Libraries
Books, films, courses, and a warm seat.
British libraries are extraordinary and deeply under-used in 2026 — every council member gets free e-books, audiobooks, films, music streaming, and access to study rooms with heating. The trick is just signing up.
The services below unlock that library card. Libby and BorrowBox cover e-books and audio; Kanopy adds curated film streaming; the British Library opens up to anyone with a reader pass.
Where to look
- Find a LibraryGOV.UK directory of every council library.
- Libby (OverDrive)Free e-books and audiobooks via your library card.
- BorrowBoxE-book and audiobook lending used by many UK councils.
- KanopyFree streaming films via partner libraries. Curated, ad-free.
- British LibraryFree reader pass for the national library. Most exhibitions free too.
Articles
Borrow the drill: libraries of things, tool libraries, and the end of buying stuff you use twice
A drill gets used for minutes in its lifetime. Library of Things, the Edinburgh Tool Library and Benthyg Cymru lend drills, carpet cleaners and tents from a couple of quid a day.
22 May 20264 min read
What a UK library card actually gets you free in 2026
A free library card is the best-value piece of plastic in Britain — ebooks, audiobooks, every newspaper, free films, online courses, museum passes, and warm space included. Most people who have one only use a fraction of it.
18 Apr 20262 min read