PressReader has amazing titles from Aotearoa and around the globe. Choose from The Guardian, the Washington Post, El País, Daily Mail and many more for your daily news update.
Go to eNewspapers
#3 - Upskill with an online course
Learn about AI, music production or inclusive leadership with free access to
LinkedIn Learning.
With over 5,000 online courses delivered by experts in a range of fields, it’s easy to grow your skills and learn on the go.
#12 - No late fees! Yippee!
We’ve made overdue fines a thing of the past so you can enjoy your loans stress-free.
#14 - Listen to an eAudiobook when you don't feel like turning pages
Great for listening on the go, our free eAudiobooks are the perfect hands-free solution to long bus rides, walks and more.
Heading on an adventure? Fill it with stories! Explore our best family-friendly eAudiobooks for road trips. Plus, discover new and classic titles on our
eAudiobook platforms.
#19 - Keep tamariki busy for free
Our libraries are awesome spaces to bring tamariki! Pick up books and puzzles to take home, come along for events or check out our free school holiday activities.
#22 - Get creative with Makerspace technology
Find your creative flair with a variety of tech available in our libraries. Tinker with robots, bring a project to life with 3D printers, sew something special, design apps, make music, and so much more!
Discover Makerspace
#33 - Access millions of books without spending a cent
Our expert team ensures all the buzz-worthy titles arrive on our library shelves and in our eCollections for you to borrow and enjoy.
Search the library catalogueAnd best of all, it's entirely free! So, you can keep up to date with all the hot reads without adding to your weekly spending.
#45 - Borrow bestsellers at the touch of a button
We have multiple copies of bestselling eBooks and eAudiobooks in our
OverDrive Bestie collection, so there's little or no waiting time to start reading your favourites!
#50 - Unlock kids' reading adventures
Keep your kids reading with school holiday challenges and fun events! Visit our
school holidays page to see what's coming up at libraries during the next school holidays.
#85 - Read the kids to sleep
Soothe your sleepy little ones with every bedtime story in the library! Here are some
cosy picture books to get started.
Get your shiny new library card
It really is easy. Just turn up to a library with photo ID and talk to our friendly library staff. They’ll set you up with a free library card.
To access eCollections and online resources right away, join the library online!