Free newspapers - did not know this

[AquaCat93]

I just discovered that my local library has an app called Press Reader where I can read papers and magazines for free e.g. Mirror, Independent, Guardian, Telegraph, Economist, Women's Health, BBC Science Focus, BBC History, there are hundreds.

All totally free. I've been getting annoyed with BBC clickbait news, but can't really afford to buy a newspaper anymore, so this is amazing.

There seem to be libraries from all over (UK/worldwide) on Press Reader.

What devices can you get BorrowBox and Press Reader on?

I work in a public library. In my area membership includes Libby and Pressreader. Sorry @LittlleMy i’m not sure what the message means, trying logging in again and if it doesn’t work call your local branch tomorrow they should be able to help you out

If you aren’t a member of your local library you may be able to join online, just search online for your councils library service. Once signed up you’ll be able to use the apps straight away. If you can’t do it online pop in to the nearest branch. Many libraries no longer require ID for you to join and many (including my own area) scrapped fines after Covid so if you aren’t worried about a book you lost 5 years ago don’t be! Staff will be able to direct you how to sign in to the apps but for libby when you first sign in you need to search for your local authority, not local branch, then use your card number and PIN (again, if you’ve lost it local staff can give you a new one) and you’re good to go.

If you haven’t been to a library in years they are probably very different from what you expect! I can honestly say that dealing with books is the smallest part of what I do in a day. Most if not all will have PCs you can use, even if you aren’t a member, printing and photocopying and many run drop in services for things like assistance with benefit claims etc and IT support, book groups, community health groups. I could go on! Many also have things like sewing machines that you can either borrow or use in branch. For kids there will story time, craft activities and in Scotland Bookbug sessions.

If you can’t tell, I love my job 😁

Seriously everyone, join your library!

Pressreader always seems to be a 30 day trial, but in fact keeps going until your account expires.
Services vary around the country with some services allowing people to join fully online and other requiring ID. (Hertfordshire)
Libby is far superior to borrowbox ime, ( not least because it allows you to borrow ebooks from a kobo directly) but no problem just join a different county library.
Counties with large rural population seem to provide the best service.

Omg this is amazing news

At my library the pin is your year of birth

Thank you for replying to me. Appreciate it! Also, I’m very jealous of your job haha. It’s my dream to retire from my current FT job at 60 or so and then do just a few hours per week at my local library to keep myself active in an educational and community focussed environment - even if as an unpaid volunteer!