Did you know you can watch films for free through your local library app?
Books remain at the heart of what libraries offer their community but they also provide a number of digital services through an app.
Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly went to investigate and said the extent of what was on offer left her ‘genuinely thrilled’.
“Libraries have embraced digital services and they’re free - in most cases,” she told Newstalk Breakfast.
“They’re also easy to access no matter where you are.”
For years, people rented videos and then DVDs from their local library.
Now, library members can download films and documentaries with a simple tap on their screen.
“If you are someone who wants to get access to movies, to documentaries, to audiobooks, to e-learning outlets to help with your CV, all of this can now be accessed via your local library,” she said.
“In most instances, [this can be done] online - it’s an app.”
Sign up process
There is no need to even visit your local library in person - you can sign up online where you receive a membership number and a PIN.
“Once you have those two things, you can download an app called BorrowBox,” Jess said.
“It’s available on iOS and android devices, sign in with your membership details and you can download eBooks for free.”
Join this year's #SummerStars reading adventure online - you can download eBooks on @BorrowBox & review your favourites, enjoy virtual storytimes from library staff, & enter our short story competition to win great prizes!
Get involved at https://t.co/pKaTo6187c#TakeACloserLook pic.twitter.com/69h1jG8PAx— Libraries Ireland (@LibrariesIre) June 15, 2020
You can also download audiobooks and Jess describes it as “very simple” to work.
Previously, she was paying €11.49 a month for Audible membership but now she plans on using the BorrowBox app.
“Through the BorrowBox app, if there’s a book that I want you can reserve it - just as you can through the physical libraries,” she said.
“So, if there is a bit of waiting list, you can tap in but the fact that they’re free means you can scroll through and you’re bound to find something else that you’re interested in.”
Read real stories that challenge & inspire! Download the best of Irish non-fiction on our @BorrowBox service.
All you need to do to #StartANewStory is join the library at https://t.co/PJ8cpymPoM #KeepWell @creativeirl pic.twitter.com/Ix1Nocg7Cr— Libraries Ireland (@LibrariesIre) October 30, 2020
Jess said they also have “great resources” for kids - such as comic books - and there is a significant number of online courses available.
“Whether you want to learn a little bit about whether it’s meditation, how to knit, how to write a CV, how to write a cover letter, all of these things are within this online portal,” she said.
“They’re free to use and you can also do it at your own pace… you can dip in and out.”
You can sign up to your local library here.
Main image: A child using an iPad. Picture by: Alamy.com
