I’m aware that this community is not usually happy with the content that’s available above-board for-free under-restriction. For instance, free with subscription, or free with ads.
But I have found myself obsessed with library cards recently.
Libraries grant access to pretty expansive collections even online: movies, tv, music, and ebooks are just the beginning. Genealogical resources, vehicle repair manuals, business contact databases, academic journals, and periodicals. One of my libraries granted me access to Udemy Business through Gale. I honestly can’t detail every database/collection/resource i’ve found available through the 4 libraries who have granted me useful access.
But I seem to have hit a wall. The New York Public Library says “visitors” may get a “temporary” card, but the number they gave me expired after 2 weeks and didnt get me access to any of their online offerings anyway.
Paris says they’ll happily issue me a card. All I need to do is fill out the form (in french?!) and show up in person with photo ID. /s
Surely, I’m not the only one who has decided to try to collect library cards like pokemon cards. I imagine there are philanthropic libraries or national libraries or something that I just don’t know how to look up. I’m looking for any library that will issue me a card regardless of residency, but for reference I am in the US if that’s the only residency requirement. Anyone got tips?
By card do you mean an actual physical item, or just access to their stuff?
The Hungarian National Library OSZK requires in-person registration. They even need an ID and take your photo. Though I’m not sure the pass even comes with online benefits. The Hungarian Electronic Library MEK offers their 25K collection without any need to log in afaik.
most institutions will issue a physical card, but i don’t care if i get one as long as i get an account that grants me access.
I’ll check out mek
MEK appears only to be available in hungarian, with some english, but i don’t know hungarian at all. maybe someone else will find this useful tho.
I linked the english page but as you can see they aren’t spending much on a modern and user-friendly UI. They seem to be in transition to a more modern one, but that appears to have zero english translation :p I’m not sure they even have any foreign language material, so you’re probably not missing out on too much.