Research Guides: Popular Reading: Public Library Materials

How Are They Different from Academic Libraries?

Public libraries can provide you with many options for leisure reading, The Benedictine Library supports the teaching and research conducted at our university. For that reason, our collection does not include the large number of best-sellers, audio-books, and entertainment films you'll find at the public library.

Your Hometown Public Library

If you have a library card from your local public library, chances are that you have access to their large collection of digital recreational items through apps such as:

Libby
Access thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines, including the hottest new titles, from your tablet or smartphone.
Hoopla
Stream or download music, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, eComics and eBooks. All titles are instantly available: no waiting, no holds!

Full-Time Resident Students on the Lisle Campus

If you don't have electronic access to your hometown public library, you can apply for a special library card from the Lisle Public Library

Link to the Lisle Library District
To obtain a library card, you will need to show your Benedictine ID and a photo ID with your current address. The Lisle card will be valid until the end of the school year (June).

The card will allow access to both print and eResources.

Mesa

Mesa students can obtain a Mesa Public Library card to benefit from Access to Online resources made available by the Arizona State Library.