When the weather outside is cold and dangerous, staying home is often the safest choice. Though the library is open during regular hours as a warming center, your library card opens the door to free digital resources you can use from anywhere—no commute required!
From books and movies to learning new skills and exploring hobbies, here are 10 ways to use your library card from the comfort of home.
1. Listen to an Audiobook
Turn chores, relaxing, or staying cozy into reading time with audiobooks you can download or stream on your device.
- Biblioboard
Explore historical content, eBooks, and unique self-published titles. - CloudLibrary
Borrow eBooks and audiobooks directly to your personal device. - Hoopla
Borrow and stream audiobooks, movies, TV, music, and more. - Libby
Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines all in one app. The Palace Project
A new app featuring thousands of free titles. This replaces the discontinued Boundless app—the same collection, now in a new place.
2. Learn to Code
Curious about coding or ready to build new skills?
Fiero Code
Work through step-by-step lessons and hands-on projects in 13+ programming languages, including Python and HTML. Designed for ages 8–18, but open to learners of all ages.
3. Read a Comic Book
Enjoy graphic novels, manga, and comics instantly!
ComicsPlus
Browse thousands of titles across Adult, Teen, and Children’s collections. Unlimited access means no holds, no waitlists, and no borrowing limits.
4. Explore a New Hobby
Stay inspired and learn something new—whether you want to create, fix, or build.
- Chilton Library
Find step-by-step car repair guides, wiring diagrams, and detailed photos. - Craft & Hobby
Watch instructional videos on everything from crochet and quilting to woodworking and cake decorating. - CreativeBug
Learn painting, knitting, sewing, screen printing, and more with expert-led videos. - Gale Courses
Take instructor-led courses focused on technology, professional development, and personal growth. - Inkie
Write, edit, and design your own book using Pressbooks tools. LinkedIn Learning
Access thousands of courses covering business, technology, and creative skills.
5. Watch a Documentary
Stream award-winning documentaries and educational videos on your TV, tablet, or computer.
Kanopy
Enjoy documentaries, feature films, and series from trusted collections like The Criterion Collection and The Great Courses.
6. Download an eBook
Prefer reading on your phone, tablet, or eReader? You have plenty of options.
Browse our full collection of eBook platforms to find books for kids, teens, and adults—all available to read from home.
7. Stream a New Album
Discover new music or revisit favorite artists.
Hoopla
Stream full music albums instantly with your library card—no subscriptions required.
8. Talk to a Career Coach
Get one-on-one help when you need it most.
JobNow (from Brainfuse)
Connect online with live career coaches daily from 3-10 PM. Get help with resumes, interview prep, and even unemployment benefit forms.
9. Practice a Language
Whether you’re learning something new or supporting language learners at home, there’s a resource for you.
- LingoLITE – Basic vocabulary in 30 languages
- Live Lingua – Short courses in 130+ languages
- LOTE4Kids – Picture books in 65+ languages
- Mango Languages – Learn through real conversations
- Muzzy Club – Videos, games, and stories
- Pronunciator – Lessons in 80+ languages
- Read It! – Nonfiction texts for English learners
Transparent Language – Learn 118+ languages
10. Try a New Recipe
Warm up your kitchen with recipes from across the country and around the world.
- A to Z Food America
Explore regional U.S. cooking, historical cookbooks, and traditional recipes. A to Z World Food
Discover food culture and recipes from 174 countries.
Browse all of these resources and more at addisonlibrary.org/resources. Need help getting started? Call us, visit one of our service desks, or chat us and we’ll be happy to help! You also can schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with one of our staff members: addisonlibrary.org/appointments.
Internet access: The library offers free Wi-Fi and has mobile hotspots for checkout. Staff are happy to help you explore options and find what works best for you.
Don’t have a library card? You can sign up online—no visit required.
Can’t find your card or not sure if you already have one? Use this quick tool to look up your library card number: https://swanlibraries.net/forgot-card
Log in, explore, and make the most of your library!