Whether you're a hobby-hunter or a money-saver, there is something for you at your local library. Here are nine things you might not have known that you can access at your local library or with your Suffolk Libraries library card and it's not all about books!
Our online streaming service Kanopy has thousands of indie films and documentaries that you can watch for free, as well as courses to help you develop your skills. Lose yourself in hours of free content, available to stream anytime on your computer or device.
Kanopy also has a Kids service for children’s film and TV shows, so you can keep your little ones busy with unlimited streaming.
Our Freegal service gives you a whole music library at your fingertips- all for free!
There’s plenty of music to browse and discover, from old favourites and classic tunes to new albums and pieces to explore. Whether you’re looking for a sing-along or a relaxing piece to study or work to, let Freegal soundtrack your day.
If you want to improve your fitness without the cost and contract of gym memberships and classes, explore our Moving Minds offer. Every month you can try a whole host of fitness classes online or in some of our libraries.
Alternatively, you can go at your own pace and rent exercise equipment, including dumb bells and exercise mats, from selected libraries.
Get ahead with your child’s development by coming along to one of our fun activities for different pre-school age groups.
Our libraries run interactive sessions for your little ones to engage their imagination. It’s also a great way to meet other parents and carers. Explore the activities available on our what’s on page.
Our libraries host regular groups and activities for over-55s, providing a great way to meet other people in your area, find a new hobby, learn something new, or just meet up for a cup of tea and a chat. Get involved with special guest talks, games such as indoor bowls or kurling, and much more.
Doing research? Studying for your degree or working in an academic field? With your library card, you can access millions of academic research papers and journals covering a wide variety of subjects, including art, business, engineering, history, languages, politics, philosophy and more.
If you’re interested in uncovering secrets about your own family, Suffolk Libraries offers lots of ways for you to carry out research in our spaces. You can access popular family history sites such as Ancestry and Find My Past with your library card when signed onto a computer at any of our libraries.
Suffolk Libraries is one of the only library services in the U.K to offer thousands of free online courses from Linked In Learning. Browse courses in multiple sectors, from graphic design to project management. These courses are great if you’re just starting the journey to change job, start a new project or progress in your career.
Your library card gives you access to our extensive digital eLibrary collection so you can read or listen to thousands of titles on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, all for free. Whether you want to read the latest Elly Griffiths novel on our eBook service Libby, or listen to Stephen Fry narrate an audiobook on BorrowBox, we’ve got you covered.
