eLibrary
Your Mechanics' Institute membership gets you access to a variety of online resources.
The New York Times All Access
Mechanics' Institute members get free access to The New York Times All Access, which includes unlimited news articles, Games, Cooking, Audio, and more.
To unlock this content, visit this page and sign in with your library card number, then follow the steps to enable All Access.
You will need to create a New York Times account or log-in to an existing one to access these features. Your All Access code will work for 3-days, but the link can be used again repeatedly once your 72 hours have elapsed.
See the step-by-step instructions below for more details.
eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines
Use Libby to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines with your Mechanics' Institute library card. Available on the web, mobile devices, and eReaders.
Online Databases
A Mechanics' Institute membership gets you access to academic, literary, and financial databases. Visit our Online Databases page for the full list.
Streaming video
Stream classic cinema, independent films, BBC television series, PBS shows, and more, with new titles added every month. Available online and on your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
Need help accessing eLibrary resources?
How to use Libby
- Download Libby on your phone/tablet or go to libbyapp.com
- When you log on for the first time, you'll be prompted to add your library card
- Tap or click "Yes, I have a library card"
- When asked to find your library, select "Search For a Library" then search for Mechanics' Institute
- At the next screen, select "Sign In With My Card." Enter your library card number (the longer one)
- You can now borrow books, magazines, and audiobooks. For more help, visit Libby's Help section
If you have further questions, don't hesitate to call us at 415-303-0101 or email reference@milibrary.org.
Mechanics' Institute librarians offer classes on how to use Libby. Keep an eye on our calendar for more information.
How to use Kanopy
- Go to Kanopy on the web or install Kanopy on your device or smart TV
- Create an account with your email address
- When asked to select a library, search for Mechanics' Institute
- Enter your library card number to register
- Browse for movies to watch
Kanopy uses a ticket system. Each month, you will get an allotment of tickets to spend to stream content on Kanopy. Movies can cost different quantities of tickets, so be sure to check before streaming.
If you find you are unable to watch movies, it may be because you are out of tickets. It's also possible that your membership has expired and your card is no longer valid. Please call us at 415-303-0101 or email circulation@milibrary.org if you have questions.
How to use JSTOR or other databases
Please contact us at reference@milibrary.org or swing by the reference desk and ask for a librarian. We will be happy to show you how to make the most of these resources or help you with a research project. Also keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming classes on how to conduct research with JSTOR and other online searching tools.
How to use The New York Times All Access
Here is how to get free access to New York Times News, Games, Cooking, Wirecutter, and The
Athletic—including apps— from anywhere:
1. Go to this link to redeem a 72-hour access code.
2. Your code will auto-populate. Click redeem.
3. You will need to either register for a free account or log in to your existing account.
4. After receiving confirmation that your access code is valid, you will have 72-hours of
complimentary access to the full world of The New York Times, including News, Games,
Cooking, Wirecutter and The Athletic.
5. Once your 72-hour access code expires, you can simply repeat the process from Step 1 to
redeem another 72-hour code.
You can also use any computers on the library network, including your own laptop, to see unlimited articles when signed in.
Site photography by Greg Habiby