Home  >  Join  >  New things to try at the library

New things to try at the library

Whether you’re a hobby-hunter or a money-saver, there is something for you at your local library. Here are nine things you might not have known that you can access at your local library or with your Suffolk Community Libraries library card, and it’s not all about books!
A man browsing streaming films on a tablet

Films and documentaries

Our online streaming service Kanopy has thousands of indie films and documentaries that you can watch for free. 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.

Young man using computer in library

Online learning courses

Looking to learn a new skill to help you find your dream job? ‍Your library card unlocks thousands of free online courses from LinkedIn Learning, including graphic design to project management.

These courses are great if you’re just starting the journey to change job, start a new project or progress in your career.

Two teenage girls at a creative workshop in a library

Activities for all ages

Our libraries regularly run events, groups and activities for all ages, most of which are free to attend or very low-cost.

From enriching storytelling sessions sing-alongs for pre-school children, to friendly social groups for over 55s, and even creative art workshops for teens during the school holidays – there’s something for everyone!

Family history ancestry photographs stock x resize

Uncover your family history

If you’re interested in uncovering secrets about your own family, Suffolk Community Libraries offers lots of ways for you to carry out research in our spaces.

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.

Woman listening to music on bus stock

Stream free music

Our Freegal service gives you a whole music library at your fingertips – all for free!

There’s plenty of music to browse and discover, from old favourites and classic tunes to new albums and pieces to explore. Whether you’re looking for a sing-along or a relaxing piece to study or work to, let Freegal soundtrack your day.

Mixed group doing fitness stretches

Borrow exercise equipment

If you want to improve your fitness without the cost and contract of gym memberships, you can work out at home with free exercise equipment from the library!

You can borrow a range of equipment including dumbbells, exercise mats, resistance bands, weighted hula rings and more. All free with your library card.

Close-up of a person reading a book in a library

Access research journals

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.

An older woman and a young man sat at a table chatting

Wellbeing support

Wellbeing is at the heart of our libraries.

If you want to join a drop-in to chat with others, browse our self-help books for all ages, or find support as a new or expecting parent, see how our libraries can help support you with your health and wellbeing.

man listening to audio book with a coffee

Thousands of digital books

Your library card gives you access to our extensive digital eLibrary collection so you can read or listen to thousands of titles on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Whether you want to read the latest Elly Griffiths novel on our eBook service Libby, or listen to Stephen Fry narrate an audiobook on BorrowBox, we’ve got you covered.