Beyond The Books – 5 Ways To Utilize Alberta Libraries

Updated October 17, 2024

I LOVE the library.

Give me a room full of thrillers, adventures, self-betterment, romance – you can go anywhere in a library! A while back I found out there is a lot more to my little library card than paper books, magazines, movies and CDs to take home. I just had to share.

This land has welcomed First Nations from across Turtle Island, and settlers and visitors from around the world. Alberta lands are part of Treaties 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10, and the homeland of the Métis. Alberta Mamas respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit nations. We are all Treaty people.

1. Instant Book Access

You never know when you’re going to have an hour or two to yourself as a parent. THIS is why I LOVE the many options there are to go on, search your genre and download an eBook.

Some popular apps your library card may get you access to include Libby/Overdrive, Hoopla, PressReader, and Read Alberta.

I get the hankering for a good read and don’t even have to leave my house. You can also get Audiobooks this way!

2. Take a Course

Many libraries offer in-library classes you can either sign up for or just drop in! Morning baby classes are a great way to meet other moms and just get out of the house while on maternity leave.

You can also access online courses! Different libraries have subscriptions to different platforms, but popular ones include Niche Academy, Solaro (grade 3 to 12 curriculum), LinkedIn Learning, Craftsy, and Udemy.

3. Learn a New Language

Many Alberta libraries offer access to the Bluebird or Pronunciator apps to help you learn a new language. There are also books, CDs, and in-library language-learning resources. Talk to your librarian if you can’t find what you’re looking for!

4. Download Movies, Music and Magazines

Skip paying the streaming fees and hop onto Hoopla, Kanopy, or CBC Corner to watch movies, stream music, and flip through a digital magazine.

Most libraries have physical DVDs, CDs, and even vinyl and video games you can borrow, too!

5. ME Libraries, TAL Cards, & Library Apps

You aren’t restricted to your local library – and you often don’t even need to have your library card on you!

Sign up via the ME Libraries website and you can use your home library card to get access to 9 other library systems across Alberta. If you travel around the province (or just to a nearby town on a different system) this means you only need one card.

You can also set us a TAL Card which can be used at libraries across the province, but this does require carrying a second card, and visiting your home library in person.

Finally, be sure to download your library’s app. This can give you access to your library card on your phone (and the kids’ cards!), search the catalogue, and put things on hold instantly.

Bonus: Return Your Books at Any Library

Alberta libraries are set up so you can return library loans to any other library in the province. Whenever possible, return where you borrowed, though, to help keep books local.

Of course your Library has great events that happen and sometimes, nothing is better than reading a paper copy of an amazing book. All I know is, I haven’t bought a book in YEARS – I have access to all this for FREE!