Library closed? Or you just can’t make it there? Here are some great ways to get access to books and movies when you can’t get to the library (for free or low cost!).
Overdrive
Use your library card to check out ebooks and audiobooks on Overdrive. You can download the Libby app to read on your phone or device and also have the option to send books to your Kindle or Kindle app. You can download books to your device so that you don’t use up your data. {Cost: free}
Tumblebooks
Tumblebooks is an online collection of animated, talking picture books for kids! Use this link to access on your computer or phone! {Cost: free}
Epic
Epic is like Netflix for kids. For a small monthly fee you can access ebooks, audio books, read-to-me books, and videos. You can have multiple profiles and can personalize each profile so that it is age-appropriate to your child. You can also download books to read offline. {Cost: free 30 day trial, $7.99/month}
Storyline
Storyline features videos of children’s books being read by famous actors and actresses. {Cost: free}
Hoopla
Use your library card to access Hoopla, which allows you to instantly borrow digital movies, music, eBooks and more! {Cost: free}
RB Digital
Use your library card to read your favorite magazines with RB Digital! {Cost: free}
Prime Reading
If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can access more than 1,000 books and magazines that you can read for free with your membership! If you have a Kindle you can have them sent directly to your device or the app. {Cost: free for Prime members}
Project Gutenberg
Download ebooks for free on Project Gutenberg! {Cost: free}
Audible
Get 1 audiobook + 2 Audible originals per month. {Cost: first month free, $14.95/month}
Kanopy
Kanopy is an online video streaming service that you can access with your library card! They offer critically acclaimed movies, documentaries, kids’ programming, and more! {Cost: free}
Little Free Library
Looking for a book you can physically hold in your hand? Keep your eyes open…all over town there are little boxes filled with books that are free for you to take and read! Sometimes they are in front of businesses, other times in front of people’s homes. Return it when you’re done and maybe add one of your own that you’re finished with!
Check out other resources you can access with your library card on the Cedar Rapids Public Library website! *If you are not in the Cedar Rapids metro, you can simply search for your library on many of these websites to see if the services are offered with your library card. If your library isn’t signed up, consider reaching out to your librarian to see if they can sign up or if they offer alternative options!
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