Joining the library
You can sign up for a free library card online, or visit your local library to get started.
Find out how to join
Ten things to discover at the library
Discover new activities, information and content. From thousands of the latest eLibrary titles, to pre-school singalongs and reliable, up-to-date advice on getting online and the best new reads. All for free.
Sign up for a free Suffolk Libraries card and unlock lots of surprises.
Here are ten things Suffolk Libraries offers:
1. Wordplay rhyme, song and storytime sessions for pre-school children
Get a head start with your child’s development by coming along to one of our free and fun activities for different pre-school age groups. Our libraries host interactive sessions for your little ones to enjoy and engage their imagination. It’s also a great way to meet other parents and carers.
Find a Wordplay event near you →
2. Thousands of free books and magazines on your phone, tablet or eReader
Our eLibrary service allows you to read, watch, and listen to thousands of titles on your computer, smartphone or tablet, all for free. Whether you want to read the newest Elly Griffiths novel on Libby, flick through the latest copy of Forbes or Vogue on PressReader, or listen to Stephen Fry narrate an audiobook on BorrowBox, we’ve got you covered.
Browse our eLibrary catalogue →
3. Watch a film or documentary
Kanopy has thousands of indie films and documentaries that you can watch for free, as well as courses to help you develop your skills. Lose yourself in hours of free content, available to stream anytime on your computer or device. Kanopy also has a Kids service for children’s film and TV shows, so you can keep your little ones busy with unlimited streaming.
4. Activities and groups for older people
Our libraries host regular groups and activities for over-55s, providing a great way to meet other people in your area, expand your knowledge and interests, or just meet up for a cup of tea and a chat. Get involved with special guest talks, games such as indoor bowls or kurling, and much more.
5. Borrow a free tablet or eReader
Get online from the comfort of home by borrowing a free tablet and eReader from our libraries, so you can access the internet from anywhere or read your favourite books on the go. You can also access a computer for free in any of our libraries.
6. Find parenting support and advice
Raising a family can have its ups and downs, so we’ve created loads of free resources to help you and your children make the most out of your free library card. You can find help with children’s homework through Britannica, borrow book packs to help them get ready for school, find reading lists to help you navigate through parenthood, or join our perinatal support group for new mums and dads.
Browse our parenting resources →
7. Discover your family history
Have you ever wanted to learn more about your past? You can access popular family history sites such as Ancestry and Find My Past with your library card when signed onto a computer at any of our libraries.
Research your family history →
8. Join or start a reading group
Set up a free reading group account that allows you to borrow more books for reading groups of all sizes. Our libraries also provide a free, welcoming space for your group to meet and discuss your latest reads. We also publish reading group recommendations on our website for you to browse and borrow.
9. Download and listen to music
Our Freegal service gives you a whole music library at your fingertips. Listen to your favourite songs, albums or artists, or find the perfect playlist without spending a penny. Whether you’re relaxing at home or out-and-about, this service lets you rock out to your favourite tunes wherever you are.
Start listening with Freegal →
10. Access millions of academic research papers
Doing research? Studying for your degree or working in an academic field? With your library card, you can access millions of academic research papers and journals covering a wide variety of subjects, including art, business, engineering, history, languages, politics, philosophy and more.
Try our Access to Research from a library computer →