Online library services to enjoy anywhere anytime

Staying in doesn't need to be a bore. Brisbane City Council's libraries have a diverse range of free things to do online. Did you make a resolution this year to read more? Council can help you with that. You can also listen to new genres of music, watch a movie, or learn a new hobby or skill.

Council’s online library is open 24/7. It has over 70,000 e-books and audiobooks. You can also find streamed music, films, and the latest digital magazines and newspapers.

You can easily access your favourite books, movies and music anytime. If you don't have time to visit your local suburban or Brisbane city library, you can bring the library right to where you are.

E-books — convenience means more time for reading

Paperbacks are great, but in this day and age, they aren't the only way to get your fix of Liane Moriarty or Trent Dalton. E-books are so popular right now, accessing great reads from Council's online library is as easy as clicking a button. Just like that, you could be carrying a bunch of e-books around at any time, right on your personal device.

As well as e-books being free and convenient, we have more than 52,000 titles to choose from. And better yet, it’s quick and easy to find what you’re after.

Audiobooks — take a leaf out of a multitasker's book

Multi-taskers can choose from 20,000 audiobooks. Much like an e-book, you can download audiobooks directly to your device. Check out the library catalogue, take your pick of the apps and away you go!

Make boring tasks like housework go a little faster with a few chapters of the latest James Patterson thriller, or whatever takes you fancy. These are ideal for someone on the go or looking to multitask. Bonus points to these for being the perfect way to unwind during a home workout or your daily walk.

Top celebrity-read picks

Stephen Fry - the Harry Potter series
Meryl Streep - Heartburn
Reese Witherspoon - Go Set the Watchman

DIY, download and live-streamed author talks

If you thought libraries were all about books, think again.

Select from a range of trivia, craft, and science activities for kids designed for enjoyment wherever you may be. Adult learning resources are available too.

If you can't be in Europe, why not bring Europe to your home and learn a new language? If you're a Council library member, you have free access to Mango Languages. Simply download to your phone or personal device from the App Store or Google Play. You can learn at the pace you'd like, wherever you are.

Why not invite your family members to join you in becoming multi-lingual? As another option, keep it to yourself and enjoy the language envy!

If you're craving human interaction, enjoy live-streamed author talks on the Brisbane Libraries Facebook page. 

Film and documentary streaming

Grab your favourite cinema snack and settle down for a night of movies and documentaries. This is all courtesy of Beamafilm, Council libraries’ film and documentary streaming platform.

With superstars like Cate Blanchett and Colin Firth among the mix, it’s hard to pass up a free movie night. The platform has an impressive range of documentaries too. Whether you’re a clean and green warrior, a space enthusiast, or into French street art, there’s something for all.

Top free streaming picks

Catherine the Great
Six Minutes to Midnight
Coda (Director Claude Lalonde)

How to borrow from our online library

Getting started is easy. Access the online library catalogue (eLibCat). Enter your membership card number and PIN. Then, download your selections to your phone, tablet, or desktop computer. The great thing is, when you finish, you don't have to return your items physically.

Brisbane residents without an existing library membership can apply online for a free temporary digital library membership. This provides Brisbane residents with access to our eResource collection for three months from the time of sign-up. Of course you are always most welcome to become a member!

For more help with downloading e-content, contact your local library for advice.

24/7 library lockers

Do you like visiting the library in person from time to time? You can't beat the convenience of our 24/7 library lockers to collect hold items. 

BNELibraries app

You can also download the BNELibraries app to: 

store your library card and barcode and use your virtual library card at library self-checkout machines 
search the library catalogue
make managing your checkouts and holds easier
use the self-service feature to check out books directly from the library shelves
view checkouts for the whole family
view the latest edition of What’s On in Libraries to find upcoming events.