Take another look at your council library

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September 29, 2021

CHAPTER 3: TECHNOLOGY @ YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY. Council libraries have also come so much further than just offering a place where you can read, borrow or inhale the scent of a good book. We take a look at how your local council library has evolved and adapted... with technology offerings you might not expect!

Chapter 3: Technology

TECHNOLOGY: GET DIGITAL. STAY CONNECTED.

The times, they are a-changin’, and your local council library is ahead of the game, translating services they’ve always offered into new formats. But council libraries have also come so much further than just offering a place where you can read, borrow or inhale the scent of a good book.

Young people can come to play video games, or complete homework assignments.

Teen creators can use media labs to edit their own films or podcasts.

Those without internet access or devices can use computers wired up with free wifi, and to access essential government services.

Many council libraries even offer basic digital literacy training, or courses for tech-enthusiasts to further their knowledge in purpose-built spaces… the opportunities are all at your fingertips, quite literally.

Your local council library offers everything you expect… plus so much more.

The library in your lounge room

Sign up for a digital membership

You don’t even have to walk into a library these days to stay connected.

Did you know your local council library offers digital access to the usual online books and audio you’re probably familiar with, as well as an expansive collection of other content and resources?

Think movies, magazines, TV shows, podcasts and endless digital resources… all free and accessible from the comfort of your couch!

Digital services include:

FREE magazines on your iPad/tablet or smartphone via pressreader (titles include Better Homes & Gardens, Gardening Australia, Vogue Australia, Women’s Weekly, Inside Sport, The Guardian)
Access to more than 50,000 eBook and Audiobook titles – borrow anytime and enjoy automatic returns with no late fees.
Library podcast Shelf Esteem – your own personal book club; listen to book discussion by public library staff with special guests.
Stream Kids movies and TV shows with Kanopy Kids or classic and indie films and documentaries on Kanopy. With over 150 films added each month you’ll always have something to watch, with the kids, or after their bedtime.

You can subscribe to a digital membership at:

libraries.sa.gov.au/join

Community Tech spaces: Makerspaces and Media Labs

Some council libraries offer community led, collaborative workspaces for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses emerging technology as well as more traditional ‘unplugged’ crafting.

These programs are designed and dedicated to hands-on creativity; from crochet to coding, and painting to programming, anything you can create has a home in the makerspace.

These programs are open to kids and adults alike and offer a variety of maker equipment, both high tech and no tech including:

Virtual reality technology
3D printers
Laser Cutters
PC’s
Engravers
Soldering Irons
Sewing machines
Badge makers
Paint brushes and craft equipment

RECORD. EDIT. PRODUCE. CREATE.

If you’re looking for a one stop shop for video and sound recording, you can book the media room at the Parks Library for your next music demo, YouTube video or podcast sesh.

A selection of council library makerspaces incorporate small recording rooms with acoustic treatments, green screens, video and sound recording equipment and software.

Check in with your local council library to see what programs and services are offered:
Council Libraries

Your whole library in your pocket

With the Libraries SA App, you can use your phone as a library card and look up items on the catalogue and place holds with just a few clicks.

Scan any book, DVD or CD barcode to see if it’s in one of the local council libraries; why buy a book when you’re out shopping if you can borrow it?

Download the Libraries SA App:

Libraries SA app

ONE CARD…LOADS OF LIBRARIES

FROM BURNSIDE TO BURRA. FROM NORWOOD TO NARACOORTE.

Did you know you can borrow from Burnside, and return in Burra? Try out a DVD from Norwood and return it in Naracoorte?

Access to over 4 million items, across all council libraries, with a single library card!

The SA Library One Card Network means you can use any public library across our state with a single card for your family.

Joining the network of over 130 connected public libraries across SA gives you access to:

Reserve items in an online catalogue
Free delivery of items to your library of choice
Borrow and return at your preferred location

Easy access to libraries, from wherever you are, means you have a choice between millions of items, books, magazines, music and DVD’s for your family, with just one library card.

For more information about how to join the One Card Network:

One Card Network FAQ’s

FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL LIBRARY

DID YOU KNOW YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL LIBRARIES ARE BEING CREATIVE, DIVERSIFYING AND FINDING NEW WAYS TO CONNECT?

Every council library is brimming with activities for kids and families and you can follow along online and be the first to know what’s on!

Check out these social media highlights from some of our council libraries, making fun literary and showcasing what’s new and available both in the library and online.