Getting a library card in Los Angeles is pretty easy
Any California resident with current identification may obtain a Los Angeles Public Library card in moments.
After reading this fantastic list of benefits associated with an LA Library card I immediately pre-registered online. A few minutes later I walked into my local branch and the Librarian was very easily able to finish the process and hand me a card.
Here are a few extra-awesome highlights:
Free or discounted admission to L.A. cultural institutions like The Broad, the Autry Museum of the American West, Kidspace Children's Museum and more. Most put a limit on how many free passes you can get per month or per year. In most cases, you must make a reservation and print out a pass to show when you arrive. Find a full list of participating places at the library's Discover & Go site.
The New York Times and The Washington Post: Free access to both newspapers' digital sites. The access only lasts 24 hours, but you can log back on immediately. If the logging in and out doesn't bother you, this is a serious money-saver.
Octavia Lab, a new space at the Central Library in DTLA that is full of all kinds of technology and gadgets to help users create. The lab is 3,000 square feet, and includes a 3D printing machine, virtual reality gear, a laser cutter, Final Cut Pro, Logic and much more.
Language learning apps, including the popular Mango. By entering your library card number and PIN, you can log in and start learning at no charge.
DIY digitation for your old photos, videos, recordings and more. Part of the Octavia Lab, The Memory Lab lets you digitize all the pics of your parents in the old days, yourself in the old days, the videos your great-uncle took on his VHS and more. You'll need to attend an hour-and-a-half orientation before you can reserve a spot in the lab.
Independent, documentary, classic and international films streamed free through Kanopy. The library offers access to 26,000 such movies, including titles like Lady Bird, Eighth Grade, Moonlight, The Florida Project and 25,996 more.