Sadly though, thanks to this crazy pandemic it currently stands empty, waiting patiently to welcome back its flock. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out! There are so many online resources ready and waiting for you, all you need is an online membership, available to anyone in Western Australia.
The thing to note with digital borrowing is that in some cases there are still limited copies of each title based on the number of licences the library has purchased. Just like borrowing a physical book you may need to reserve a copy and wait until it becomes available. Most services are accessible via a web browser, but for the best experience we recommend downloading the apps.
LIBBY APP. IMAGE SOURCE: CIRT OF PERTH LIBRARY FACEBOOK To borrow eBooks and Audio Books you need to use an online service, two of our favourites available from the City of Perth Library are Libby and Borrow Box.
The Libby app is our recommendation to get you started because it is simple to use and has access to an extensive catalogue of both ebooks and audio books. You can download it on most devices or access it via a web browser, all you need to get started is your library card number. And I promise you, it really is that simple!
If you have ever borrowed digital items via OverDrive, you’ll be pleased to know that Libby is powered by their same catalogue but is much easier to use than the traditional OverDrive app.
Our top pick for audiobooks is via the BorrowBox app. It does also have ebooks but audiobooks is where it really shines with plenty of options to suit you, including a function to adjust the playback speed option and one that allows you to set a timer to listen while you fall asleep. There’s also some great accessibility functions including voice control and dyslexic font.
BEAMAFILM. IMAGE SOURCE: CITY OF PERTH LIBRARY FACEBOOK Beamafilm have carefully curated a collection of over 400 award-winning documentaries, independent features and festival favourites to delight, inspire and entertain you. Watch movies on Beamafilm on any internet connected device. There’s a great range of Australian content too.
Kanopy has over 3000 classic films, documentaries and indie flicks to peruse at your leisure. With ‘enjoy thoughtful entertainment’ as its mantra it’s also a great one to find informative and entertaining content for the kids, they won’t even realise its educational! Watch up to four films per month with unlimited plays for Kanopy Kids and The Great Courses.
RB DIGITAL. IMAGE SROUCE: CITY OF PERTH LIBRARY FACEBOOK Did you know you can read each edition of The West Australian online every day? Or that a whole host of magazines and journals are available for you to borrow? Whether its an obscure international newspaper, the latest Women’s Day or Motor Magazine you’ll be spoiled for choice.
To get your fix of magazines and journals head to RB Digital. There are so many titles for you to borrow and it closely mimics the experience of reading a physical copy – simply click to download and off you go flicking through the pages. You’ll also be pleased to know that in response to the current pandemic WA Public Libraries have increased the number of titles available on RB Digital to over 3,500 with unlimited copies.
When it comes to news PressReader is where it’s at. It can be a little trickier to access but is well worth the effort because this is where you’ll find The West Australian, amongst a huge range of national, international and local publications from all over the world. Ever fancied reading The New York Times? You’ll need your library card number and pin to log in via the City of Perth portal. If it gets a bit tricky check out this tutorial on the library’s website.
DIGITAL THEATRE+ IMAGE SOURCE: CITY OF PERTH LIBRARY FACEBOOK Digital Theatre+ is similar to the screening services with one key difference – it’s all theatre and dance performances filmed and served. Why not dress up for a date night at the theatre, from the comfort of your couch! There are also some fantastic educational resources for high school students. Like PressReader you’ll need to log in through a specific portal with your library card number and pin.
To access the Library's online resources you'll need your City of Perth Library membership number and PIN. If you have forgotten your PIN, you can reset it via the Library catalogue. Click 'Log In' and 'Forgot my PIN' to begin the reset process."
If you’d like to use our eResources and are not a City of Perth Library member, you can join online. City of Perth Library membership is free but can take up to 24 hours to activate once requested.
