Your library card does more than just check out books

A San Bernardino County Library card gives you access to checking out books at one of the three library locations here in the hi-desert, but that’s not all its good for.  You don’t need a library card to visit one of the Morongo Basin branches, however, and during the Summer we frequently cite libraries as ad hoc cooling centers where you can get inside to escape the humid summer heat. Alongside books, magazines and newspapers, you can also borrow DVDs and Blu-Ray movies – most are free to borrow and browsing through the selection of movies can give a throwback feeling to video store days.

You library card can also grant you free access to California State Parks with the State Park Pass program, which was recently saved from state level budget cuts. Ask your librarian about how to check out the state park pass at your library before heading down the hill.

Your card also gives you access to a lot of benefits online, including checking out and reading books on your tablet or phone. Libby is an app used by libraries to virtually check out books to patrons, and the county has created “Libby’s Laker Book Club” which is a reading program through the digital app that gives cardholders instant access to a featured eBook – no holds or waitlists needed. Through August 9th – you can check out the first book in the hit series “Dungeon Crawler Card” by Matt Dinniman. The promotion gives instant access to one of today’s most popular literary role-playing-game novels which is the first in an ongoing series of 8 books.

The Libby app works on phones and tablets, and its free to download and sign in using your San Bernardino County Library Card.