MSE Blog: Like magazines? Head to your local library for free digital copies

Former_MSE_Helen

"I know public libraries have moved into the digital era by loaning out e-books and even MP3s for no charge, but I recently discovered that many offer another digital delight..."

Read the full MSE blog:
Like magazines? Head to your local library for free digital copies


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afmfifgh

My family has been using this free service in the Nottinghamshire area for over a year now and find it excellent.

I tweeted Martin about it some time ago as I thought such a FREE service deserved to be shouted about much more. It is great to see a team blog about it but I really do think given the size of the savings it should be featured much more prominently in the weekly email, especially around Christmas time when many magazine subscriptions are given as gifts.

The range of magazines available varies in different areas but I have to say the Nottinghamshire range is excellent. Also the more people that use the service, the more will be added I would guess. Also the more that use it the less likely such a great service is going to be pulled.

We didn't have the issues discussed in the blog with regards to registering. It was really straight forward and getting new magazines is really easy. A tip is that if you have family in other council areas you can sign up to their offerings as well using your family members address to receive the registration details. Or you could share your login details with family members.

Also we find it very easy to view the magazines using tablets such as iPads - several of the magazines are designed to be used with tablets including The Economist as it has 'special' buttons to expand articles full screen etc. I can see mobiles are not so good for reading them though.

As I say this really should be mentioned more as a money saving tip as subscriptions can be expensive and you are paying twice, once through your council tax and once again through your subs.

Here is the range available if you live in the Nottinghamshire area: http://www.rbdigital.com/nottinghamshire/service/zinio/landing

smudge2006

Not available for Devon Libraries

rosy

Didn't realise this existed and would never have found out about it if I hadn't read it on here. Have now downloaded a couple of magazines - a bit of a faff to start with but I'm sure it will be fine to navigate my way round it once I've done it a few times. Reading the magazines is fine on the ipad. What a great free resource - only wish my council had as good a choice as Nottinghamshire (I'm not complaining though!)

Kite2010

Hampshire libraries don't have digital copies of magazines, but they have a selection of paper magazines available for a week's hire for free.

Although it's a bit hit and miss what libraries get which titles

Saves me money not having to buy Top Gear magazine every month

JimmyTheWig

in a vague attempt to apply for jobs (at the moment I’m an editorial intern at MoneySavingExpert.com)
...
titles which don’t really appeal to me, such as ... Spreadsheet Enthusiast

Bang goes any chance of that MSE internship becoming a permanent job with that attitude to spreadsheets!

Craftyblue

Aberdeen city libraries also offer this service. There's a great range of lifestyle and hobby magazines.

mcculloch29

This service is available in County Durham but not just on the actual library premises.

If you are registered for the County Durham Libraries Online service you can log in and read a wide range of digital magazines at home. :T

Psychotart

This offer is available from Cardiff library also, very easy to set up,but for the life of me I cant get it to work on my ipad.

Former_MSE_Nick

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

Bang goes any chance of that MSE internship becoming a permanent job with that attitude to spreadsheets!

Eat your words Jimmy...

JimmyTheWig

MSE_Nick wrote: »

Eat your words Jimmy...

Words duly eaten!

Congratulations on the new job...


[Though I still suggest you don't upset the boss too much by taking the mickey out of what would be his dream publication]