The Sioux City Library offers more than just books for checkout! You can also check out mobile hotspots, get free music downloads and more with your library card!
This is just one part of our ongoing series about secret library card perks. In this article, we will specifically discuss the unique offerings of the Sioux City Library and how you can take advantage of these great deals!
Who can get a Sioux City Library card?
In order to access the resources in this article, you will need a Sioux City Library card. Anyone who is living within the city limits can get a free library card.
Adults can apply online for their library card. However, anyone under age 18 needs a parent or guardian’s signature in order to get their card.
At this time, minors will need to visit any Sioux City Library location to fill out an application. You will also need to bring a photo ID, current utility bill, vehicle registration, lease or other proof of address when you apply.
For the remainder of this article, we will assume that you are using an adult library card to access these Sioux City Library benefits.
Take a Computer Home with You
The Internet for All initiative by the Sioux City Library is incredible! You can check out an internet hotspot, 5G router, Chromebook or tablet through this program. The library has 1,900 devices available through this initiative.
You can check out up to two devices through this program at a time. You can choose either a hotspot or a 5G router, as well as either a tablet or a laptop. All of the laptops and tablets come with built-in internet service.
If you check out a hotspot or 5G router, you will be enjoy unlimited data from the device for up to one year. If you check out a Chromebook or tablet, you will be able to keep the device for up to three months before it will need to be returned.
This is an incredible opportunity to use these devices for free! All you need is an adult library card, so any Sioux City resident who is at least 18 years old can take advantage of this incredible offer.
Access a Free eLibrary at Home
With your Sioux City Library card, you can access many online services completely free from the comfort of your home. You’ll just need to use your library card credentials to log in!
Freegal Music will allow you to stream ad-free music and download up to five free songs per week! You can keep those songs for your personal use. It’s a great way to save money, since many other music streaming services cost money to remove ads.
Kanopy is a streaming service that will allow you to watch critically acclaimed movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema and other movies. With your Sioux City Library card, you can watch up to five free films per month.
Iowa Legal Forms is an online service that can help you print professionally-drafted legal documents. Whether you’re facing bankruptcy, divorce, a landlord/tenant issue, or you just want to set up a living will, the services at Iowa Legal Forms are available to help. You just need to log in with your Sioux City Library card credentials.
There are other digital services offered by the library as well. These include:
- A-to-Z Databases
- Auto Repair Source
- Brainfuse HelpNow
- Brainfuse JobNow
- Brainfuse VetNow
- Catalog of US Government Publications
- ESBSCOhost
- Global Road Warrior
- HeritageQuest
- Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center
- Home Improvement Reference Center
- Libby
- MedLine
- NoveList Plus
- Sioux City Journal (via Newspapers.com)
- Small Engine Repair Reference Center
- Transparent Language Online
- Value Line
- Weiss Financial Ratings
No Overdue Fines
The Sioux City Public Library Board of Trustees has permanently eliminated overdue fines for full-service library cards. This means that you don’t have to worry about getting overdue fines when you check out items and forget to return them on time.
This makes the library much more accessible for low income residents who are often crippled by library fines.
Other Services
Libraries are constantly developing and adding new services all the time. We’ve seen many libraries add 3D printers, makerspaces and more. We’ve even seen libraries add things like sewing machines, drum sets and even museum passes to their collection! We haven’t seen these arrive at the Sioux City Library yet but we’re always keeping an eye out for updates.
You can always check with the library to see if they have new resources available. If you’d like them to expand their offerings, you can also make suggestions!
Summary
There are many benefits to having a Sioux City Library card. You can get access to free internet-connected devices, as well as a wide range of digital services that you can enjoy from their own home. A library card is a great tool that can help you save money if you are a low income Iowa resident.
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.