Online library services to enjoy anywhere anytime

Whether you're unwinding at home or ready to dive into something new, Council libraries are right at your fingertips. Our online library services are for everyone. Quickly access thousands of songs to stream, movies to watch, and workshops to learn new hobbies and skills.

Enjoy your favourite books, movies and music anytime you like. We're enhancing your Brisbane lifestyle by bringing the library to you—available online, from anywhere, 24/7.

E-books — convenience means more time for reading

Paperbacks are great, but today there are other ways to enjoy authors like Liane Moriarty or Trent Dalton. E-books are 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 housework less boring by listening to a few chapters of a James Patterson thriller or your favourite book. 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.

Learn a new skill

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

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!

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.

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.

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
track your reading history to unlock virtual reading awards
view the latest edition of What’s On in Libraries to find upcoming events.

More library inspiration

If you've got time to visit a Council library, check out our library events and programs.

For other Council events, explore the What's on in Brisbane events calendar.